The Portland daily press., 1899-08-18

all can OF Mr.. Stephen Yaxley. But
IN the meantime, Trip, say nothing 10
the girl"
A special board meeting was held a
few days later. The parsons inquiries
proved satisfactory, and Il only remain
cd TO inform the young woman OF the
proposal.
II suppose you've quite settled 1t
shall be Susannah West, gentlemen,
said the master, little diiEdenuy
II suppose 50, Trip. WhyT asked
the squire.
"well. sir. for the matter Of getting
rid OF one Of the women, I'd sooner 1t
was Mary Pott. She's such.a grumbling
creature-never satisfied"
80 she Is, Trip; but then she's
widow, and that ia against Mr.. Yaxley's
specifications"
Trip scratched his head. " Not q
bad looking woman. SIR he observed.
mo, no. But a stipulation is a stipu-
lation; and /, for my part, consider that
Providence has sent thois special offer on
purpose for Susannah West"
Yes, gentlemen; that is all very well
as far as 1t goes" observed the medical
officer, who had not yet spoken. s'But
the question still remains, viii Susan
nah West have himr"
The others looked a little foolish. US
though this side Of the argument had
not struck them.
THAT we can soon End out" said Par
son Weaver irritRbly. strip, fetch the
girl here"
In few minutes the girl stood be-
fore them. She looked shy and half
frightened, wondering what the board
could want Of her.
Hat Susannah, my dear" began the
parson-he had called her Miss West In
he days Of her prosperity, but one cam
not expect complimentary titles in the
workhouse-"we have sent for you--be-
cause--in shogt-well, we have had a
very advantageous offer, which we think
viii just suit you"
Before Susannah could make any reply
the squire, determined that the chaplain
should not have il all his own way, ex-
claimed in his hearty voice, ''What would
you say to a good home and kind hus-
band, my grip
The color flooded Susannah's face. She
gave one startled glance, then stood,
with her eyes on the floor, nervousIy
plating corner Of her checked apron.
perhaps Il would be as well IL / read
the letter we have received" said tho
parson, giaring disapproval of his neigh
Dor for having forced his band.
Then he put on his spectacles and read
IN slow and ponderous tones Mr.. Stephen
1exiey's epistle, pausing every now and
then to see the effect.
IL he expected rapt0rous gratitude
when he finished, he was disappointed.
Susannah never raised her eyes. Her
color came and went and her lips trem-
bled, but she said not a Word.
We'll, my girl" cried Che squire, I'M
able to restrain his patience, "what do
you say to this? Isn't II fine chance?
l wouldn't think twice about 1t il I were
you. just look at your position. Hero
you are in the workhouse at your age
and, like rat, without friend in the
world. Not any fault of yours, OF
course" he added as a pained expression
fitted across the girls FACE.
Perhaps she would Ike a little time
to think it oyer" suggested the butcher
In his thick, husky voice.
"Have you got anything to say. SUI
sannah?" inquired the parson rather
sternly.
The girls fingers inteflaced nervously.
You are very kind, gentlemen, but I
-I--don't know what to say."
She looked around appealingly, des-
perately.
Come, come. be quick to settle It, girl.
we don't want another special meeting
called" cried the squire.
The medical officer rose. 81 think, gen
tlemen, perhaps IL I saw Miss West
alone for minute she might give me
an answer. She feels embarrassed, can
see"
Quite right, Evesham," said the par
son. They can go into your room,
Trip, can't they?
Trip, jumping up with alacrity, led
tue way to his tobacco scented little
sanetum.
"Sit down, Susannah," said the doctor
kindly. "Now, don't be hurried. You
have heard this offer; it seems a good one
for you. But don't say yes ff you'd
rather not. Just think 1t over a little
He turned his back on her, and going
over to the mantelpiece examined a
quaint old china group Of an English
man, Scotchman and Irishman seated to-
gether entitled AUD Lang Syne." A
long silence followed; then Susannah
spoke. She had remarkably sweet.
soft voice, and the doctor looked round
quickly.
IF l do say yes DR.. Evesham," she
said tremblingly, 'it will be because
you-wish me to; for no other reason.'
She raised her eyes to him as she
spoke. They were beautiful eyes and
sent thrill through the medical officer.
- wish you to say .yesr" he exclaim-
ed, coming toward her.
You have been so good to me; you
saved my life when I first came here. 1
should never have recovered but for
your care and attention. | always feels
-she elasped her hands tightly together
you are the only friend l have, and
there is nothing would not do for your
sake"
The passionate warmth Of her tone
startled DIR. Evesham. He caught both
the hands with which, ashamed of her
freedom, she WINS about to cover her
face, and said tenderly: my poor girl!
Then you shall never soy yes to this
offerlr
The board was waxing impatient, and
the squire and parson had almost broken
their long friendship over the prize
"gatepost" mangolds when DIR. Evesham