The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-04-16

man are in love with the same girl. One
must give way, you see. And if the mas
ter is that one, it's apt to be bad for the
man. Knowing this, John Adams and
Emily Bolton resolved to keep their en-
gagement to themselves for bit, until
they could start in life on their own
account.
Why the girl had fallen in love with the
man instead Of his master it would puzzle
coniurer to tell. I'm sure she couldn't
have said herself. 1t was he. John Adams,
who suggested secrecy; and Emily, after
little dispute, agreed.
Emily accepted John about Christmas
time, and he argued that it would be ruin
Gus to be discharged in the slack OF time.
well keep it to ourselves till the
spring. my girl, and then we can snap our
fingers at him., said John.
But Emily had no desire to snap her
fingers at Reuben Saunders. She was
not built that way. She felt sorry for him,
and wished him all manner Of good things.
Still she was in love with John, and con-
sequently did as he told her.
But long before spring came-in fact, it
was the middle OF February-it began to
be rumored about that John and Emily
were engaged. Reuben heard the report
and went straightway to her fathers cot
tage and asked to see Emily.
Mrs Bolton opened the door. She step
ped hack and called upstairs:
'Em'iy! Emily Here's Mr.. Saunders
wants to see yer "
And then she went about her work and
left him standing at the open door. She,
for her part preferred Reuben to John as a
husband for her pretty daughter. That
she was the girls mother and knew the
value Of money by its lack, may account
for her preference. Moreover, Reuben
was as good man as John, though not 80
handsome.
''I'ye only come to ask you a question,
Emily" said Reuben, humby, when at
last the girl appeared.
''Say on,' said Emily, not quite at her
ease, for there had been a time when she
had given Reuben encouragement.
81 hear that you and John Adams are
going to be married" And Reuben lifted
his honest eyes and looked the gin straight
in the face.
81 don't see what business it is Of yours.
/ suppose we've a right began the
girl, angTly.
But before she could finish her sentence,
Reuben said, sadly, 1--WE got my answer,
and turned away
The girl's heart smote her.
stay, Reuben. stay. It's not my fault.
did not want to keep it from you. But
John said"
Emily stopped The meanness of it all
ashamed her.
81 know, know! Adams judges me by
himself, ard thought would turl him off
as soon as heard Of it"' said Saunders
bitterly.
OF course Johns sweetheart fired up at
that.
eff you've got anything to say against
John you can say it to some one else, Mr.
Saunders" she cried out
81 haven't he shouted back, striding
off down the little path TO the front gate as
Emily slammed the door.
"I'll give him weeks wagr, I'D turn
him off, - be muttered as he strobe on. his
head bent forward on his cnest, a nobler
man than he thought himself.
CHAPTER II.
1t was with u heavy heart that Emily
went to meet her lover the next day, which
was Saturday, and therefore half holiday.
She had not seen him since she told Reuben
OF their engagement, am was afraid to
hear "hat Reuben might have said TO John
about it,
The first sight Of Johns face when they
met treasured her. Az have said before,
he was a handsome young man, and as he
came smilingly up to her, Emily felt Ger
tain that she loved him dearly and that he
was IN every way a more desirable man
than Saunders. Which, strange to say,
was not what She always thought about
him in his absence. After their usual
greeting they turned and walked on
together.
"Ihe boss has been very civil to me this
morning. said John; "called me into that
little Office Of his and said he thought as
he'd heard Of place as'd suit me Kind
OF foremans place down in the shire;
place called Burdock, | think he said"
con, John, how good of him, !" exclaimed
the gin
'H'm," said John, with a conceited
smne; don't you see ell, he wants to get
rid OF me-wants me out of the way go he
can come after you p
Mono; he knows better"
Hes precions sght too conceted to
know better Lor' | did laugh in my
sleeve as thanked him, and said as I'd be
glad II he'd speak word for me. If get
1t well be married right away. Now you
see no" wise OF me to insist on you saying
nothing about our being engaged"
y GU re quite or;,J bo