126 CAROLINE.

 

Beechnut makes a proposal to Mrs. Henry.

 

«“ A namesake of mine!” exclaimed Caroline.

“Yes,” said Beechnut ; and he then proceeded to relate
to Caroline the adventure which he had met with at the
post-office, when he inquired for a letter for a lady who
said that her name was Mrs. Caroline Keep.

“It must be my cousin William’s wife,” said Caroline.
“She was a Caroline something I recollect, and he has
gone to California. He used to be a wild young man.”

“T thought,” rejoined Beechnut, “that his wife seemed
to be left in rather destitute circumstances.”

“JT will tell my mother about it,” said Caroline, “ and,
perhaps, she will write her a letter and inquire. Or I
will write her a letter myself, and then if she needs it,
we will send her some money.”

“TI would do that,” said Beechnut.

So saying, Beechnut returned to his work and Caroline
rode away.

That evening, after tea, Beechnut went into the house
to see Mrs. Henry. He told her that he came to speak
to her about the blueberry excursion that was to take
place on the following day.

“ Well,” said Mrs. Henry. “Can you leave your work
so as to go with the party P”

“Yes, Mrs. Henry,” said Beechnut, “I find I can.
The men say that they can finish the bridge now very
well without me. Still, unless you prefer to have me go
on account of Malleville and Phonny, I would rather
spend the day in another manner.”

“In what manner?” said Mrs. Henry.

Beechnut looked a little embarrassed, and seemed
hesitating about his reply.

«“ Ah, it is some secret, I see,” said Mrs. Henry, smil-