"Short Sixes"; Stories to Be Read While the Candle Burns (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891 edition. Excerpt: ... Euphrosyne. But what explanation could he make? There was no earthly reason for his appearance in Tusculum. He talked of the West until eleven o'clock, and then he took a hesitating leave. The next day he made a weak pretense of casually passing by when he knew that Miss Euphrosyne was working in the garden; but he found it no easier to explain across the front fence. The explanation never would have been made if it had not been for Miss Euphrosyne. A curious nervousness had come over her, too, and suddenly she spoke out. "Mr. Cutter--excuse me--but what has brought you here? I mean is it any thing that concerns us--or--or--Papa's affairs I thought everything was settled--I had hoped--" There was nothing for it now but to tell the whole story, and Dick told it. "I suppose you 'll think we 're a pack of barbarians," he said, when he had come to the end, "and, of course, it's all impracticable now." But Miss Euphrosyne did not seem to be offended--only thoughtful. "Can you call here to-morrow at this time, Mr. Cutter?" she inquired. Miss Euphrosyne blushed faintly when Dick presented himself to hear judgement pronounced. "I suppose you will think it strange," she said, "but if your plan is feasible, I should wish to carry it out. Frankly, I do want to see the girls married. Clelia and Lydia and I are past the time when women think about such things--but Clytie--and the rest. And, you know, I can remember how Papa and Mama lived together, and sometimes it seems cruelly hard that those dear girls should lose all that happiness--I 'm sure it's the best happiness in the world. And it can never be, here. Now, if I could get occupation--you know that I 'm teaching school, I suppose--and if the rest...