The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1907-06-19
THE GIRL WHO LAUGHED

eyes, think she is pretty" answer
ed Morris, as if he had just thought
Of it for the first time, which was
true.
"And she would make a good wife,
Norris.
But Morris had no answer to this.
He arose, presently, and went to his
room, and lay there thinking, think
ing. His mother was growing old,
he was receiving a good salary, his
home was paid for, and he was TWEEN
ty-six years old. It would be better
all around if he should bring home
wife.
Jane Smith was pretty and a good
girl, and he believed she cared for
him, or would grow to if he asked
too regardful of the '.proprieties," to
allow herself to care for a man until
asked. His mother liked her; why
not end the matter by asking Jane
to be his wife ? But Fleece-oh,
Fleece! laughing Fleece, Fleece,
Fleece! and saying the name over
softly again and again, he fell asleep
and dreamed he stood before the al
tar, plighting his VOWS to Jane Smith;
and just as he was about to utter
81 will" which would bind him for
ever to her, Fleece Mills pelted him
in the mouth with a b1ood-red rose,
and then stood and laughed at his
silent confusion.
He overlook Jane Smith the next
morning as he was going to his work,
and walked a few squares with her.
She was pretty, with such soft black
hair and dusky eyes, and she actually
smiled at him once. They passed
Mr. Mills, and Fleece was watering
a hanging basket in the open window,
and looked and said "Good morning."
and then laughed
"What a giggling girl Fleece Mills
ls!' said Jane, gravely. "She seems
to think life was made for laughter.
I wonder if she ever has serious
thought"
But their ways separated here, and
Morris was spared a reply All, we'll,
Jane was right-his mother was right
Fleece was a light, vain girl a hu-
man butterfly, and he was fool to
think Of her. He would think of her
no more.
He saw a good deal of Jane Smith
for a few weeks after that, and quite
made up his mind to please his mother
and ask Jane to be his wife, when
an accident occurred. He fell from
a scafolding, and was carried home
helpless mass of broken bones and
bruises. His mother tainted at the
sight Of her son borne by four strong
men.
Neighbors crowded in to render
assistance. Jane Smith came to the
door.
IT'S rs that you, Jane ~ she called.
"Oh, come in. They tell me he is
not dead, only hurt and bruised I
am glad you have come to be with
me-"
But Jane shook her head.
You have plenty to help you, I
See" she said, and if I stay, people
will talk. They will say I was bold
to thrust myself in the way when I
was not needed I must not forget
my dignity or sex, you know. I will
come every few hours and inquire
how he is, and if you need help, send
tor me. | shall pray for his recovery,
dear Mrs. Gurnee."
She was turning to go, when some
one rushed past her into the room.
1t was Fleece Mills, all wrapped
in white shawl, her face white, her
blue eyes dilated She looked like
a vision. Unmindful of the presence
of any third party, she sprang to the
side Of Mrs. Gurnee, and put her arms
about her, the tears flowing down her
cheeks
"Oh," she cried, ct am so sorry
for you-so sorry. Tell me, is he
dead-will he die? I have heard such