Smyrna times., 1900-11-07

-, "I ienStn tnat, like HeZI.. |
Alan' ne would ask for a sign from
heaven. He would send the object of
MS acoration bouquet, an anonvmons
bouquet of the choicest. She wouIn
surely guess from whom it came IL
she placed it in the window, he would
write to Mrs. HeXham, explain him.
self and his intentions and raonos+
permission to call.
MI Oddie took holiday the day the
bouquet was sent off from Covent Gar.
uen. TO sit still in his office was n
thlIg impossible. He went for n long
walk, but where his neat little legs
TOOK MIN he was never able to saw.
Inc next day the agony increased.
1here was no sign. Mr.. Oddie fell
plump into the depths Of despair and
was convinced that he had offended
his ladylove. He had not been proper
~ introduced. The phrase became a
perfect nightmare to him.
But the second day there was the
bouquet in the window in all its glory
and, moreover. Miss Hexham was
bending over it, inhaling its perfume
She was beautiful woman, not too
young for man-ahem-in his prime.
Inc wonder was that such a treasure
mad not been snapped up before.
Markham Oddie wrote to Mrs. Hex
ham. 1t took him hours and hours to
compose the letter, and it was the most
deliciously old fashioned epistle ever
penned in a practical century. Two
whole days elapsed before little note
came in reply:
MrS. HeXham presents her cOmpli-
ments to Mr.. Markham Oddie and
would be pleased to see him if he
could make it convenient TO call this
evening between s and O'clock
The note was a formal one but when
the agitated little old bachelor was
shown into the sitting room at Holm
wood Mrs. Hexham. who was alone,
received him with very kindly smile.
Her eyes looked as if she had been
crying.
please take a seat" she said. 1T
has been very close all day, has it
notY'
Terribly answered the visitor.
do you feel the heat muchT
"Yes. | am afraid do" was the re-
ply, and Mr.. Oddie suddenly recollect-
ed that his future mother-in-Iaw was
said to be deaf and dumb. This lady
was certainly neither
"My daughter" said Mrs. Hexham
after a pause. desired me to tell you
how very, very grateful she is to you
for your letter and the flowers She
has gone away for a short time to stay
with friends. She-she thOnght 1t
best"
Mr.. Oddie sat there. unable to utter a
word. "ShP had gone away because
she thought it best" That meant that
there was no hope for him.
Mrs. Hexhams eyes filled with tears
as she looked at him. "Oh." she cried
81 am so sorry-sO very sorry! You
are such a good. kind hearted man.
am sure. OF course you did not know
or you would not have thought of it,"
Thought of what?" asked Mr.. Cd
die heavily.
"Of marrying my poor Agatha. YoU
did not know that she is deaf anG
dumb?"
Mr.. Odde stared at the speaker IL
blank amazement. 1t was fully a min
ute before he grasped the Significance
Of what she was saying. 1t was the
daughter, not the mother, who wa!
afflicted" as Mrs. Roper would have
phrased 1t. He was silent. and Mrs
Hexham continues:
"My poor girl is very sensitive, ant
your kindness went to her heart. | cal
. assure you"
Mr.. Oddie pulled himself togethe
and rose to his feet. At this mOmen
! there was something almost nObl
| about his rather tubby little figure.
! MADAM" he said firmly. you
daughter is an angel, and l love heI
Will you have the goodness to give m
, her address-that is, if you will sane
, ton my asking her to do me the homo
T to be my yifeY
: att seems rather unconventional,
, she said, "but 1t Is not exactly an ord
nary case, Is It? And l am sure yO
q are good man. Mr.. Sedley, the vical
> was talking about you only the othe
!, day and saying how charitable yo
were. Agatha has the sweetest dispC
: sition, and she is so quick you hardl
. realize that she is not like other pei
). pie. Indeed, think you would be yer
q happy together"
: "I think we three would be very hal
by together" answered Mr. Oddie. en-
= phasizing the three" He took I'll
widows hand and kissed it with ol
fashioned gallantry.
1t is unnecessary to mention at whi
unearthly hour Mr.. Oddie required b
:, breakfast the next morning or to stat
= that he hardly ate mouthful OF 1t.
In the afternoon of the same da
~ Mrs. Hexham might have been see
d, reading a telegram with a beami1
~ ~ face. 1t was not long one, for 1t CO.
= tained only five words. Love fro
Agatha and Markham."-Sketch.