The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-06-17

'"That we can soon fluid out" said Par
son Weaver 'irritably. "Trip, fetch the
girl here" II
In few minutes She girl stood be.
fore them. She looked shy and half
frightened, wondering what the board
eculd want Of her.
"Ha! Susannah, my dear" began the
parsoR-he had called her Miss West in
he days Of her prosperity, but one can
not expect complimentary titles In the
workhouse-"we have sent for you-be-
cause-in short-wcll, we have had a
very advantageous offer, which we think
will just suit you."
Before Susannah could make any reply
the squire, determined that the chaplain
should not have it all his own way, ex-
claimed in his hearty voice, "What would
you say to 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, nervously
plating corner OF her checked apron.
perhaps it would be as well II read
the letter we have. received" said tho
parson, glazing disapproval of his neigh
Dor for having forced his hand. =
Then he put on his spectacles and read
in slow and ponderous tones Mr.. Stephen
Yexley's epistle, pausing every now and
then to see the effect.
If he expected rapturous gratitude
when he finished, he was disappointed.
Susannah never raised her eyes. Her
color came and went and her lips trcm.
bled. but she said not n word.
swell. my GIRL" cried the squire, un.
able to restrain his patience. "what do
you say to this? Isn't it fine chance?
! wouldn't think twice about 1t IL l were
you. just look at your position. Here
you are in the workhouse at your age
and. like n rat, without friend in the
world. Not any fault of yours, of
course" he added as n panied expression
fitted across the girl's face.
perhaps she would like little time
to think it over" suggested the butcher
in his thick, husky voice.
Have you got anything to say, Su.
sannah?" inquired the parson rather
sternly.
The girls fingers interlaced nervously.
"YOu are very kind, gentlemen, but |
-1-dont know what to say"
She looked around appealingy. 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. II think, gem
tlemen, perhaps if saw Miss West
alone for minute she might give me
an answer. She feels embarrassed, | can
sce."
Quite right, Evesham," said the par
son. "They can go into your room,
Trip, can't they"
Trip, jumping up with aacrty, led
the way to his tobacco scented little
sanctum.
"Sit down. Susannah," said the doctor
kindly. NOW, don't be Hurried. You
have heard this offer; it seems good one
for you. But don't say yes if you'd
rather not. just think it over II little"
He turned his back on hec, and going
over to the mantclpiece examined
quaint old china group of an English
man, Scotchman and Irishman seated to-
gethcr entitled "Auld Lang Syne." A
long silence followed: then Susannnh
spoke. She had Il remarkably sweet,
soft voice, and the doctor looked rouEd
quickly.
''lf do say yes DR.. Evcshnm." sac
said trembingly, ut will be because
you-wish me to; for no other reason"
She raised her eyes to him rs she
spoke. They were beautiful eyes and
sent thrill through the medical officer.
81 wish You to say yes" be excaim-
cd coming toward her.
"You have been so good to nc; you
saved my life when first came hero |
| should never have recovered but for
| your care and attention. l always feel"
she casped 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 DR.. Evesham. He caught both
the hands with which, ashamed Of her
| freedom. she was about to cover her
face, and said teudcrly: My poor girl!
Then you shall never say yes to this
! offer!"
The board was waxing impatient, and
the squire and paraon had almost broken
their long Friendship over the prize
"gatcpost' mansolds when DR.. Evesnan
returned without s'rsanpah West.
"Well, doctor, hope you have brought
the young woman to see reason" said
the former.
II hope So" replied the doctor dryly
'IIas she said YES then?' asked the
squire and the butcher in n breath.
"She has TO me, gentlemen" said DR..
Eve sham, reddening. Il am going to
quarry her myself" journal.