The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1903-10-02
JOHN THOMAS
BY NARY GRACE HALPINE.

| "Mr. Armstrong iS as devoted 10 ms
business AZ his father was before him."
was the rather grave response.
LET us hope" be added, with an
other bow and smile, that he will ere
long find more worthy object for his
devotion"
The terms in which the letter Of in
PRODUCTION spoke of it's bearer insured
him very cordial reception, while his
pleasing and gcntlemanIy manner soon
placed him on friendly footing with
both ladies. But, though polite and at
tontivc To his fair hostess, he seemed
from the first TO be instinctiyely drawn
toward her cousin, Jane, who on her
part. received his advances coyly in
deed, but with evident pleasure.
Some pleasant weeks passed weeks
which flew All too swiftly TO at least
two Of the trio and with whom admiy-
alton ripenoi into friendship, and
friendship inio love.
| One day, ns the happy pair were
seated quietly by themselves-Mis
Vernon having CONSIDERABLY with
drawn into the back parlor-thcy
caught glimpse Of Mr.. Bagstock dc
sccnding from a carriage at the door,
whose return had not been expected
until the week following; upon which
Jane manifested considerably more
agitation than her lover anticipated.
! Don't be alarmed, dearest, he whis-
pered, pressing fondly the little nem-
bling hand in his; ~ viii make IL all
right with your unclr."
Eyes, but, dear John" she said, hnr-
ricdly, do please step into the back
parlor. and let me cxpIdin matters to
him little before he sees you"
! Somewhat reluctantly John obeycd
disappearing through the folding doors
into the adjoining room just M MIR.
| Bagstock entered.
The customary greetings over, hr
Bagstock regarded his niece with both
vcxed and amused expression.
80 il seems IL is you that has got
! the mittcn," he said. II had Il letter
from Mr.. John Armstrong, declining
The honor of your hand
III bc had waited few days he
| would have been spared the trouble
sail the young lady, with n look OF of
Tended pride, "as ! happen to hive
chosen for myself, as every one ought
! To have the privilege of doing
80 has he, il seems. And OF all
women that IL should De your Cousin
JaneT'
Cousin Jane! Why, where could he
have seen herr
"Wby. here, to be sure Hasn't be
been visiting here the last three or
four weeksT returned Mr. BagstoCk,
staring.
mo. indeed, uncle Ills high might
ness didn't consider me OF sufficient
Importance to warrant his taking 20
much trouble! He sent one Of his
clerks. Mr. John Thomas who. l do
assure you, uncle, is most agreeable
and excellent young man---'
who can speak for himself" SAID
the individual alluded 10, walking out
from the back parlor.
"Why, John my dear boy, how do
you dor exclaimed Mr.. BaGstock,
shaking him cordially by the hand "I
didn't get your letter until yesterday"
Are you acquainted with Mr.. John
ThomasY said his niece, looking from
one TO tho other with n bcwildcrcd air
Mr.. Bagstock now began To- have nm
inkling of the truth.
81 am. or ought 10 he, well acquaipt.
cd with John Thomas Armstrong" he
said, smiling.
Forgive me this deception, dear
jenny whispered John. as he drew
| the astonished girl 20 his side. II
wanted to be sure that my wife loved
mo for myself alone"
There will have 10 he mutual for
giveness," responded the laughing and
| hlushing girl, as she raised her head
from her lovers shoulder; my name
not being Jenny. hut Kate! |. too,
wanted to he sure Of your love"
Il hope you arc both satisfied said
Mr.. Bagstock, as soon as his merri-
ment would allow him 60 speak. II
am sure you ought 10 be-"
| Neither John or Kate made any yer,
bal response 10 this, but they booked
perfectly contcntcd.
| Kate married the rich merchant,
John Armstrong, and the happy years
that followed proved the wisdom OF
their choice; but she often declares
that The dearest and sweetest name 10
her is the one Ivy which shc first began
10 know and love him, that OF John
Thomas New York Weekly.