Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1892-06-10

hand. "Ahal my boy" he laughed. $50
there is an Elsie in the case. Well,
murder and love will out. Let me doubly
congratulate you"
The following mali brought me the
information that my salary would be ten
thousand dollars a year, and l was or
dered to proceed at once to London for
further instructions.
1 naturally thought but little of ex-
pense, and sent a long cablegram to Mr..
Daniels, requesting that he would cable
me permission to claim my bride.
His answer was pithy. ''If Elsie is
wiliing-I consent"
s'If Elsie is willing" What a pre-
posterous doubt! Could my little Elsie
be anything but willingl
AS see it now, l made an extraordin-
arily fast trip to London; but at that
time the mules, the trains, and the
steamer, seemed TO sport with loves
ardor that was consuming me.
The ships barber made my hair pre-
sentable. Still, my garments were not
of the latest cut; yet what would Elsie
care for aught but me?
The journey between Liverpool and
Euston was indeed tedious, and the very
worst cab horse in London drew the
hanson which took me to the house. A
strange servant admitted me.
Eyes, sir, Miss Daniels is in. Your
card, please"
The old reception-room seemed to
have changed; its furniture was newer,
more elegant; it breathed an air Of con-
ventionality that oppressed me; and like
a premonltion of some impending mis-
fortune, it made my heart beat funeral
knell.
The door opened.
threw wide open my arms. "Elsie!"
I cried.
A stately woman, wearing a long flow
ing dress, walked slowly toward me;
and, with calm, courteous voice and
manner, plainly ignoring my emotion, she
said:
"Why. Mr.. Hoyt, am very glad to
see you. Do be seated. Did you have
pleasant trip home, and do you find me
much changed in these-let me see--oh,
yes, five years or so? But do take a
seat"
"Elsie," I managed to gasp, as 1 sat
down, sis this the manner in which you
receive me? Is this the requital for my
devotion? Have recorded each throb
of my heart-to-to-?" do not know
whittier my imprisoned Indignation
would have led, had she not interrupted
me with bright merry peal of laughter,
such as she had often greeted me within
the past.
Then drawing herself up to her full
height-she was only little woman, but
she sat on a high chair-she looked
down at me, and said:
"Dear, dear me! surely you have not
continued to think of that childish folly.
Why, Mr.. Hoyt, we followed up baby
notion; we spoke of interlacing our
lives, as if they were toys. But now you
must be-let me see'-she feigned to
meditate-''yes, you must be fully
thirty, and I am woman of twenty-five.
We are different persons"
do not know what else she said. I
remember only that after hearing her
voice for long time, rose to go. My
heart was broken.
''You will not take it amiss, Mr.. HoYt,
that have spoken so frankly; will you?
I really wish to count you among my
friends and hope you will visit US often.
I am at home Thursdays, and you will
meet very many pleasant-yes, charming
people here. And do you recall, when
was your little sister, Mr.. Hoyt, how
you chided my boisterousness2 1 feel
sure you will have no occasion now to
even deplore my lack of conventionality
indeed, I fatter myself that do not
need a mentor any more"
This last stab aroused my indignation.
II am quite sure of that, Miss Daniels"
I said stiff1y. "My only regret is that I
may not be able to attend your At
Homes, as do not expect I shall be in
England next Thursday"
"Ohn' she responded, quite as stifly,
81 shall very much regret it,"
"Good day, Miss Daniels"
"Good day, Mr.. Hoyt."
My hand was on the door knob as l
made my last bow. Before could raise
my head again, however, Elsie had come
to me, and clasped her arms tightly
about my neck; and whist tears of icy
were raining down her face, she pressed
burning kisses upon my lips.
"OhI Frank, Frank, what bad.
naughty darling you are to mistrust your
Elsie, the same hoydenish, unconven-
tional Elsie to you that she ever was, no
matter how dignifed and proper she
may be to the would"
I was astonlshed beyond expression.
''Kiss me, Frank" she pleaded con-