Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1902-07-10
CHAPTER nj.
Continued.

COuIluucu.
The worst of it was that the sertl-
mental little old maid, under the pre-
text of curing her protege Of her unfor-
tunate attachment, by diverting her
thoughts to a more appropriate chan
mel, took Jcm Stickcls in hand herself,
promised him every assistance with
Nell if he would promise to reform
and encouraged the fisherman to per-
secute Nell more than ever. 1t was she
who persuaded Jcm TO woo with less
arrogant air, with offers to turn over
a new leaf" for her sake, and other
similar Establishments.
And although Nell guessed who 1t
was that had inspired this alteration,
the girl was obliged to take 4 different
attitude to her unwelcome W0oer In
consequence. 1t is easy to be naughty
and studiously frigid to presumptu'
ous person; but when that person be.
comes meek and almost seryile In his
endeavors to make himself useful,
even in the humblest capacity. when
he insists upon chopping your wood
and carrying your water, then 1t Is DIFF
hcalt to maintain a properly freezing
attitude.
The climax came one afternoon
when Nell was invited to tea by Miss
Bostal, and was let in on her arrival
by the detested Jem.
Nell looked quite shocked when, on
entering the house, she learned from
the young mans lips that he had been
invited, too.
The young girl turned to the door Of
the dining-room, where small fire
burned in honor of the occasion, to go
In search of her hostess. Jem, who
was in his Sunday clothes, in which he
presented stronger contrast than
ever to the refined, delicate handed
girl, said awkwardly that Miss Bostal
would be down directly. AS Nell, TAX
ing no notice of this intimation, was
about to leave the room. he suddenly
found courage to place himself before
the door.
ITS done a-purpose; she done it 4
purpose" he explained, growing more
rustic than usual in his speech under
pressure of his excitement, 80 | might
have chance of speaking to YOU
Nell looked angry and anxious; hut
she looked him in the face with an eX-
preston which dauntcd him little.
"She don't know what want to say
-, ~ ha In n hparcD whiS-
per. "She thinks | want to ask you
to marry me, as if l should be such
precious fool! No, whnt want to say
is, that the chap Hemming is still
hanging about; he's staying at the Bell
at StrOan, and he's offered me five
pound not if I'll tell him what l told
you and I've refused. There"
And, fairly overwhelmed by the con-
temptation of his own greatness OF
soul, Jem slapped his chest and made
his eyes round.
Nell listened, with fear and repulsion
struggling in her breast. Should she
brave the man, with the knowledge
which she knew that he possessed, or
should she conquer her own loathlng
and tcmporize? Miss Bostal had adj
viscd her to brave him; but, then, Miss
Bostal did not know what she knew.
Nell shivercd as the man came q step
toward her.
II don't understand you,' she said at
last "What do you want?'
Il want you TO give me a kiss" The
girl started and made a gesture of alb
horrence. "Come," persisted Jem; ut
isn't much, considering, specially as
could take one myself if l had n
mind"
And as he spoke he took another
step, threatening to fulfill this menace.
But Nell was too quick for him; she
was at the other side of the table be-
fore the words were well out of his
mouth.
Miss Bostal," she said, quietly, as If
his proposition had been unworthy of
remark, "advises me to let you make
what use of your information you
please. She says no one would believe
YOU"
"And do you think that?" he asked,
Sith an indescrbably cunning leer.
The sudden anxiety which over.
spread her face at the question showed
him his opportunity.
Look here" he went on, in tone
which was meant to be persuasive, but
which was to Nell repellant In its
coarse assumption Of familiarity, IL
don't want to rush you into anything.
You know what have to sell, and you
know what the price Is. Ii you don't
care to pay it, well, you know how l
can pay myself in coin of the realm.
Now I'll give you till tomorrow night.
II you'll see me tomorrow, down at
your own garden-fence. where you'll
be quite safe, mind, for / mean quite
Jair and above board, and If you'll
,peak to me fair and be civil, III hold
my tongue. and wild horses nor all the
les In Lon'on shouldn't make me
,each: but if YOU don't choose to do
this, and it's a precious small thing
to make such Il fuss about, why, then,
I'll so off to Hemming and get the five
pounds, and you can guess whatll hap
pen, If you don't know"
As the man looked at her, with
bloodshot lnhamed eyes, enjoying In
anticipation the kiss which he felt
she was bound to give. NelPs heart
sank. He would not surely speak in
tbic tnpa fo har ~ thn Droofs of which