Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-05-01
,et know no better-disposed lad e'er

Ci yOu Whoty oOoA, hS oeSAu, feel as 'tis in the air you're going to
 love me . indeed, I'll lay bet of a shilling with you that this time next week you'll be willing to sit upon my knee, and maybe-maybe. kiss me of your own accord. If you're not willing 10 sit on my knee come week today give you shilling-if you are, you give me sixpence."
 All right" said Mary.
 When he had gone Mary immedi- ately took the precaution of drawing the bolt. I've had enough of MT. Sellars tonight" she said. Hes well-nigh set me against him, putting things so clear before my eyes. 'Tis cruel and hard to be short of money and things, and scarce to know where to turn!"
 The next day farm lad came with letter addressed in a struggling hand and sealed with liver-colored waters. She opened unwillingly, ex- pecting to read therein an emphatic renewal of his proposal; but, instead she found that he summed the very mention of love.
 My dear Mary" he had written, "you must not be disappointed if you do not see me until week come last night; for I am minded of an old rhyme as my father used to say when was counting my first. It ran some thing like He as woos maid must seldom come in her sight So you see. I am going to give myself fair chance to win my bet by staying away and letting your thoughts dwell on me. But you may be sure as shall always be thinking of you, and if you want aught of any kind, you've only to let me know by letter. Your affec- tionate sweetheart,
 . ABRAHAM"
 Somehow Mary felt in better spirits now than she had ever felt since the day, twelve month ago, when he had first given her definitely to understand that his visits were made with a view to marriage. As she knew that she was to spend the evening alone, she took bundle of letters from the lac quered tea-caddy, and began to read. Hercules Fox-or Hack" as everyone called him had written these on the rare occasions when business had called him to the country town: they were rough, uncouthly phrased, but full of honest passion. When the perusal was finished, she sat with them on her lap, tearfully gazing into space. At seven o'clock, however, a curious impulse made her replace all and then don the quaint gown she had worn for Abraham's sake After wards she went into the garden, and without knowing why gathered three white roses with pink hearts, and pinned them with a spray of Lads love to her throat. When she looked at her reflection in the little mirror near the clock, she drowned almost grossly, and her hands rose to re- move the flowers; but fell suddenly, do SliO ACalu lhC 6olC opChy anu footstep oddly familiar sound on the hollowed flags of the path.
 She staggered against the wall; her face. as it turned slowly towards the open door was white as the outer petals of the roses. Then, hearing her name spoken in hoarse voice. she moved forward and fell into a mans outstretched arms.
 It was Hercules Fox, but not the same Hercules 3le had known; in- stead. handsome, healthy and stal. wart fellow. with no trace in either face or figure of the ravages dissipa. tion had wrought. The apparition was too much TOT Mary.
 T can't believe 'tis you. Hack" she faltered. "'tis more than my headll stand!"
 The young man kissed her heartily. "Can you now?" he asked. Lord! but you have given me scare! And I've come over from Uxeter to see if there's any chance for me"
 His brow puckered of a sudden. You're dressed for courting!" he said. "old Sellers must be a-coming,"
 Mary laughed faintly. Not this eve. Hack" she whispered MT. Sellers is stopping away for a week. whilst find out my own mind. I don't want him at all"
 And you're not a-going to have him that's another thing" said Hack, kissing her again. That is if you can bring your mind to taking me after all. I've been straight as a die e'er since you sent me away. and by good chance I've gotten a good situation as steward on Lord Bostern's Stafford 1 shire land. There's handsome house ready for furnishing, and I've money in ! both pockets. I dare not have asked you again, but last week I heard ! that old Sellers had told folk as he I was sure of you, and that gave me pluck!"
 Mary was silent; but there was such a rare smile on her face that 1 Hercules heart beat quite loudly with 1 happiness. And. later in the evening, she was minded of the old mans bet. 1: She rose at once. and opening the l sloping lid of the bureau. took out pen and paper. and. with her lover l. leaning over her shoulder. wrote:
 Dear sir-This is to inform you that you owe me a shilling. as Hack 1 has come back, and we're to marry i next week Yours respectfully.
 MARY LOWE"
 "'Tfs time you were gone. Hack, 1