The record-union., 1895-08-24
THE THIRD Time OF ASKING. +"

AlTS. LOf6iduS JOS@ -NSA
for dinner, and was coming down stairs,
tying the strings of her fresh white apron
over the crisp folds of her oedgown,
when she caught sight of towering hg-
ure in the open doorway.
Its yo', is it, Mester Leatherbarrow?
Han yo' beon waitin' long? l never
heered nobry knock"
~ were hammerin' nigh quarter OF
an hour" returned the visitor briefly
and ungraciously. ''Is Joe in?"
Ppm expectin' him in two-three min
utss. It's Jest upon dinner time. COON
vo,r ways in, Mester Leatherbarrow. I'm
sorry yo'n bin knockin' so long. Th'
lass is busy scrubbing up stairs, an ia
Jest gone up to wesh me. L fancy our
.Catty nun be out"
Young Farmer Leatherbarrow stalked
into the big kitchen and sat down in the
chintz-covered elbow chair, hat on head
and stick in hand. Presently pursing
up his lips he began TO whistle.
He was, as has been said, very giant
in proportions. and there was certain
ferceness in his bronZed and bearded
face and surliness il his manner which
caused him to be generally disliked and
feared. But Robert Leatherbarrow was
indifferent to the opinion of his neigh
bors. lie lived quite alone with an an
cIenr housekeep on his tarm-the big
gest and most productive In the place
and was reported to have money untold,
which as he had no near kim" and was
apparently a confirmed bachelor, was
considered by the village gossips to be
mistake on the part OF ProY1dence
Ara troubled
the newcomers lack of politeness,
busted herself with preparations for DIM
ner. Alter hospitality inqulring would
he not stay and have a blte and being
eurtly refused, she left the morose guest
slone. and proceeded cheerfully to lay
the table for three.
Presently the jingling notes of piano
sounded from the adjoining room. and
Leather barrow ceased Whistling. Some
body was playing Home. Sweet Home"
with a great deal of expression and an
absolute disregard of time
Its our Catly," observed Mrs. Love-
day. "Hoo'S whOam again fro' school,
70; known. Hoo know all at onbody
con teach her now. Hark at her playln'-
an con do th' fancy work Lhot beautiful
it's like q pictur' AM hoo can talk French
-eh, nowt 'ud serve her but to call our
little tarrier Bong because hoo says it's
French fur good"
next room, the air being thumped out
with much conscientiousnesS and vigor
in the bass, and supported by Lneauder-
ing and somewhat weak treble accom-
paniment.
"All they little high runnin notes is done
VII her left 'and," explained Mrs. Love-
lady, her pride in her daughters accom-
pIishments overcoming her respect for
young Leather barrow's taciturn habit.
He looked up with dawning interest
in his dark eyes.
Hoo mum be wonderful CLEVER" he
said.
"Eh, my word. hoo is; Pll call her in.
ace. 'Yo ban't seen her sim hoo wur
child-little. ''Catty," opening the door,
81 want thee here minute"
"Coming, mothern' answered a girls
voice; then. with a final flourish and
founder over the keys, Home, Sweet
Home" was disposed of, and the perform
er entered the room.
A handsome, well-grown wench, unu-
sually dark for a North country girl,
with black hair rolled high on her head,
and straight black browS overshadowlng
eyes as black as Leatherbarrow's own.
This here's Mester Leather barrow.
Catty." said her mother. II doubt
thou'lt scarce remember him."
Yes, l do,' returned Miss Catty, sau-
cily. 1--WE used to call him 'Boggart
Bob at school, when we were children,
because he always looked so black and so
cross be frightened u.s."
''Well, to be sure" said Mrs. Love-
lady. laughing. "Eh, but thou's mended
thy manners sim then. Catty.'
tits more then he has, then,' cried
her daughter. 81 suppose you never
heard, Mr.. Leather barrow, that it isn't
considered polite to keep your hat on in
doors, and to SIT still when you are intro
duced TO lady"
'"Ark at hern' cried the mother un-
der her breath, admiring, but awe
stricken, too.
a sudden gleam came into Farmer
Leatherbarrow's eyes, and his white
teeth flashed out in an unexpected and
very pleasant smile. He removed his
hat and stood up, observing, after mo-
ment'S pause,
"Well, will yo' shalx' lands now?n
Catty advanced, a smile on her red lips
and her eyes dancing. Robert Leather
barrow shook hands in a solemn and
thoroughly efficient manner, dark flush
overspreading his face the while. Maid
ens' eyes had met his often, in fear, dis
like or curiosity, but never before had a
girls laughing glance sought his. His
surly manners had many a time, as he
knew, given ottense, but never had any
one chidden him for them, and chidden
him so gayly. AS he pumped Catty's
hand up and down, and looked at Catty's
sparkling face. the big, uncouth, unpop-
ular giant fell hopelessly in love.
Presently q CHEEKY shout without and 8
stamping OF earth-ctogged feet announced
the arrival of Farmer Joe Loyelady a
tall, stout man with grizZled hair and
sandy whiskers, aud an air Of prosperity
which did not belle HIM, for next to Rob.
ert Leather barrow be was the most we'll
to-do farmer In the place; so prosperous,
indeed, that when Catty demanded to
finish her education at a boarding-school,
he consented without hesitation, though
the neighDors were scandalized at the ex-
travagance.
Catty WAS sent to an establishment
many miles from her home, was taught
music and French, which she pronounced
In the very best Manchester method. on
her return she wore her hair done up
fash nable," and eschewed bedgowns and
donned hats on week day. Some of the
village matrons feared she would come
TO no good, especially when they discov-
cred that, though she had not yet been
q month at home, several gallants were
already disputing for the honor OF "ke keep-
ing company" with her.
"Well, Robert" said Farmer Love-
lady, greeting Boggart Bob with his ia
vorite one-sided nod, "an' how arto,
lad? Wili'ee have bit OF dinner VII
us?"
Leatherbarrow mechanically began to
shake his head again TO the roots of bis
hair, and nodded instead.
81 don't mind if do" he said gruffiy:
after which he cleared his throat in a loud
and aggressive manner.
"Tbol's reel,' cried Mrs. Loyelady y
heartily, Pm glad yo'n changed yo'r
mind. Second thoughts is best some
times"
The dinner. pork and beans. being
placed on the table, hosts anu guests fell
to with a will, the fiutter OF Robert,s
irif in
When tile meal was over the two men
went out, and Robert broached his bust.