The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1876-09-15
Selected Story.
Mack S Match MAKING,


Mack Willis and / had been chums since
we were sixteen, and we were both now
basking on the sunny side of thirty. We
had worked our way through college,
shoulder to shoulder, and entered profes-
sionaI life together, he as promising NJ
D., and I in the law. Our leisure moments
were always spent in one another's com
pany, and in society where one might be
seen the other was sure to be also.
One evening, in my cozy little Office,
Mack and were chatting like couple Of
wild boys over our cigars. "Mack," said
I, "why don't you quit your nonsensical
flirting with so many girls, and select one
say, for instance, little Clara-and settle
down and behave Yourself?"
''Why don't ycu ?" he asked, bluntly.
That was always his way. l could nev-
er advise or suggest anything of the kind
to him, but he coolly flung it back at my
own head. He was very aggrayating so,
thinking to astonish him, replied calmly,
81 am" ..........
"No! thunder, Fred! !" he exclaimed,
springing to his feet, and glaring at me
like wild man.
'Don't be Iunatic now, old fellow, sit
down and calm yourself; I mean what !
say"
"Why-who-who isit, old boy 2" he ask
ed excitedly.
II don't know YETI
I had him. And I laughed in my sleeve
to think I had aroused his curiosity for
once. The wild look in his face disappear
ed, and assuming a disinterested air, he
said
"That's just what | thought" and re-
sumed his seat.
We.puffed away in silence a few mo-
ments. Mack had settled down in one Of
his brown studies, and | looked for
change of subject when he should speak.
"Fred, old boy" said he at length II
have prescription that will do for your
case. You've got it bad, I see, and my
dose will cure you, I'll warrant"
"Well, prescribe" said I, doggedIy.
II know young lady," he resumed, ig-
noring my blunt manner, "who is worth
let me see, well, some thousands"
"Bosh!" I exclaimed, II want wife,
not silk doll"
"And nice little farm thrown in" un-
needing my remark.
'Look here, Mack, ifyou think want
to marry some girl for her money, you are
much mistaken. l want a wife who is
pretty, amiable, well educated, and"
"HoId on," he interrupted, Il don'tpro-
pose to find you a genuine angel. That
is little too transparent, old boy, your
sudden contempt for riches. Now, dry up
and listen to me-"
I accordingly dried up and he proceed
ed:
Il am going to take you down to Marion
with me, to spend few weeks with my
fine old aunt Jane. There you viii find
two nice girls, and I'll give you an idea
of them now, so you can make out your
line of procedure. One of them is some
how distant relation of aunty's, and is
very comfortably provided for in the way
of small change; the other makes her home
with aunt Jane, who would otherwise be
entirely alone, and you are not expected
to cast any Of your sleeps eyes in her di
rection, ~ou understand, as she is little
the best-looking. But you must take care
of yourself when we get there, because |
don't propose to help you any further"
"All right, Mack" I responded, "count
me in"
Our arrangements were soon completed
for the trip, and Mack left me alone IN my
glory.
Marion was pretty country village,
and Mack drove us mp to one the hand
soonest villas, just beyond the town. The
grounds were on a hill, and beautifully
laid out snd the place had an air Of beau
ty that made one at once feel at home
more SO after the kind welcome we receiy
ed from Mrs Willis.
The young ladies were engaged in
game Of croquet on the smooth lawn in
front of the house when we arrived, and |
was duly introduced To them. found Miss
Nellie Hart to be tall brunette, neither
beautiful nor plain, but very charming
glrl, and the other, Miss Fanny King,
perfect queen in appearance, and the very
opposite Of Miss Nellie, ar d, with my first
glance at her | felt irreeistihln CHARMED /