Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1895-10-03
CHAPTER MI.

| CHAI.
CHAPTER MI.
LAURA's REPLY.
Dear Chat: Iour letter came to hand
In fact. twas brought around
by Davy Carter, who'd been out
To try his new grey hound.
"A letter, Laura, Dave spoke up.
As he took of his hat,
And. Judging from the penmahship,
think ii came from Chat
oh, give it to me, please | cried
gave my feelings vent
Then catching up myself, | said:
! suspect it comes from Fent,"
| 1T is not Fenton's penmanship,"
| said Dave. You can't fool me;
| know it. Laura. like book
And know Chats too. you see,"
We'll, Davy, I'm much obliged"
said |. and thankful too.
you for bringing out my mail;
Twas very kind in you"
Don't mention that, Laura. " he said;
WAS always just this way:
If can help 'whoop' a wedding up,
III do it any day"
You've got a big job on your hands,
Said papa-'tell you that.
she'll be an old maid, Davy, sure
If she should wait for Chat"
did not answer this remark,
| thought il would be better
TO let papa and Davy talk,
And | would read your letter.
so | arose. excused myself,
And then left the room.
As went out almost fell
Had stumbled DER broom
That's bad luck, laura" Davy said,
ITO stumble DER a broom.
The superstitious would believe,
Presages care and gloom"
II did not fall though, " | replied;
Now that will make amend,
Though perils may come in my way,
Twill be well in the end.n
4 upBt Hos Laura. bdNt ItlhTntu.
GO, child, and have no dread"
This world Is full Of perils George"
He then to papa said.
His words and manner touch'd my
heart.
"Why is it thus?" said |,
And l-Oh, was 1t foolish, Chat?-
l took little cry.
Your letter lay upon my lap
Unopened and unread;
Aud papa entered unobserved-
Came up to me, and said:
Laura, my daughter, what is II a.?
And why have you these tears
What is, child, so clouds your brow,
And fills your mind with fears "
''Oh, papa, | don't know" said;
somehow feel so bad,
Some dread fOreboding fills my heart
1t makes me feel so sad
"Pray, don't be superstitious, child:
Nothing shall harm you, dear"
He answered me in tender tones,
mo, not while I'm here.
bu htAf NbhA hlbAhfA : bAAla
That mothers now at rest.
And you are all have on earth;
BY you my life was blest.
"If any william dares to harm
A hair upon your head
He went on with determined voice,
"Twere better he were dead "
.Oh, papa. don't mind what I've said,
| answered; twas the broom"
And arose gave him a kiss,
Just as he left the room.
| took your letter from my lap
Felt some what silly too
Then took it from the envelope,
Began and read IL through.
Twas such a nice, brave letter, Chat;
And Chat, IL seems 10 me
That you can outstrlp Fcnt,
And out talk Johnny Dee.
And you're glad it happened, Chat
That stumbling into the gully
However, Chat, | don't believe
You understand me fully.
That incident ne'er caused my love:
1t may seem strange; although
It's true, if ! have known my heart,
| loved you long ago.
From that day near the water mill,
You hit my doll ker-whack,
And sent it sprawling in the creek,
Then nobly brought il back
Ny | was angry when | saw
IL flying from the log
] think though, Chat, you told the |
truth
You meant to hit the frog.
But Chat, | must not dwell on this,
I've other things 10 say:
fear my letter is too long;
Twill tire you anyway.
Chat, did you read the PREss last
week.
You noticed how il went?
TwOuld have its readers to believe
That viii marry Fent!
{ made me angry, yet laughed
For twas enough To tickle
Oh, me, that any one should think
| was so weak and tickle!
That editor is of the track,
You can just INFORM him that; ,
le knows not human nature much,
a least my nature, Chat.
III marry you and only you,"
As story books all say;
hey hit the nail square on the head,
In my case, any way. c
ut oh, my Chat you stagger me
Just don't know what tn say; IL