Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-10-24
S a gray church, with a

That's it" cried Nettie, wild with
excitement, that's st. Gregory's,
Macclesfield square! Go on, go on!"
There is large figure, 81, painted
in gilt on the brown door, and on the
balcony 1 see a large white bird with
a yellow crest on a stand"
col" cried Nettie, in raptures,
that's quite enough-the old cocka-
too settles it. I can't tell you how
grateful | ami And in proof she
gave the woman a sovereign; then
hurried back to her cab and drove the
whole way home, where she arrived
late for lunch. But she was in such
state of bliss that none of the ques-
tlonlngs or seedlings, naturally
showered upon her, had the slightest
effect, and this sudden abnormal
elevation of spirits completely mys-
tilted the members of her family, who
made futile efforts to divine it's cause.
On the day of the dinner party she
was more exuberant than ever; and
she was dressed and waiting in the
room half an hour before anybody
else, listening eagerly for the front
bell, and blushing every time she
heard footsteps on the stairs. When
Captain Tasting arrived, everybody
was electrified to see the quiet, de-
mure Nettie rush forward, all smiles,
and present him with beautiful car
nation, accompanied by a tender look,
meant to speak volumes, that puzzled
the good captain not a little. Her
behavior toward him throughout the
evening was altogether extraordinary,
and any one who did not know her
would have classified her as a har-
dened f1irt. This was Captain Tas-
sings conclusion after time, and,
though it did not agree with his first
impressions, he could give no other
Interpretation to her forward de-
meanor toward him. Just for the fun
of the thing he talked vast amount
of nonsense, and firted more des-
perately than she, and when it was
time to go the two had tender
parting, secretly agreeing to meet in
the Row next morning at 10.
WELL" thought the captain, as he
drove back to barracks, 81 never made
a greater mistake in thinking the lit
tie Blake girl a quiet, bread-and-but-
ter sort of creature. By Jove, what
eyes she can make, and how she did
go on. And what would my Lily have
said, | wonder, if she had seen us!"
Meanwhile Nettie was having her
hair brushed out, feeling jubilant, in
deep, despite the severe lecture her
hoJ cri1r hn
happiness in her face seemed to be
reflected in her maids, for Barker
was positively beaming with satisfac-
ton, and at the same time her
thoughts seemed far away, for she re-
peatedly, in fit of abstraction,
brushed her young mistress face,
which was most painful.
Barker, what are you thinking
about" demonstrated Nettie, after
the third face-brushing. For answer,
Barker threw down the brush, and
announced, with tears in her eyes
and happy giggle in her voice:
30, Miss Nettie, I'm that excited
hardly know what I'm doing! I'm go
ing to be married! And his names
Tommy Green, and he is so good
looking, miss-but stop, I'll show
you his photo" She pulled an en-
velope out of her apron pocket and
took from it photograph of hand
some man in uniform, which she laid
triumphantly before her mistress on
the dressing table.
But Nettie did not look at the
photograph; her eyes were fixed on
the address on the envelope, which
was in the handwriting she had so
tenderly studied as that of Captain
Tasting.
'"TeIl me, Barker she calculated,
who is this man you're going to
marry?" And she snatched up the
portrait hastily.
"Lor miss" answered Barker, he's
the servant of that Captain Tassling
who was here this evening, and the
captain thinks no end of him, and"
20, see," said Nettie, greatly re-
lieved, 'he directs his letters for him.
Can't your soldier write, then?"
Can my soldier write!" exclaimed
Barker, Indignantly. why, he's most
highly educated, miss, far above the
common run of soldier servants; and
as to writing, he does it so we'll that
sometimes when the captains busy he
gets Tommy to answer letters for
him, like a private secretary. Not
important letters, of course, miss;
but mean, for instance, he'll some
times toss him an invitation and say,
just accept this for me, Green or
perhaps he is to refuse it, as the case
may be miss; and then, you see
eyes, yes, Barker; good night. I'm
very tired said Nettie, somewhat
abruptly, "and l wish you every hap
piness.''
THANK you Miss Nettie; was just
going to tell you it was Tommy as
answered Mrs. Blake's last note in
viting the captain"
Good night, Barker repeated
Nettie, with a sharpness that sent the
maid away in a great hurry, wonder