Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-30

knew her reason. I've asked her tim. .,,
again, and she only makes fun M bay
/ won't you ask her that much2 Pr.
now. just as a friend OF US both.
lcabod hesitated. IL was such ho,t..
Yes, I'll ask her." he said az tho 800
time feeling angry with himself FOR ..'
! ing that he would. ''''
The next afternoon found IcaboS ri4.,.,
slowly along the shady summer lanes -,
ward the Dawes plantation. and womb.
i Ing the while why a woman c0u,5p,t ~,
/ frank and outspoken IN such matters .-t
| save her kindly disposed friends s9 ms
needless labor.
As he came near the house he saw s4y,
sitting on the low piazza, her work.t.'-
ket beside her. bending over some bio u,
sewing In her hand. a picture framed +,
the green vines which grew over Oh.
porch, and Icabod couldn't find IN q, t.,
heart to blame Hopkins.
sally saw him and stood up dro1-i-.
| her work about her In pretty c0DrIs',r9
Ihank you, fathers not SD sick IA
should be bothering you" she said com.
ing down the first step 20 greet him
Il didn't know he was sick az aU.' an.
swered lcabod In honest surprise
Hes a little sick" said Sally Uas
gone over 20 the river meadow now Ia+
1 couldn't think what else could bnngy5l
again so soon. Not but that you're .Io...,
welcome" she added, seeing Icab0ds ed.
dent embarrassment.
He dismOunted and sat down on ,bA
broad piazza bench. lie might as well e.t
through with his FOOLS errand anu be l0p,
with it, so he said:
I've come on behalf OF HOukins"
Sally smiled in enjoyment OF the sfigs-
ton. but she kept silent.
Evidently she wouldn't help him. So lea.
bod continued: "He wants me 90 ask YOU
why you won't marry him."
Sally hestated and stroked her work
with her needle.
do you think ought TO tell him. Par
SOM" she asked
eyes, do" said Icabod with parochiL
drmness.
viii you promise 10 tell him n eK-
plain my reason 10 your? sally asked.
looking squarely at Icabod
YES" he answered. feeling much r.
lieved, and smiling back snc0uragement
at the fair girl before him.
We'll" said sally thopghriy Il
think I'd be willing 10 tell you my rel-
son, but, you see, its not wholly my own
Suppose we leave II this way. ] will think
about il. and 1 will send you word what
/ decide, and we won't talk about 10 any
more. please she ended, rising
Icabod judged that he was expected %
20, and so he took his leave His visit
was most unsatisfactory. but he had done
what ne could. and he was glad the busy-
ness was ended so FAR as he was copoe7f-
ed. He was sorry for Hopkins, poor chap
but perhaps he would be satisfied with
Sally's reason. No doubt 10 was good
one. for the girl seemed very sensible
and 50 Icabod rode back very contentet-
ly TO the parsonage.
The next morning as Icabod was writing
at his big table. Sally's little black boy
brought him this note:
Reverend Sir,-I would be frank IN THIS
business I purpose 10 marry somebody
else. See II. Samuel, 18th chapter verse %
with respect, ! am
Tyr obed't. -..-.....
SALLY DAWES
Icabod opened his Bible % the Second
Rock of Samuel the 18th chapter ana ran
his finger down 90 the 9TH verse, and raaf.
And Nathan said unto David. Ihou ait
rhe man." and then IcabOd sat v1caniy
looking a the table for a long time
Miss Sally told me 90 fetch dn answer
said the little black boy nc his elbow
Tell your mistress that ] VIII iils
over myself" said Icabod.