Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1899-09-30

| why to pap, when he made the new
axe handle and ! helped him. and It a
nice one. too, Joe" said Bessie. Joe.
do you like aunt Pap says she's NICE
tause she makes pie for supper; and oh,
Joe, she laughed at DIR. Grey, and
mamma jes scolded her"
Joc's C, nscience pricked him, though
his hear, gave glad bound and he
turned Prince around saying, II expect
Aunt Lucinda is ready now. Let US
see how fast Prince can go"
Luncinda was at the gate as they
drove up and Bessie was lifted out,
laughing merrily and insisting on kiss
ing Joe good-by. and telling him mot
to run of with aunt taase she 'ool1ed so
nice in her new dress
Mice, thought Joe, "she looks like
an angel" and such a feeling of un-
worthiness came over him that he
scarcely lifted his eyes, and helped the
angel into the buggy so awkwardly
that her dress caught On the step, and
she almost fell into his arms.
She laughed. however. saying. 1T
seems | never can get into a buggy
without trouble; do wish was not so
clumsy" and Joe. without a word,
seated himself by her side aud drove off
as grim as a statue.
When they arrived at the picnic
grounds they found a gay crowd assem-
bled. and Lucinda, being universal
favorite, was at once surrounded and
hurried off TO join in game of croquet.
And when dinner-time came and the
baskets We're unpacked. it was Lucinda
who must superintend the arrange
ments.
| Joe vainly tried to get near her. DIR.
Grey was gracefully unconcious of be-
ing in anybody's way, and managed.
somehow, TO be of so much assistance in
unpacking dishes. and rescuing pies and
cakes from perilous place. that all the
girls were calling ON him for advice and
help. Aud when dinner was ready he
easily succeeded in placing himself at
Lucinda's side, and kept up a constant
stream of laughter and jest. If some
times Lucinda cast a glance at Joe. who
was heroically devoting himself to an
elderly spinster, he was ignorant of it,
and Miss Golden was 20 fiattered by his
atten ion that she whispered to him
that she had always felt that when con-
genial spirits met. slight difference in
age should not be considered. as the
soul, knowing nothing of time, was al
ways young.
Joe assented to the remark, as he
would have assented TO anything she
said; but he thought. if his soul knew
nothing of time, it was queer that it
should be so wretchedly tired and
anxious for this particular time to end.
But it ended at last, and Joe was once
more in the buggy, with Lucinda by his
side. That ''impertinent puppy" as
Joe inwardly called DIR. Grey, had
fingered near her until Joe had gathered
up the reins, when, with a bow and
and galloped away.
Now, as they sped over the prairie, Joe
was fully determined to tell his love
tale. IF she refuses me-" he thought,
II can't feel much worse, and its just
got TO be settled Mrs. Miller was right,
and I'm coward, but I'm in for it now"
and Lucinda glancing at his face was so
startled at his determined look that she
exclaimed in a half frightened voice:
''Oh. Joe! what is the matter You
are so pale! are you sick"
No" he said sharply. I'm not sick.
I-say, Lucinda, let's get married."
And Lucinda said softly: We'll, Joe,
let's"
In a twinkling Joe's arms was around
her. and jerk of the lines brought
Prince to a walk.
''Do you'mean il, Lucinda cried Joe.
do you love me half so well as l do
you:"
Lucinda pushed him away. "Of cour Sc
| meant" she said: "but there is car
riage right behind us. For mercy's sake
don't let them pass us.
Joe shortened up, and Prince was off
like dart, while his driver waved his
hand derisively at the occupants of the
other carriage. now close behind them.
and shouted: mo pass on this road {"
Lucinda leaned back in the buggy. half
laughing. half crying. while Joe drove
Prince with the air of hero.
What do you think your sister will
say to u.s." he said presently.
'If she had seen ycu to-day" said
Lucinda. II expect she would ask you
how you supposed Miss Golden would
feel when she found how basely you had
treated her ("
Now, Lucinda" said Joe. whose
bashfulness had somehow all left him;
whenever you say Miss Golden l shall
ask after DIR. Grey's welfare. " and then
the simpietons laughed as if there had
been something very witty said.
When they drove mp TO the Miller
home stead Mr.. and Mrs. Miller, were
in the front yard. watching the people
going home from the picnic. and Mr..
Miller came toward at once, extending
his hand TO assist Lucinda. But Joe
called out. You look after Prince,
Miller. and I'll see to Lucinda: she be-
longs TO me now"
is that so ~ said Mr. Miller well
all can say is. you've got nice piece
of property. What do you say. Mar
tina -
Martha caught her breath and fence
post at the same time. and, before she
could speak. Lucinda had slipped from
Joe's grasp and was through the gate
and in the house.
Then Mrs. Miller having recovered
herself said. Never mind. Joe, she's
all right. But how i'll the world did
You ever
Her husband interrupted her. Come
in joe" he said. "of course you will
take supper with us,
"Of course" said Mrs Miller. "You
will have TO take pot luck. but chats
no matter You re one of the family now,
reckon. Here Bessie" as the little
girl came running toward them. ''come
and kiss your uncle Joe"
Bessie did not understand until mat
ters were explained. and then, she did
not object To Joe as an uncle. she pro-
tested loudly against his taking her
INax n ra1 ~ "