The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1911-03-17

was only common decency that Mr..
Spinner should make himself scarce.
It was quite a little time before ne
called again, as he had to go on a
Journey. but the evening came at
last. Aunt Ellen was on the watch
for the love light, but she failed tc
detect 1t. Her sister and husband
went OF to bed at an early hour, and
she pretended to follow them, but she
was a deceiyer. She went out to wait
at the gate instead.
1t was a long, long wait, but Aunt
Ellen :emained. Whenever she had
anything II say she waited until she
could get it off her mind. 1t was II
o'clock and past before she could say
to the young man who came blipking
down the path:
"Mr. Spinner, 1 should like a few
words with you"
ooh, Lord. but 1 thought you were
a GOVT" he exclaimed in reply.
mo, Mr.. Spinner, l am not. / am
only a plain woman l say what I
think"
~ see"
Though I don't want to hurt any
ones feelings"
That's kind of you"
"Mr. Spinner, you have been calling
here Off and or for about two years."
Eyes. about two years."
HyJIlSl@ ~, ,;111 h., 1.j1-1I ,1,v
company, you must be aware that she
has arrived at the age when-when-.
Well, she has arrived at the age when
the average young oma is looking
forward to marriage and a home Of
her own"
Il think l understand"
"And as Mr.. Graves has confessed
his love for Mimic to me, and as 1
know that she loves him, and as he
will most surely ask her to be his
wife next time he calls"
That's rather funny!" said Mr..
Spinner as she hesitated.
81 don't see where the levity comes
in, sir. Love is a very solemn thing,
and marriage is still more solemn"
Granted. What you We're going
to suggest, 1 I-esume, was that
to call here?"
Exactly"
"You are sure about their loving
each other?"
"Sir?"
Because it is news to me, you
know. l thought that Mr.. Graves"
Sir, took you for a gentleman"
Yes, yes-all right-all right. I
see things your way. and this shall
be my last call"
Now you are the gentleman
thought you. You a call, you
know, but it must be as a brother.
YES, as a brother-a real nice
brother. Gracious, but Why didn't
catch on before: thank you from
the bottom of my heart and wish yoH
goodnight"
With that he was gone, and as she
ran into the house. to get to bed Aunt
Ellen fetched a long sigh and NUT
tered:
"Thank heaven, but that is Off my
mind, and my %thirty-tirst match is as
good as clinched. Minnie Taylor cal
never be thankful enough to me-"
A week passed. Neither Mr.. Graves
nor M Spinner called. vt was seen
that Minnie was at least uneasy.
Finally she made bold to ask of the
aunt: rs -~
did you say anything to Mr..
Graves at the gate that night?"'
81 told him he ought to propose. for
l was sure you loved him."
"My gracious, but it's Nancy Bush
that loves him, and he went right off
and asked her, and they are engaged!
You haven't said anything to Mr..
Spinner, l hope?"
81 told him that if he was a gentle
man he would keep away"
"But we have been engaged for two
months"
It took two weeks to s%traighten
things out, and then, as she departed
for home, Aunt Ellen turned her re-
proachful eyes on tie girl and said:
Minnie Taylor, I'll try to
make another match while I live
never! None of them have the least
bit of gratitude"
"New" Things Not to His Liking.