The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-09-05


II was so dark that mistook this for
our house, and 50 forth.
1t is terribly embarrassing situa-
alton, and I am conscious that am
blushing furiously. Blushing never
did become me, either
His gaze, which at frst had been
penetrating, is now kindly. Even be.
fore he speaks I can see that he is try
ing to put me at my ease.
He is certainly handsome fellow
not ofthe baby pretty sort of men, which
have always hated aud detested, but
of frank, manly bearing, chivalrous
fellow one can see at glance.
''To be sure you are in the wrong
house" he says, and says ii so merrily,
too, that we both laugh. 1t is strange
how quickly this cultivated young man
can reassure me. Though hardly
thirty seconds have passed since first
found myself face to face with him, 1
already feel that have known him for
long time.
81 am the daughter of the Rev. Mr..
Stayles, say, and I say it simply be-
cause hardly know what else to say.
"Oh, then you are my next-door
neighbors, I fancy"
"Are we?" ask.
81 did not know the name before,
but one of my servants told me that a
clergyman was the new neighbor."
81 am glad you are to be our neigh
bor," say. As soon as the words are
uttered, feel that I have been ter
ribly bold and forward, but Mr.. Lay
ton answers heartily:
"And I'm glad, too, Miss Stayles."
81 must CO." I murmur. 81 owe
you thousand apologies, and L am
very grateful to you for your courtesy
and good nature. You might have
taken me for"
"a burglar, we're you going to say?
No, indeed, Miss Stayles- burglars
are never charming. In fact, they are
quite sure to repel one"
"Good night" say; 'and again
thank you"
81 fear, since you live next door, it
would be rather superhuous for me to
offer to see you home. Good night
1 shall hope to meet you again. if can
make your fathers acquaintance and
prevail upon him to ask me into his
home"
enter our house this time and find
the folks anxiously waiting for me-.
Papa says: "How flushed your cheeks
are!" Mamma exclaims: "Why, aid,
how nervous you seem to be!' and
Eunice says: "Maud, has anything
happened to you? You are really
trembling!"
SO l am compelled to relate my ad-
venture, and we all end up with a
good hearty laugh at my stupidity.
"Mr. Layton wishes to see Miss
Maud"
This is the announcement made by
our solitary domestic.
"Ask Mr.. Layton to come right in,
is my answer.
As you will observe, he asks for me-
At first, he invariably inquired for my
father or mother Now he almost al
ways asks for me.
Strange etiquette?
Not in the least.
We are engaged, you see, and tha
, makes all the difference in the world.
Yes, Mr.. Robert Layton called 81
frequently and persistently-and al
ways to see me. as he has since avowet
that now he wants to have me in hi
home. in order that he may not be pu
; to the trouble of coming to our doc
and ringing the bell.
And I have come to the conclusion
that the best way out of it is to do a
he urges, and marry him.
) Robert-but always call him Bob
now-has lived in the same home TO
3 years, and had never before though
of marrying. His aunt, who is a wi
dow, has managed his house for hin
. all these years, but she is dear, swee
old soul, and she says she is just as dc
: lighted as Bob is at the prospect of
! new mistress for the house.
Q My father and mother both put o
. comically grave looks and say thl
u they are disconsolate at the though
> of having their eldest daughter take
" from them.
NJ A.. ana ra;po-nnIv No,