The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-09-15
HIS OWN EVA.
CONCLUDED.

fifteen years service with ones regiment
in India doesn't help to polish one.
First of all, what are your prospects?"
And the Captain drew notebook
from his pocket and proceeded to ex-
anime our hero, as if he were in court
of justice.
''You are an only son, believe
ST am"
"Good." And down went the noto in
the pocket-book.
"Your age?"
"Twenty-eight, next birthday"
sTwenty -eightl Good. Is your con-
stitution healthy?"
81 believe 30. I have had the mea-
sles, whooping-cough and mumps."
Disorders peculiar to infancy. Good. {"
And the Captain scribbled away again.
Are You engaged in any business or
profession?"
''None."
"Then, how on earth do you live?"
'tOn my private income, Captain"
''Then all I can say is, you're an un-
commonly lucky fellow to be able to sub
sist on that. I only wish could. What
is your income?"
'.About 97OO year"
sis it in house property, shares in
limited companies, or the funds7 If in
public companies, Z should be sorry to
give two years purchase for the lot.
''In the new three per cents"
''Good. I think I may say, very good!
What sort. of temper are your"
''Well, that's rather difficult question
to answer" eaid Willoughby, smiling for
the first time.
'Hang it, sir, not at ALL" returned the
Captain. eff any one asked me my
temper, should say 'Hastyr sir-con-
foundedly hasty! And Choker Blacks
proud of it, sir-proud of itp'
''Say about the average" answered
Willoughby, timidly.
Temper average" said the Captain,
jotting it down. 'I think those are
about all the questions I have to ask you
You know my daughter by sight?"
81 have had the pleasure Of seeing her
frequently-from the window, sir!"
"And You think you could be happy
with her?"
'Think, Captain! am certain of it."
Every good. Now, harkye, Mr.. Will
loughby Vane. Marry her, treat her
we'll, and be happy. Neglect her, blight
her young affections by harshness or
cruelty, and hang me, sir. if / don't rid
die you with bullets! Cad, sir, I'm
man Of my word, and I'll do what I say,
as sure as my names Choker Black!''
81 have no fear on that score, captain.
Unite her to me, and if life of devo.
tion -
II know all about that" said the cap.
tain. Keep your fine phrases for the
girls ears. Give me your hand, sir.
I've taken fancy to youW
"You flatter me, Captain!"
"Hang it. sir, mol Choker Black never
Ill antk L.
grasp my hand, sir; it's yours 30 long as
/ find you plain sailing and straightfor-
ward. But if ever I suspect you of any
artifice or deception, I'll knock yon
down with it. So now I hope we per
fectly understand each other"
zone word more," said Willoughby.
Sam to understand that you consent
to our union?"
"Certainly. You can be married to.
morrow, if You please. Sir, the happi-
ness of my dear Child is my first consi-
deration. Cad, sir, I am not brute
not one of those unnatural parents pco-
pie read of in novels. Choker Black
may be fire-eater in the field; but, ut
any rate, he knows how to treat his own
flesh and blood"
Captain, you overwhelm me- with
gratitude"
''Say no moro about it. Clap on your
hat and come across the road with me,
and III introduce you to my daughter at
once" -.
Scarcely knowing what he was about,
Willoughby did as he was told. They
crossed the road together, and the cap
tain opened his door with latch kew.
Zone moment, if you please" said
Willoughby, who was titiyating his hair
and arranging his cravat.
'Are you ready now?" asked the cap.
tain.
"Quite."
"Mr. Willoughby Vane, cried the cap
tain, ushering our hero into the drawing
room. Then, waving his hand, he added,
"Allow me to introduce you to my wife
and daughter"
Willoughby looked exceedingly foolish
as lie bowed to the two ladies. On a
couch by the fre-side sat his enchantress,
looking moro bewitchingly radiant than
ever; her uis-a-uis being the tall, thin,
angular woman in black that he had fre-
quently noticed from over the way.
"WlQt q contrast - thOn0ht Will