The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1897-09-28

s7;;;;Ss.sz.gssSE offer. What
there are few
gray hairs mingled with the black .
Better be an old mau's darling than a
young mans slave" and Mrs. HAYES.
who had looked up for moment from
her baking, returned more vigorously
than before to the kneading of the
dough.
True, aunt; but suppose young
mans darling is better than either. !"
and mischievous twinkle shone
In her bright eyes, half smile played
round the corners of the rosy mouth.
giving momentary glimpse of teeth
white and even. where is your won
derful philosophy, then?"
Have your own way. You'll regret
1T too late. Pity John Harding couldn't
have you. You'd make him miserable
enough, Heavens knows, with your
endless airs and graces. It's easy to
see it's him you're thinking of, not
wlthstanding your coquehy. L don't
doubt Squire Arnold will readily CON
sole himself, and when his bride takes
possession. you'll wish you'd followed
my advice"
At least, aunt, can never reproach
you with having withheld its bestowal:
but, come; don't be angry with me. /
am not ut all sure but that you will have
me with you many long day yet"
Pretty Marjorie Hayesl There were
men enough, old and young, who would
have given half their worldly posses
sions to be sure they held space,
however small, in that heart; but not
30 John Harding. He had given to
this girl the one love of his life, had
read in her eyes glances answering his
own; had seen her face brighten into
expectancy at his coming; felt her ten
der pressure answering his hand clasp,
and hope would rise buoyant in his
heart, only to be dashed again in do
SPAR, as he would meet her averted
glance or Indifferent words. He was
not very patient, this strong man: and
with his stern will bent upon n pur-
pose, trifling was beyond his compre.
hension.
You know what have to offer YOU.
Marjorie" he said to her on the even
ing of the same day of the converse
ton recorded above. 81 don't uues-
ton your right to better, in one sense,
but l must have my answer. Sauire
Arnold thinks the same, | don't doubt.
Judging from the sweetness of your
smiles
All, foolish joint The blush which
had risen to the girls cheek faded, the
smile playing round her lips disap-
peared, and, holding erect the shapely
head, she said:
Since when did L appoint you GUS
todian of my smiles or tears? When
L elect any one to the position, Mr..
Harding, / shall remember You as nv
first applicant
Nevertheless, I did not speak
without reason. / am tired of il.
Marjorie-tired of it all / am no
Jacob to serve seven years. I"
Then stop now" turning TO him
with quick anger. Doubtless you
think Jacob had something higher in
view of his long waiting. Well, sir.
should you serve for me seventy times
seven, it would be to receive the same
answer-no! Ny freedom is too sweet
to yield it quite 80 readily. Good
evening, Mr.. Harding. can find my
way home across the meadow alone -
But, silent and stern, John walked
by her side until they reached the
threshold of the door. Then. without
a word, she stepped within. and he
turned and with great strides walked
away. From her own window she
watched him until out of sight then
threw herself upon her little bee. with
it's snowy Counterpart, in a very pas
sion OF sobs, half anger, half despair.
The next morning bright and early.
Mrs Hayes, busting about her morn
ing duties, spied messenger approach
ing the house. a moment later. with
respectful "Good morning" he
handed her note. "For Miss Mar
jorie, maam, and was rs quickly ont
OF sight
From John Harding. Some lovers
quarrel reconciloi Suppose ! keep
1t just a few days She viii thank me
for it some day. will think it over.
aud thus sOliloqu1zing, she slipped the
letter into the capacious pocket by hor
side, where it was destined TO remain
long days ere it was brought to LIGHT
On Iden move that NJ young Hard
ing. j thought he was too sensible TO
let the Western fever influence him
when he was doing we'll at home.
Better let we'll enough alone. But /
understand he has sold out everything.
leased the farm aud started ont anew
He gives no reasons 10 anyone. I'm
sorry, foI ! always liked the la1 and