The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1895-06-21

SCRANTON MISSISSIPPI FRIDAY, o.


ly referred to me occasionally, | was
obliged, when my relative and were
once more together, to admit that
Octavia was woman to be proud of,
qucenly and brilliant.
"ln fact, you fall in lore with my
plans, Allen ?" Quered Uncle Ben.
III am afraid l am not IA person with
a strong will of my own,"I l simply re-
piled. MY dear Uncle Ben, am SHE
does not"
"Sllc Is not a woman whose thoughts
turn to marriage,' he responded.
"Shc would like a career of her own,
but she has unbounded faith in my
opinion.
"The other day | talked to her on
the subject. did not name you, l
assure you, but asked Octavia II she
would be willing to trust her happi-
ness to man of my selection, and
she replied that there was no one on
whose Judgment she would be so
willing to rely"
"And you would pick me out as suit.
able, just us would a bonnet ?" | in.
Quired.
Say a JEWEL, and make it a com.
plimcnt," cried Uncle Ben. He laugh.
ed and then he sighed. lie had a
sentimental expression in his eye.
"Really, do you care for this thing
so much, uncle ?" Iasked.
Il is my one dream," Allen" he an
swcred. "IIaving never married,
must end my days without a real
home, unless by carrying out this plan
of mine, | give myself an adopted son
and daughter, who will be as children
to me, to whose children l shall be as
a grandfather. Thus I can look for
ward to old age-should l reach it.
very placidly, almost joyously, in
Decd" and my uncle gave me very
gentle smile.
l am always anxious to make people
happy il l can. l had never been
much in love with any girl since pro.
posed at IS to little Lucy Salt, who
was not yet II, and who refused me
decidedly. Ny prospects were only
moderately good, and shonld never
ask any one to risk poverty. Backed
by my unclc's purse, | might now en-
ter into the life l thought most desir-
able, with a woman could respect,
and even admire.
Why not agree to this proposal? I? l
considered a moment.
Very well, uncle" | said at length,
"lct it rest with Miss Octavia."
He stretched out his hand to grasp
mine.
"My dear Allen" he said, 81 am re.
joiced. | will pave the way and tell
you when to speak"
IL do need few little points,
fancy" / said, "for l have always had
plump No hitherto whenever | have
popped the question"
Ibid not add that l had never asked
any but Lucy Salt.
The spring was young just then,
but it was warm, and Miss Octavia
was fond of rowing on the lake; and
welded the oars finely. l steercd, my
uncle occupied a seat to himself, and
talked constantly to Octavia. We
rowed twice around the lake; this
was the inevitable programme.
The day after our conversation,
Miss Villmar varied it, for the first
time.
LET us stop here" she said, indi-
eating the shores of pretty cottage
garden II have promised to take
Primrose Grey with u.s."
We came to a halt. Miss Octavia
blew little silver whistle that she
carried at her belt, and in a moment "A
girl appeared upon the path that
wound down to the bank Of the lake.
She was so small that l thought her
at first a mere child.
She wore dress of robin.egg blue
cloth, and little sailor hat trimmed
to match, and brought with her a
feecy white wrap.
or course / arose to assist her into
the boat, and as my hand touched hers
strange and delightful thrills ran
throuuh me-for her part, she blushed.
Suddenly the day, which l had
thought chilly, became heavenly.
There never was such a sky, such a
lake.
The boat glided over the water as
boat never did before.
Everybody was delighted; l myself
was a most agreeable fellow. Indeed,
the newcomer told me so with her
great blue eyes.
Not until we had taken her to Will
mar Cottage, and had been allowed
TO row her back home in the NOON
light, did understand just what had
caused this grand transformation
did l know that Cupid had come
aboard the little boat with Primrose
GREY. The thing had haDpen--I had