Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1903-10-03
JOHN THOMAS
EY MARY GRACE HALPINE.

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 admir-
alton ripened into friendship, and
friendship into love.
One day, as the happy pair were
seated quietly by themselves-Miss
Vernon having considerably with
drawn into the back parlor-they
caught glimpse Of Mr.. Bagstock de-
scending from carriage ut 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 trem-
bling hand in his; II will make 1t all
right with your uncle"
Eyes, but, dear John" she said, hur-
riedly, do please step into the back
parlor, and let me explain matters to
him little before he sees you"
Somewhat reluctantly John obeyed,
disappearing through the folding doors
into the adjoining room just as Mr.
BagstOck entered.
The customary greetings over, Mr..
Bagstock regarded his niece with both
vexed and amused expression.
$50 it seems 1t is you that has got
the mitten," he said. II had letter
from Mr.. John Armstrong, declining
the honor of your hand"
IF he had waited few days he
would have been spared the trouble"
said the young lady, with look Of Of
Tended pride, ''as l happen to have
chosen for myself. as every one ought
to have the privilege of doing"
$50 has he, 1t seems. And Of all
women that it should be your Cousin
JaneY"
cousin Jane! Why, where could he
have seen ber?"
why, here to be sure. Hasn't he
four weeks? returned Mr.. Bagstock,
staring.
mo, indeed, uncle. His high might
ness didn't consider me of sufficient
Importance to warrant his taking SO
much trouble! He sent one of his
clerks, Mr. John Thomas, who, do
assure you, uncle, is most agreeable
and excellent young man"
"Who can speak for himself" said
the individual alluded to, walking out
from the back parlor.
why, John, my dear boy, how do
you do" exclaimed Mr.. BagstOck,
shaking him cordially by the hand. II
didn't get your letter until yesterday"
Are you acquainted with Mr.. John
Thomas?" said his niece. looking from
one to the other with n bewildered air.
Mr.. BagstOck now began to have an
iItt~ii,,e, OF <i>. ..,.ti,------
II am, or ought to be, well acquaint-
ed with John Thomas Armstrong; he
said smiling.
Forgive me this deception, dear
Jenny whispered John, as he drew
the astonished girl to his side. II
wanted to be sure that my wife loved
me for myself alone"
"There will have to be mutual for
giveness," responded the laughing and
blushing girl, as she raised her head
from her lovers shoulder; my name
not being Jenny, but Kate! I, too,
wanted to be sure of your love-"
81 hope you are both satisfied" said
Mr.. Bagstock, as soon as his merri-
ment would allow him to speak. II
am sure you ought to be-"
Neither John or Kate made any YER
bal response to this, but they looked
perfectly contented.
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 to
her is the one by which she first began
to know and love him, that Of John
Thomas New York Weekly.