Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1893-02-05


his intrusive and irresponsible beam an-
snOyed her; besides, it made the lame
of the ire look sickly, and disturbed
maiden medltations. She put on her
spectacles, carefully adjusted her cap,
and prepared for the worst. Then she
rang the bell for Prudence, her hand
maiden. who appeared 10 Quaker gray
and a snowy cap. Little reOeiHOus
curls danced out from beneath the cap
in a frivolous fashion which nothing
could restrain. Even now as she came
IN She made an attempt 70 reduce them
to order, but In vain.
prudence" said Miss Hattie, "what
did the doctors boy say2'
'sThat worldly youth, Mistress, at
tempted 90 pass the time 10 vain dis
course concerning certain maidens who
attire themselves in blue raiment and
smite a heather instrument called the
tamb0urIne-"
eyes, yes, Prudence" Interrupted
Miss Matte, 81 dare say. But what
did he say about the letter."
"He said, Mistress, that he was TO
take back an answer; and L have en-
treated him 20 much profitable CONVEX
sation until the answer be written
Miss Matte looked perp.exedly at the
grave, serene-eyed little Quaker maid
chow old are you, chilt?" she asked.
Twenty. Mistress" said Prudence.
Miss Matte gazed at the unopened
letter on the table and then az Prudence.
prudence, you are young" she SAID,
"but wiser than your years. Have you
have you ever had sweetheart?
Prudence looked a little unprepared
for this remark. But she vas con-
sclantious. Truly" she said, There
is one stalwart youth, carpenter, VINO
fattered me many times when going 10
meeting, but 90 whom / have not been
drawn"
hlm?" asked Miss Matte.
"Nay, MISTRESS; wnereat he IS much
provoked, and threaIeuetn to-
,rTo wEat9" asked Miss Matte.
'sTo fare fourth 90 foreign lands and
forget me, " placidiy answered the Ilt'le
maid.
Miss Matte still struggled with a GER
tain shameful consciousness that she
had wavered. What q tower OF strength
Prudence was, "Did yOu-did you
did be ever kiss yOu?' she asked In a
Prudence opened her blue eyes
widely. "Su-ely. Mistress, 10 Is the
manner OF young men % Indulge In
such unseemljueSs unless discouraged.
"And-aud dId-yOu-d.d you dis
courage hlm?' asked Miss Matte.
A faint color stole over the pretty
little maids face. She looked distress
fnliv al the carpet. ''Ihe youth was
STRONG and bur Slight" she answered
in confusion; and L6 was about 10 de-
part aud-aud-'
"W-what aid he do?" asked Miss
Matte. eagerly, still holding the letter
IN her hand.
ale saluted me, Mistress answered
Prudence. A faint smile played over
her lips 40 the recollection.
"S.t down, Prudence, " said Miss Mat
tie. 81 want 90 ask your advice, child.
You know more about men than do. Do
Prudence sat down. Miss Matte re-
garded her IS q daughter although
Miss Matte herself was only IOrty-hve.
But people go Little Binglston rather
prided themselves on looking old. 10
was thought % SAVIOR OF tightiness If
folks adopted modern fashions or trav-
eled often 90 town. Miss Matte was
the only daughter OF the late DR.. SeweiL
Ever since her fathers death, which
had happened about ten years ago, she
had lived in her own pretty cottage on
the outskirts Of town. People who re-
membered her fifteen years back said
that Miss Matte was then very hand
some. She was still a sweetIaced wo-
man, with rich auburn hair and placid
bIue ewes. There had been whispers OF
A Qirlish romance q long time ago; but
by-aDd-by people looked upon her as a
confirmed old maid The years passed,
and still Miss Matte lived her quiet I'M
eventful days, until DR.. Siurke, the one
practitioner in the place, suddenly dis
covered that Miss Matte was wasting
her life. you've mission 90 fulfill,
he had said "Whet is it?' pIacidly de-
manded Miss Matte. 81 will go home
and write 10 90 you, retOrted the doctor
attacked by 81 sudden ht Of shyness.
His manner had 0ccasi0ned Miss Matte
some misgivings, but she concealed them
under her usual placid exterior until
the arrival of the fatal letter.
The letter lay upon the table, Miss
Matte dared not open 10. IL seemed as
N the occasion demanded a solemn and
formal ceremony of some sOrt-a cere-
mOny with witnesses. "Open It, Pru-
dence," she said suddenly, turning 20
the little maid.
Even Prudence could not conceal
something which approached TO worldly
curiosity. She took the letter In her
hand and opened 10 with her usual de-
liberation. "The man has q concern to
marry thee, Mistress she said, after a
steady peruSal OK the letter.
No woman likes 20 have a proposal OF
marriage put before her in so badly
prosaic manner as In this instance.
Miss Matte felt that the occasion was
not being treated with sufficient sol
emnity. "Read il aloud, please, Pru-
dence," she said; and Prudence read n:
.DEAR MADAM 1 never proposed to
any one bef0re-hGven' had either Jhe
time or the inclinat.On-and I have
vaiplv consulted all the literature on
the subject. Most OF IL seems 70 me 90
me 10 be rubbish. You are sweet,
amia5le woman, OF rather melancholy
disposition; | am buStiing, savage, irri-
table, loud, and 0verbearIng. Don't YOU
think that we each have what the other
lacks? Pm tired of living alone, so
must you be also Couldn't we join
forces and travel together? NOu must
be very solitary, and 10 is always Socom-
forting 20 have a man in the house 90
case of burglars or fire or anything OF
that sort. VIII you marry me? III so,
kindly return a note in the Affirmative
by bearer. and I'll come up this even
ing to talk it over. IL my letter is lack
ing in delCacy, remember that doctor
are accustomed 70 come straight 20 the
-. N.n u-anL r-usLnr. 81 In l