The Monticellonian., 1904-01-21

sooner or later, and then his deception would be exposed to his old friend. and besides, he would look ridiculous. He called again the next night and the next, all without result.
 Things were getting warm. Miss Miffin would certainly use the Bible on Sunday, for she taught at Sunday school, and Sunday was only two days off. The deed must be done quickly.
 In the meantime the captains regular visits to Miss Mifin had caused talk. He was regarded as a most ardent suitor for Miss Miffin's hand, and that spinster when probed with questions, blushed and said, with simper, that possibly something might happen. Capt. Tray CTS. even amid his troubles, could not but notice the arch glances of Miss Nicely, and her sly hints at wedding | bells and orange blossoms
 Capt Stubbs amused his guest at breakfast by recounting the fate of sun- dry ship masters who had made fools of themselves by marrying late in life. but as Capt, Travers did not understand the point, it did no good.
 "It must be done tonight" :" muttered the captain, as he trudged towards Miss Miffin's home Friday evening. "I am going away Monday morning, and it must be done tonight" But this evening, like its predecessors, brought the captain no nearer his goal He tried to turn the talk toward Bibles, hoping for an opportunity to get his hands on the longed-for volume, but Miss Miffin insisted on talking about other things. Finally he announced, in the bitterness of his defeat, that he was going to leave on Sunday, to rejoin his vessel.
 Instantly Miss Miffin burst into tears.
 'Good-by," said Capt Travers, gloom fly.
 Miss Miffin wept more sorely.
 Whats the matter?" asked he.
 "Whawhat will the neighbors say" sobbed Miss Miffin. What will they think. Oh, captain, I'll die with shame" :"
 What should they think?" inquired the amazed captain.
 They think you were coming to see me; that you intended to marry me" sobbed Miss Miffin. "Oh, what shall do. I'll die"
 A great light burst upon the captain. In his search for an opportunity to re- cover his unlucky money he had seri- ously compromised an innocent fe- male. She would be the butt of un- friendly ridicule. She would be laughed at. and all his fault.
 II did come to see you" he stam- mered
 Miss Miffin threw her arms around his neck, and lay her head on his breast.
 T am yours, Job" she said, yours till death"
 Capt Travers walked home in trance He had not recovered his money, but he found himself an engaged man. An un- expected development. The next morn ing Capt. Travers ate breakfast uncom- fortably under a fire of suspicious glanees from Capt. Stubbs, and he was relievedly preparing to rise from table when a shriek sounded from upstairs, and Miss Nicely rushed into the room, hysterically waving hundred-dollar note.
 .'I found it in my Bible" she cried. Now I'll get a new dress" Then she ran across the room and kissed Capt Travers.
 ..I am glad, whoever put It there did not put it in Miss Miffin's Bible" said she. They were both on my bureau, and he might have made mistake"
 Capt. Stubbs glowered at his guest.
 Have you made a fortin?' he asked.
 No, Sam" replied Capt. Travers, me ehanically. Poor as a rat, Sam"
 But MT and Mrs. Travers lived hap oily and Nicely wore new dress at the wedding.