Semi-weekly independent., 1896-01-15

desperate effort, taking courage from
the thought of the favorable response
that was sure to be his. the bursting
feelings that fill my bosom are-are too
numerous to mention"
In his effort to look languishins,
Fitzaddle had rolled up his eyes and SO
contOrted his features as TO give him
the appearance of a man either just
going into fit or coming out of it.
Miss Larcom arose to her feet In
alarm.
Entirely mistaking this movement,
Fitzaddle popped down upon his knees
at her feet.
Adorable creature. the sweet con-
fession of your love has made me the
happiest of men,
THE confession of my love, repeated
Flora. stepping back and regarding the
kneeling man with a look of unuttera-
ble astonishment.
Yes, dear one; and which ] was so
fortunate as to overhear when you were
in the orchard yesterday. Know that IL
is fully returned; and / have come TO
beg that you will name the happy day
that will make you all my own.
Miss Larcom suddenly put her hand
kerchief TO her face. probably to hide
her bushes or blissful emotion called
forth by this avowal. When she re-
moved il her mouth was dimphng with
smiles and her eyes dancing with mer-
riment
Il think l understand you. Mr.. FftZ-
addle; you seem, in this instance, to
have reversed the old adage that lis
teners never hear anything good OF them
selves But, there is uncle's step in the
hall, and / have no time TO say more.
Come tomorrow evening. about the
same hour. and you shall have your an
Swer."
Half an hour later Philip Austin was
in the same room listening TO Flora's s
laughing account of the above men
toned visit
The long-eared Donkey he ex-
claimed as she concluded; 'he told me
the same story. Only sound pummel-
ing will take the conceit out of him. and
/ have half mind to give him one
NO, Philip" said Flora, leave him
/ TO me. L told him to come for his an
swer tomorrow evening. and which l
/ think will be more effectual in taking
| the conceit out of him. as you call it,
than the process you mention
Philip kissed the sweet lips that were
! in such tempting proximity to his own.
i shouldn't wonder if you were right,
/ darling. Anyway, 1 think that it will
be an answer satisfactory to mel'
When Fitzaddle reached Mr. Larcom' s
/ the next evening he was shown into the
back parlOr; the folding doors between
it and the front parlor being closed-a
rather unusual circumstance.
He found, to his surprise, quite num-
Der of people assembled, all of them dis
cusslng some wedding, in which they
seemed to be deeply interested.
Whose wedding" he inquired of an
acquaintance who accosted him.
Miss Larcom's to be sure said the
individual addressed with a look of sur
prise.
Fitzaddle's heart fiuttered The idea
that Flora could marry any one else
never once entered his silly brain. No
1t was joyful surprise that she had
planned for him, if he had only thought
to have worn his light-colored vest anG
white gloves
AS he stood wondering if there would
not be time for him to slip back to the
hotel and supply the omission, the fold
ing doors were opened. disclosing 6
little group at the farther end of the
room, in the center of which stood
Philip Austin and Flora Larcom; the
pure spotless robes of the latter. the
solft, filmy veil that fioated around tn.
form, giving a new and solemn beauty
to the sweet young face.
The group around them parted anC
stood up on either side, as a grave-look
ing man in black stepped forward.
The brief. but impressive ceremony
over. friends pressed eagerly forward
TO congratulate the happy pair bu
Fitzaddle was not among them; h,
stood motionless too much bewilderet
and taken by surprise TO know whether
he was awake or dreaming.
'"Pon my word. i don't understand
It," he said as Philip, plying the for
lorn appearance of the little coxcomb
came forward and spoke to him; Ssh
declared she loved me, and marrie
you
My dear fellow said Philip, to,
happy to feel other than amused a
this exhibition of mental obtuseness
don't you know that women an,
dreams always go by contraries? Whel
they say one thing they always meal
aaz--