Year: 1861

There was ALWAYS mystery hanging
about certain way that Morgan had, and
in which he was always heartily joined by
his wife-my own cousin May Stevens,
that had been-a way that troubled my
curiosity much until the one eventful eve
ming that was satisfied by hearing the
reason why.


1t was simply this: that every time a
word was spoken that led to the period
when Charley Morgan first net my cousin
May, they would both laugh very heartily,
but would always refuse to tell at what
they laughed This was certainly very
provoking, and l had little hesitation in
telling them so-not once, but many times
at which they always ended by kissing
each other, and looking very affectionate.


| determined to have solution of the
matter, for no other reason than it worried
me. l am but woman, and having
pleaded to the possession of curiosity, L
see no reason why sometimes 1t may not
be INDUCED. With this resolution | set
forth one evening, when we three, Morgan
May, and myself, were drawn up before
the fire, and early settled for talk.
There was no time mincing matters, was
my first idea, and with this idea ] dashed
boldly out with


"Mr. Morgan u usually called him
Charley but l was desirous of showing
that WAS reall" in earnest. " Mr.. Nor
gan, why do you always laugh and look at
May, when the subject of your first meet
ing with her is spoken of?'


This, was sure, was simple question ;
and yet instead Of answering it in simple
way they went back both of them on the
plan, and laughed as if the words l had
spoken were the very best joke in the
world. l could 90 nothing, of course, but
look grave and solemn, which in a few
moments brought them both looking the
same way, and then May spoke to me
seriously and said:


"Cousin Jane, you take our laughing
much more seriously than | thought you
would. 1t is only little memory between
Charley and | that brings the laugh; to us
it is droll remembrance; but, perhaps, in
telling it, there would be nothing TO amuse
any one"


The explanation brought back my good
hnmor in an instant, and with smile
said


Now May, this is really unkind of you
for SO long have you excited my curiosit!.
that even were the story not worth telling
you should tell it."


"Well, cousin Jane shall have the story
May; will tell it myself to her.


At this declaration l was surprised tc
see May flush up to bright red, and break
out rather vehemently with


"No, Charley, this is really too bad
you shall not do it, sir. If cousin Jane is
to have the story will tell her myself
And then, after pause she said, " When
We are alone"


You shall do no such thing Madame
May" was Charley's laughing response
"vou shall do no such thing. This time
| shall have my own way, and cousir
Jane shall not have her curiosity excited
any more without being satisfied"
| | SAW there was to he discussion or
| that point, but knew in some way Char
ley was come of victor, SO |, merely say
/ ing that would be back in few minutes
stepped out of the room and walked about
the garden until felt sure the point wa.
settled, when went back and found Char
ley and May looking as happy as birds
and laughing the old laugh as usual. A:
entered. Charley drew up the rocking
chair; and after seeing me deposited in it.
depths, said:


Now, cousin Jane, shall tell you th.
story abou. how | first me, my wife.
:" 1t is just five years ago this summer
that was granted exemption for month
from nv desk, and went down with m,
J oIl chum. Horace Hvatt. 20 his .athers il