Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-03-19

Inc surprise ana She looked away
quickly, while the color rushed to hes
pale checks Before she had time Ia
speak they turned u corner and found
themselves surrounded by the pie
nickers.
Come along" called I'ess Springer.
you are the very last. Hurry up and
tie your horse, and let's climb the bluifs
before supper-time."
The sisters were waiting to talk 1t
all oyerwith Jennie when she got home.
After her speeches of the morning
they hesitated about questioning her.
Dut sue Bat uown by the kitchen table
where Peg was finishing the ironing,
and told all about it.
"Yes, very good supper. We spread
II on the grass beneath the big elm
tree. The only trouble was that there
were too many black ants. We had
lots Of good cake and fried chicken.
Mrs. Woods lemon pies and your cook.
les, Sue, were the best things" She
did not tell that when the cookies were
passed, after several rich cakes, Bess
Springer had exclaimed: Cookies!
Oh. yes, from the Whitneys!"
WAS the river pretty?" asked Nan;
she had never been to bluff picnic.
"0h, yes, real pretty, and everybody
enjoyed climbing the bluffs. The
Brown girls were afraid they were 60
ing to fall, and made lots of fun She
rose, went to the shelf where the bucket
of water stood, and drank little sips
aimlessly from the tin cup.
"Hurry and get your drink and tell
us what happened besides supper and
climbing the Bluffs said Nan, impa-
tiently.
Jennie turned and faced the sisters.
"On the way over" she said, quietly,
"Jim said he loved liked me, and
wanted me to marry him."
Peg dropped her iron. They all
gazed silently at Jennie. Through
Pegs mind passed a vision of Jennie in
4 two-story home of her own on the
next farm, nice parlor with tides on
every chair-tidies made by Jennie's
sisters-sweet little children about the
place, always clamorng to go over and
see their aunties. Her thoughts trav-
eled SO rapidly that before the silence
was broken one OF these children had
grown into q very pretty girl, who
stopped on her way home from picnics
to tell her dear old aunts what a lovely
time she had. They knew she had
been the belle Of the picnic, though she
was much too sweet to mention the
fact. Liza's voice dispelled the vision.
Liza was always the first to speak.
"You dear girl" she said. Il just
know you will be real happy. Jim was
always a good boy
II am not going to marry him." said
Jennie.
Jennie! why not?" The four asked
the question together.
Jennie tesitated. WELL" she said
II am not set on it; and | suppose | am
liable to have consumption some day.
and perhaps | ought not TIC get mar
RED"
THAT'S silly" said Sue. Because
mother had it is no sign you will. You
have never had any cough to speak Of"
The others began their protests, but
she interrupted them.
Consumption hasn't got anything
to do with it. she said. II wanted to
think it over-proposals being sort OF
new to me, you know-so went off by
myself down by the spring under the
bank for minute or so after supper.
LESS Springer and Tom johnson were
there, and | heard Dcss telling how Jim
to Sally last night and was
awfully cut up because she would not
have him. So it was not much of an
offer after all. you see. Goodnight.
girls"
AS she turned to leave the kitchen
she stopped for second by the iron
ng board and laid her hand on Pegs
shoulder. Peggy she said, tenderly,
With her voice trembling II little,
there certainly never was as good
nan in all Missouri as pa-unless it was
grandpa. midland Monthly.