The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-07-18

went and found Grace there, They were
engaged in tSose slyy asties In which
youthful lovefa win engage when sudden
" there was . footstep, and Grace saw
Muddicombs almost on the threshold.
What was there for her to do? She
didn't want Muddicombe to see Frank,
for she was in hopes of getting rid Of her
middle aged lover and him out Of the
neighborhood without his discovering the
true cause Of her Diminishing him. She
did what girls situated as she was do on
the stage-put Frank into the closet and
closed the door. She had just done this
when Muddicombe entered the parlor,
said good morning and sat down. Then
he drew some papers from his pocket and
began exhibiting to her plans for the re-
construction of the homestead garden
after they were married.
Grace was in q truly lamentable condi-
ton of mind as the minutes flew, for
Frank was shut in a close and confined
space and might suffocate II he was not
presently released. Fortunately, she
heard the voice of Ned at the other end
Of the passage and saying. Excuse me
moment" she left the room, hurried to
Ned and took him aside
"Oh, dear Ned, t." she said. I'm in an
awful fx. When I saw Muddicombe COM
ing, l put Frank into the parlor closet
and he'll be suffocated soon II can't get
Muddicombe out of the way. Ned, dear,
can't you help me2"
Ned thought for a moment, and then
In an awfully hoarse whisper:
"Give me a minute, and I'll manage
it."
He rushed out at the back door, and
Grace returned to the parlor. In less than
a minute Ned came In at the front door
on the run and entering the room almost
breathless said:
"Mr. Muddicombe, the doctor-out in
the lane-wants to see youth a great
hurry-guess something's the matter"
Muddicopbe arose and saying, "1'n be
back soon," hastened away.
Grace released Frank at once, and II
was time. He was perspiring profusely,
as the place was about as hot as an oven.
go right away to the back piazza"
said Grace. Don't stay second, as Mr..
Muddicombe may be back"
Frank did as he was told, and Ned
went along with Hin and explained how
the thing was done. Grace followed and
Rugged Ned and kissed him and vowed
she'd never forget his kindness as long as
she lived. Frank said:
"Ned, have you got WHEEL"
"No; l wish had" Ned answered.
"Well, you shall have the best that
money can buy the first time l 60 to
town."
Mr.. Muddicombe returned and said to
Grace that he wondered why the doctor
didn't stay after sending such an urgent
message. After he left Grace sat down
and with the assistance of Frank wrote
letter informing dear Mr.. Muddi-
combe" Of her change Of mind and
breaking the engagement. Ned carried
the letter to the postofice, and Frank
gave him dollar.
Two days later Mr. Muddcombe's law
yer received the full amount of the mort
gage on Squire Culvers property, with
the interest, and communicated to the
squire that his client had departed for
England, directing him to foreclose, and
leaving the homestead on his hands for
sale, with all the furniture, land and ev-
erything else pertaining to it.
In a week the homestead property was
Franks, and when he and Grace were
married month later they made the
homestead their home.
Ned is married and manages his ia
Tiers farm. There are so many young
Culvers and young Laytons that it looks
as though the whole neighborhood will
soon be overrun with descendants Of the
two families.-Brooklyn Citizen.