Year: 1873

to 60 into the parlor as she was. What
did she care for old Colby, anyway =?
But ths spice Of coquetry inherent in
her nature conquered, and she went to
her room. Soon she came down, look
ing in her green, and white muslin as
| cool and fresh as Naiad just from
some ocean grotto. She fairly took
away Colby's breath as she came into
the room; and indeed it was no wonder,
for she did look good and pretty enough
to cot, if one had been inclined TO- ca11-
nibalism. Her fat admirer bowed as
low as was consistent with the buttons
on his waistcoat in return for her de-
mure salutation, and then gallantly led
her to seat by the window.


Rose did not talk much; she let the
Hon. Mr.. Colby do that, thing he was
not 10th to do. He had good opin-
ion of his colloqual powers, and lost no
opportunity to display them, especially
when he found good listener, such q
one as Rose, for instance. Poor, de-
luded mortal, he was not aware that
she did not hear half he said. She was
thinking how she would get rid of him
and keep her appointment with Dick;
but how was he to know that p? He
thought she was as much interested in
hearing as he was telling of the new
orphans home they were founding in
our town, and the humane society they
had organized. Fortunately, just as
Rose had determined on doing s6me-
thing desperate, rather than be bored
any longer, tea was announced, and Mr..
Colby had to defer the interesting--te
him--conversation till some other time.
After tea, to Rosies infinite delight,
her father took the guest out to look at
some fine cattle in the back lot. Now
was her opportunity. Hastily snatch
ing up scarf she wound it about her
head, and ran off toward the river. But
as she neared the old trysting-place,
where grew an enormous willow, its
pendant branches almost touching the
water, she assumed more dignifed
pace. Seeing her now, you would have
thought she was some staid, decorous,
young lady, taking her " constitution
al, instead of a "giddy thing" going
to meet her scapegrace lover. A young
gentleman is sitting on the bank, and
from the frown on his brow Rose judges
he has been waiting; he has not seen
her, and slightly changing her course,
with a step light as thistle-down, she
comes up behind him, and clasps her
hands over his face. "Guess who ?"
she called out, merrily.


"Rose," he cried, the frown disap-
pearing instantly. ct was afraid you
would not come; but see, it is getting
late, and We shall miss our row if we do
not hurry"


Leading the way to the boat that was
moored not for distant, he assisted his
fair companion in, and taking the oars,
they were soon gliding over the rippling
water.


"What made you so late tonight,
Rose?" Dick said at last, after having
rowed for some time in silence.


We had company. Oh! Dick, see
what beautiful lilies; do let us get
some."


Company" repeated Dick, inquir-
ingly. as he filled her lap with flowers.
" Yes; Mr.. Colby"


What, old Colby? What is he here
for, Rose?'' said Dick, suspiciously.
He knew tile wishes of papa and mann
ma Carey in regard to their daughter,
and he felt this visit BODIED no good.


"I should think you could guess,
Dick" Rose answered demurely, and
trailing her little brown fingers in the
water. "You know it papa and man.
mas wish that 1 should marry Mr..
Colby" ......


But you will not, Rose? Why he
is old enough to be you father. You
will not marry that man?" said poor
Dick, who looked as if he would throw
himself overheard, if she answered in
the affirmative. ..~


"Well, I don't know that could do
better. My parents desire hiding
her piquant little nose in the waxen cup
of lily; besides he is rich, and not
rery old after all; why should I not
marry him?'


Because I want you myself" ship
ping his oars and letting the little craft
float " Because I cannot live without
you, Rosie?" Which was a whopper;
for who ever heard of a young man in
this fast age dying because the girl he
had proposed to didn't happen to want
him? No, they do better; they heal
their lacerated hearts and feelings by
straightway going and proposing to an
other OF the angels.


OF course, our sensible little Rose did
not believe he would die if she refused
him, but she was very glad to find that
he was in earnest, for she had been Just
little afraid that handsome Dick Fen
ton was only flirting with her; and
when he leaned forward and whispered,
Say, darling, you do carea little more
for me than for that old fellow?" she
confessed that she did, and then, but
why describe what followed; suffice to
say, that though new to them, it was
the same old story-almost as old as
time itself.


But, Dick, what am to do? Pa
0n1 mn ro~o,. ,,-.11 r>o 4