The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1873-04-12

KdthIeeR'S Bargain.
BY AMY RANDOLPH.

It's so ridiculous !" said athie Morrison
"The idea of a man coming to make love to me-
just as he would buy COW, or bargain for a
peck of turnips?' she added, as her Aunt Les
bia left the room.
And then she dressed herself like one of Sol
onions lilies Of the field "fDr if he should come
tonight, one don't want to look ones ugliest,'
said Katbie TO herself. "And if Uncle George
has been such goose as to tell him | am
prett-."
And so meditating, Kathie thong ghtoi the far
off western cousin who was coming to choose a
wife to preside over his stately home. Her
meditations were interrupted by the entrance
of the servant, who stated that gentleman had
called to see Miss Morrison on important busi-
ness, and handed Kathie card, on. which was
written, in a bold hand, an. Jones'"
an. JONES'" she repeated-"Melilot jones'
That is the very one.'
But here the current of her medtations was
rudely cut short by the appearance of stout,
short, midde-aged gentleman who came into
the room, carrying his hat in front of him as il
it were battering ram.
''I'm Mr.. JONES' said he, in qn of hand sort
way.
"Ow thought Kathie. chow old he looks and
how vulgar!"
"You're expecting me, IsuppoSe, said he, sit
ting down and bqJ Jancing the belligerent hat be-
tween his knees.
GA lttle," confessed Kathie vexed TO feel
the tell tale crimson again mounting to her
cheeks.
"Well," said Mr.. NJ. Jones, suppose we get
to business at once About that olfer?"
"What ofier?" gasped Kathie, fairly taken
aback by the self-possession, not to say impu-
dence of her guest.
"Why, my offer expected to see an older
person than you, but"
"And | expected to see younger one, nash
ed Kathie.
Mr.. M. Jones chuckled behind his spotted
silk pocket handkerchief.
Gage don't matter so long as there's good COM
mon sense to the fore," said he. "If you and
can hit it off, why well and good; ifnot, shant
break my heart"
"Sir," said Kathie, rising Indignantly, 81
think we have said sufficiently enough Please
spare me any further annoyance"
"Oh," said Mr.. M. Jones, OTIS no, is ii !"
eyes, it is no?" Kathie cried out, bursting
into tears.
"Come, come," said Mr. NJ. Jones, at isn't
worth while to make fuss. Better think twice
aboutit."
But Kathie had hurried out of the room, fly
ing directly into the embarrassed arms of Aunt
Lesba, who had been listening at the door.
eyes p said Squire Morrison; "she's in the
parlor. But I wouldntgO in, if were you Mel
iie."
"And why not?"
The Squire looked up with something Of q
puzzled expression into the handsome sunburnt
face of his stalwart young relative.
"I don't understand you Nellie" he said.-
"Most men would be satisfied with being re-
fused once"
Mellot Jones laughed outright.
$50 shall l be probably. But haven't been
refused-at least, as yet"
The Squire started.
"Wasn't you here this morning?"
81 was on the Erie express until three o'cl'k
this afternoon Melilot Jones answered.
The Squire brought down his closed fist with
some emphasis on the table.
"By inks" quoth the Squire-the strongest
observation he ever allowed himself TO use
"then there's been queer mixing up ofthings.
Kathleen Kathleen! child, come here"
And Kathleen came blushing into the presence
of the handsome young Western Appolo.
"Was this the young man you refused this
morning, Kathleen?" said the Squire.
"No, papa," faltertd Kathleen. And at the
same instant, her. ese CHANGING to glance out
of the window, she exclaimed, "There he is
now, sitting on the fence"
And there, like gigantic buzzard at roost
Mr.. M. Jones sat, q blue umbrella spread above
his head, and the hat acquiring a new individ-
uality on post close by.
Squire's head behind the blinds, "tell the young
woman I'll give her hundred and fifty more
for the lot, sooner'n lose it,"
"Hallow !" cried the Squire, "It's your aunt's
vacant lot he's bargaining for, not you, Kathie.
Why birdie, how come you to make such mis-
take?"
"I-I don't know" whispered Kathie.
And then she began to cry again. But the
first she knew, the Squire and Aunt Lesbia had
rushed out to the shadow OF the blue umbrella,
and she was alone with the very genuine Mel
lie.
What come of it all? Why just this: Mr..
M. Jones bought the vacant lot; Aunt Lesbia
had new green gown-and she wore il at
Kathleens wedding some six months after
wards.