The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-12-19

letter lying before her, and her face
flushed with emotion as she read:
81 would then be virtually penniless
and have to depend upon my own ex-
ertions; but if you will become my own
darling wife on those terms / will take
the step. If you consent, it is of vital
importance that letter to that effect
(also arranging meeting between us)
should reach me tomorrow morning. "
After executing a dainty toilet she
stole from the house and fastened toward
the Cross Lanes, a favorite resort of the
lovers.
Lifting her veil she consulted her
watch by the clear light of the moon,
when rustling in the hedge startled
her, and before she could cover her face
a stalwart figure, clad in velveteen and
carrying gun ON one shoulder, ap-
preached and recognized her.
"Oh, how you frightened me" she re-
sponded. "Are you beginning your
roundp"
"Yes, miss" said the man, with a
sharp lookout now, as the squire and the
young master started for Italy this af-
ternoon. Good night"
He had scarcely disappeared in the
coppice before the slender form reeled
slowly to and fro several times and then
sank down on the damp grass with a
groan.
The morning papers. under the head
ing of Shocking Affair at Padding.
ton" contained the following para
graph:
"The evening express from Bristol on
entering this station late last night ran
into an empty cattle van which by some
unaccountable means had been left on
the main line. There was only slight
collision, but an elderly frst-class pas
senger received such a severe shock tc
the system that he expired before he
could be removed to the waiting-room,
where his body now lies"
The evening papers furnished addi.
tional details. They said:
"The victim of the deplorable accident
reported this morning was Mr.. Vincent
Hope of the Firs, Hopetown, Willis, who
was on his way to the Continent with
his nephew. At the inquest held this
afternoon verdict of death from apo
plexy was returned. The body will be
conveyed forthwith to Hopetown for in
terment."
Two day later Miss Birch was en-.
tranced and mystified by receiving the
following telegram:
just received. Uncle died Suddenly in Lon
don. Will be-with you shortly"
"Why didn't you write in time sweet
hearth" said Cyril, in mild reproof, tc
the blushing Milicent. as, imprisoned
in his arms, he kissed her again anG
again.
81 did," was the feeble response.
"But the postmark shows the con-
trary, darling" he argued. 'Whc
posted it?"
Little Sallie Waters. I sent her of
in good time; and, although have re
peatedly questioned her since the re
| ceipt of your telegram, she persists il
maintaining that she posted it then
safely. Oh, there she is, carrying the
| pitcher"
Cyril swiftly strobe toward the littl,
maid, with whom he entered into con
versation, during which some money
passed into the child's possession; aftel
which he abruptly left the little one
whose puzzled look presented curiou:
contrast to the amused expression OF
his face.
DO you know to what you are in
debted, dearest, for this contretemp
which has sealed our happiness with
fortune?" he asked on rejoining Mis-
| Birch.
Fate" she answered, confidently
with look of love.
"Ahem! perhaps; but it selected yer!
unique instrument. it seems"
"What was it, then?"
Nothing less than the wag of dog
| tail!"-B0StOnl Globe.