The Morning herald., 1876-11-04

A moment later the vail was thrown
back, revealing pair Of saucy black eyes,
sparkling with fun and mischief.
"You must, really, excuse me, sir, but it
is so ridiculous. ~
"kidieulous, madame? Isaid, with an
increased assumption Of professional dig
nifty.
my being here, you know, in lawyers
Office, and on such an errand ~
And again there Issued from between
the rosy lips ripple Of laughter, so gen
nine and contagious, that l could hardly
forbear joining in it.
~ am glad to see you view the matter
so pleasantly, madame /; people do not,
ordinarily, consider the law in the light Of
a Joke. Indeed, to most people it is no
joking matter"
The smiling face grew suddenly sober,
and it was evident that the black eyes
could sparkle with anger as we'll as mirth.
"Nor is it any joke to me, l assure you,
sir. And it's all along of that stupid,
ridiculous, pig.headed JohnClaypool, who,
after the day is set, and everything in
readiness, declares he won't marry me!'
"Ah, ah! a breach Of promise casev' was
nv inward comment
Then, aloud:
"Proceed, madame. If you have come
to consult me professionally, as l presume
YOU have, it is necessary that you should
tell me the whole story" -.
"Of course; that was what came for"
retorted my fair client who was evidently
of a very practical turn of mind, with mo
| nonsense about her." ''Are you sure that
there is no one within hearing?
"Quite sure, madame. And will add,
that whatever you may say to me will be
considered in the strictest confidence"
II suppose so," was the cool response,
Though haven the least doubt but what
that ridiculous John has blurted it over
town."
"Scores of them; John was ridiculously
fond of me, or pretended to be, that he
would make love to me, no matter who
was present. l was actually ashamed OF
himw -.
"Have you any letters to the same efect?'
"Any quantity. When was at grand
pa's he pestered me with letters twice a
week. Not that l bothered my head to
read half of them. brought you few"
Here the speaker emptied out upon my
table a confused mass Of correspondence
addressed in cramped, painstaking hano
to "Miss Hannah Jane Hooker" "and whose
appearance indicated that they were not o
any great value: :,,,a ammo of ION, for cur
papers. remarked Miss Hanna Jane, as
snapping together her riticule, she resum-
ed her seat. "But guess you can make
em out, seeing you are lawyer. Good
ness knows, it's more than ever tried tt
do"
The young lady concluded her sentence
with significant toss of her head.
/ regarded her in silence for a moment
this entire absence of sentimentality usual.
ly attending such cases was not little re
markable, to say the least.
"Then you have no particular a1ectlo'
for HIM" >.
"Dear me, no! If you'd ever seen him
vou wouldn't ask that question. Why,he'
twice nv age; fat, hald-headed and as awk
ward as bear! But he promised to MARI
: me. and then was mean enough to bac
f out. And I intend that he shall suffer fo
tin his pocket.
] "A very just and praiseworthy resolution
e madame. Is Mr.. Claypool man OF proF
: "John Claypool is worth every cent OF
: hnndreJ Thousand dollars that his brothe
= left him who died in California, thoug
3 YOU wouldn't think it to look at him."
A few more questions and | had game
J., a pretty clear idea as to how mater
y stood.