Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1875-11-20

he was detained longer than heexpected
almost an hour in fact, aud I couldn't
help amusing myself by writing par
ody on the letter" -.
"a parody ?"
Yes-you remember somebody was
telling US what q beautiful daughter
Mr.. Thorne had-so I wrote that Jack
was in search OF wife, and had heard
of Miss Thorne, and wanted to settle in
life, and all that sort Of thing. In short,
wherever papa had written land, or
estate, wrote wife! Wasn't it fun ?"
calculated the little maiden, her eyes
dancing with diablerie. But you know
I never once thought of sending the
letter; I only wanted to read it to Jack
when went down stairs. Well, /
signed it, with grand flourish of trum-
pets, and just then who should come in
but papa and the stranger. OF course
I fed--and when came back the let
ter was sealed and safe in Jacks pocket
book, and Olive, it was the wrong let
ter"
1t was rather dim Highland pa
pas eyes are not as keen as they were
wont to be, and my impertinent missive
was gone, while the real bona fde letter
lay there, amongst heap of discarded
papers. And 1 hadn't courage to con-
fess my misdemeanor, papa is SO op-
posed to my innocent little jokes--and
Jack is off with that indescribable let
ter! 1 shall certainly win the sleeve
buttons, Olive, but what a tornado
there will be, when my mischief leaks
out"
And Minnie looked so bewitchingly
lovely in her alternate paroxysms of
terror and laughter, that Olive, grave
old sister though she was, had not the
heart to lecture her as roundly as she
deserved.
The crimson sunset of the very next
evening shone radiantly into the spec
ial sanctum of the worthy old Jabez
Thorne, of Thornville, Justice of the
Peace, and chairman of all the agricul-
tural meeting for ten miles around. It
was no scholarly-looking library, like
that of his ancient comrade Chester,
but square, light room, with four un-
curtained windows, and ornamented
with numerous black-framed engrav-
ings of prize cattle and giant turnips.
He was seated in q feather-cushioned
armchair, looking over the files of an
agricultural journal, to find some COW
eted information ON. the subject of
phosphates" and superphosphates, !"
when servant brought him card and
letter.
The gentleman is in the parlor sir. 1"
Jabez 'Thorne laid aside his news
paper, glanced at the card, which bore
the simple inscription, "John Lacy
then at the letter, which purported to
be the Introductory to that individual.
"How-ha-from my college chum,
Chester, as I live. Remarkable change
in his handwriting, but time alters us
all. Haven't heard from him in twenty
years, and-hallo! what is this? A
pretty cool request, upon my word
nephew wants wife, and has heard
that I possess 3aughtar-hes lots Of
money-wants me to aid him with my
well.known experience in such matters.
What does the rascal meany' ejacu-
lated Jabez, the fringe of gray hair that
surrounded his bald head standing alb
soluteiy erect with indignation. "I'll
send Jefferies to kick the impudent
young scamp out of the house."
Butwith moments reflection came
calinness.
Well, after all, don't see what
there is in the matter to make me so
foolishly angry. Guess I'll see what
Mary says. An excellent family these
Chesters and this letter is just like
Zebedee Chester-he always was singu-
lar in his notions. Rather unlike the
ordinary method of coming to an un-
derstanding on such matters, but there's
nothing like dash of originality in this
world, and if the boy is rich and Mary
don't Object. At all events I'll see
him on this subject"
And Jabez Thorne thrust the letter
into his pocket and strode determined
ly into the parlor. where young Lacy
was quietly awaiting his appearance.
The old gentleman's face was scarlet
with embarrassment; he was half dis
posed to be angry with his guests cool
self-possesslon.
Il had thought of settling in this
vicinity, Mr.. Thorne," said Jack, after
the ceremonies OF greeting had been
exchanged, I" and understood from my
uncle that you had desirable piece OF
property you might be disposed to part
with" a.I e
".Piece of propertyl" thought the
old gentleman. beginning to fire up
again; but he controlled his emotion
and only answered: Really sir, this
is very strange request. One can
hardly be expected to answer definitely
upon so very short notice"
Certainly not, Mr.. Thorne. have
no wish to hurry you," said Jack, pc
litely; "but ] ain. rather anxious to see
for myself, and If you will favor me
with brief description Of the promi-
nent features Of"
But Mr. Thorne was fidpetinr uu-