Year: 1860

':Welcome colonel It's preposterous ~
thought l. and with of the brightest smiles
in the world, informed father and mother
that had an engagement at cousin Maud s.
"He must be some great, tall, whiskered, long
nosed ogre, enough to scare the wits out oi
me-" said; and with this very comforting
conclusion l set ont for cousin Maud's, where
1 remained through the day.


When | arrived at home Colonel Parker had
taken his departure, regretting very much my
absence. The next day set out for another
ride. not expecting second race, of course
but turning my eyes to the opposite road,
soon discovered the same tall, gentlemanly
figure, little ahead. He locked around in a
few moments, and seeing l was behind, waited
until | came opposite, then raising his hat he
started with full speed for the crossing.
was soon more than even with him, and reach
ed the crossing first. quietly rushed behind
the shrubbery. Soon he came up and was
puzzled as before at my disappearance. /
trembled for fear he would discover me- but
he never looked in the direction Of my hiding
place. He soon went on, when left my con-
cealment, and gave him another hearty laugh
as again passed him.


The next morning set out again, for had
become quite interested in this novel acouain-
tance; but to my great disappointment
could see nothing of him. "For shame, don't
make such fool of yourself, FAM | said





briskly until reached my hiding place. l
turned round here and was looking at the see
| merry, when beard a slight noise. Looking
| up, what was my astonishment to find my ac-
quaintance right in front of me, and gazing at
me with the most mischievous, roguish eyes
that you ever behed.


Dick seemed to have got on terms of inti
macy with his horse, for they had got their
noses together and were carrying on a secret
teegrapaic conversation altogether foreign to
me. l sat moment, winding the lash of my
riding whip around my finger-rather too
tightly to be comfortable, fear--and wishing
myself thousand miles away. | made des-
perate attempt TO flee but Dick had no no.
tion Of leaving his new acquaintance | was
therefore left to my fate. | glanced at the
| stranger after making this fruitless attempt.
| He smiled at the look of despair pictured on
| my countenance, and with quiet s'good NOR
| ming" he asked me how l enjoyed my ride.
While was answering, he started his horse
Dick followed without any trouble. I was al
first annoyed-almost angry; but Dick for
once would have his own way and at last
making merit of necessity, L fell into IL tete-
d-tefe with the horseman. 1t was pot long be
fore | made the discovery that he was the same
Col. ParkcS that had so much Stunned the
day before.


From that time we used to meet every NOR
ming. l do not doubt but there were q good
many silly things said between us. At any
rate, one afternoon who should drive up to the
door hut Col. Parkes, wishing to see my faith
err How my heart beat as, leaning over the
baluStrade, / heard his inquiry The gentle
men went into the library, and when they
came out, father was rubbing his hands and
looking very much pleased about something.
l was called Immediately.


''Here you are. you little witch, to answer
for yourSelf,' lie said.


ssShe has already answered me,' said the
Colonel.


Pa laughed and gave me a pinch, and said l
was s'sly puss III boots.''


We had very qniet wedding. Neither of
us ever regretted the step. Soon after our
marriage l was looking at my little locket and
thought would show the treasure to my hns-
band telling the story of il, also my little sto-
ry Of Its being my future husbands S miniature.
As he took it | saw look OF wonder on his
face. With mysterious smile he asked me
if | did not think it resembed him.
alt is; said he, ga lockct my mother used
to wear which has been lost for many years.
Pa says that after this he will believe any
story may choose to tell, however prepos-
ferrous.