The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1893-10-26

the cloud suddenly lifted.
"By Jove! / have it !" he exclaim-
ed aloud, with a.gesture of satisfaction,
much to the surprise of young lady
who chanced to be passing him at that
moment.
After relieving his feelings by the
outburst just, recorded George Speed
man quickened his pace and in few
minutes later was standing in the pre-
sence of the fafr Dollie's maternal rela-
tive, presenting with the most grace
full and insinuating manner he could
command, the unfortunate bird, which
he relied upon to wing him into,a fav-
orable position for laying siege to the
daughters heart.
What his successswas may readily
be surmised from the'fact that when,
in response to Mrs. Pearson's invita-
ton, he arrived later.in the evening of
the same day to dine with the family
the good lady met him'at the hall and
whispered that Dollieswas alone in the
drawing room.
George entered ther room with q
quickly beating heart, .and what passed
there is best known to,Dollieiand him
self, but it is significant fact that
when, half an hour later, the young
couple emerged in response to the
summons of the dinner gong Dollie's
cheeks were in hue like the deep
heart of crimson rose and,there was
an extremely long silken hair clinging
to Georges manly waistcoat.
Just prior to,the announcement of
dinner Leopold Leverton ,had arrived
in condition of pardonable anxiety
as to the result of. his stratagem.
1t was doubtless very considerate of
Mrs. Pearson to keep him engaged in
conversation with herself in order
that the privacy of the mores fortunate
gentleman who had come to-woo might
be uninvaded, but he was extremely
perplexed and chagrined that Mrs.
Pearson made no reference$to the su-
perb turkey.
"You Will stay and take dinner with
us, Mr.. Leverton?" she said, still
without mentioning'his gift. 1t was
passing strange.
'"Thank you," he responded mu-
singly.
Then a terrible fear took possession
of his heart. Had the dealer forgotten
or ommitted to send the bird? He
could bear the suspense no'longer.
"I-ah l. did-you-ah-receive-a
turkey this afternoon, Mrs. Pear
song, he stammered.
eyes, inded, and fine one it is.
All, there Is the gong. Come, Mr..
Leverton.
At that moment Speedman entered
the dining room with Dollie leaning
upon his arm.
"Mrs. Pearson-Mr. Pearson-con-
eratulate me. Dollie has promised to
be my wife.
1t was George who spoke, with
sparkling eyes and triumphant tone
Leopold could scarce believe his ears
"What?' he cried, while Dollle
hung her head and blushed bewitch-
ingly.
eyes. May I congratulate you on
having resumed your engagement with
Miss Gray?" answered George, seat
ing himself beside Dollie.
"Wha-what do You mean?" stam-
mered Poly, hopelessly bewildered.
ooh, nothing. Only thought as
vou we're sending them a turkey you
must have"
It was now Georges turn to look
surprised.
81 don't understand. There's some
mistake. I ordered one to be sent
here, hoping Mrs. Pearson would ac-
cept-"
''The one I saw was addressed TO
Il, +" interrupted George, thinking he
began to see light.
eyes. This is II, noticed the
number on the garden gate as lpassed
this morning"
"No," chimed in Mr.. Pearson
''This is I'll. I noticed the other day
that the first figure was almost washed
out. We must have it repainted.
"Then my turkey has gone wrong
exclaimed Leopold 81 must see
about it."
He was. MS has been previously re-