The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1914-05-04

LatneI 0lWayS Drought nome the very
infrequent letters that came to the
family Mark knew that any senti-
mental correspondence would be
fraught with danger. No. everything
was probably Just as It should be. and
yet-welb Patty had expected during
the last three weeks that something
would happen TO break up the monoto-
ny. Of her former existence. She hard
ly knew what It would be. but the kiss
dropped SO lightly on her cheek by
Mark Wilson still burned in remem-
brance and made her sure that 1t would
have.a sequel or an explanation.
Marks sister Ellen and Phil Perry
We're in the midst Of some form OF
lovers quarrel. and during Its progress
Phil was paying considerable attention
to Patty at Sabbath school and prayer
meeting, occasions. it must be confess
ed. only provocative Of very indirect
and long distance advances. cephas
Cole. to the amazement OF every one
but his tconstitutionallyl exasperated
mother, was r't1iiing down" the ell OF
the family mansion, mitigating the
lively yellow aud putting another fresh
coat Of paint on It, for no conceivable
reason. save that Of pleasing the eye
of. q .eertaine copicious, ,ingrateful
Young hussy, WHO would probably say,
when her verdict was asked, that she
didn't see any particular difference in
it one way or another.
/ NOT ..annotoiIr, l..i.1-
the deacon's emporium this sunny
June Saturday morning, cephas may
have possibly lost a customer or two
By leaving the store vacant while lie
toiled and sweated for Miss Patience
Baxter In the stockroom at the back,
overhanging the river, but no man
alive could see his employers lovely
daughter Juggling at u key Of shingle
nails without trying to save her from
a broken back, although Cephas could
have watched his mother move the
house and barn without feeling the
slightest anxiety in her behalf. If he
could ever get the theft of the dog.
goned" cleaning out OF the way so that
Patty's mind could be free to enter
tain his proposition; could ever secure
one precious moment Of silence when
she was not Stating and banging, push
ing and pulling things about, her head
and ears out of sight under shelf
and an Irritating air OF absorption
about her whole demeanor; if that mo-
ment OF silence could ever, under Prov.
idence, be simultaneous with the abb
sence OF customers in the front shop,
Cephas intended to offer himself to
Patience Baxter that very morning.
Once, during temporary lull in the
rear. he started to meet his fate when
Rodman Boynton followed him into
the back room. and heSboy was at
once set to work by Patty. who was
the most consummate slave driver in.
the state OF Maine. After half an hour
there was another heaven sent chance,
when Rodman went up to Uncle Bart's
shop with message for Waitstill. but,
| just then. in came Bill Morrill,. boy
Of twelve, withisarequest for a gallon
OF moIasses. and4would Cephas lend
him stone jug over Sunday. for his
mother had hers ''soakin' out in soap
suds cause WANT smeliin' Jest right"
Bfll's message given. he hurried UP the
road on another errand, promising to
call for the molasses later.
The minutes dragged by. and again
there was perfect quiet in the stock
room. AS the door opened. Cephas,
taking his last chance. went forward
to meet Patty, who was turning down
the skirt of her dress. taking the cloth
of her head, smoothing her hair and
tying on clean white rpftied apron, in
which she looked as pretty as a pink.
Patty" stammered Cephps. Selling
his golden opportunity. Patty, keep
your mind on me for q minute. I've
put new coat o. paint on the ell just
TO please you. Won't you get married
and settle down with me! love you
80 can't eat nor drlnk nor tend store
nor nothin'g'
"oh, I-I-couldn't. Cephas, thank
you. l just couIdn't-don't ask mel"
cried Patty, as nervous us Cephas him.
self now that her first offer had really
come. I'm only seventeen. and don't
feel like settling down, Cephas, and fa-
ther wouldn't think of letting me get
married"
enon't play tricks on me, Patty, and
keep shown me off so an givin' wrong
Feasops,p pleaded Cephas. Whats
the trouble with me? know mothers
temper's onsartin. but we never need
80 into the main house daytimes, and
father'd alters stand up ag'in her If
she didn't treat you right. I've got a
good trade. and father has 500 o. my
savin's that l can draw out tomorrer if
you'll have me-"
II can't. cephas. Don't moye-stay
where you are. No. don't come any
nearer. I'm not fond of you that way,
and, besides-and, besides"-
Her blush and her evident embar,
rassment gaSesC ephas new fear.
You ain't promised already. be
you" he asked anxiously, when there
amt a, teller dnswheres around that's
ever stepped foot over your fathers
doorsill but Jest met"
| II haven't promised anything or any
body" Patty answered sedately, gain!