The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1877-05-17
FLOPs HAADKERCHLHF FLIR.
TATION.

proposed, Floy Wheeler considered her
self almost as good as engaged. And SO
she was. Had John had sisters, Floy
would probably have been intimate at
the home of the Kennedys. But besides
John, the family consisted only of his
father and two maiden aunts.
Mr.. Kennedy, senior. was something
of book-worm, and very partial to
dressing-gown and slippers; while his
sisters-in-law, the one an invalid, and the
other both nurse and housekeeper, were
equally domestic in their tastes and
habits. So it happened that Floy Wheeler
had never met them.
John, as dutiful in the character of son
as in that of lover, presented himself, on
winter evening, hat in hand, before
his father.
"Good night, father. I suppose 1
shan't see you again till breakfast. I
shan't be home before twelve or one,
probably"
Eth, john how's this? 1t seems to
me it's about the same thing every even
ing. Do you visit this Miss Wheeler so
regularlyR"
"Wel, yes, sir. We're going to the
Princess's Theater tonight"
"H-u-ml Very well. Good night, my
son! 1t looks pretty serious" continued
the old gentleman to himself, as the front
door closed after his SON." pretty seri-
Gus, 1 declare, when a young fellow visits
q girl for a year steadyl By Jove, I'd
like to see the girl frstl Here, you Tom!
Run out and order cabl Abigail, my
compliments to Miss Catharine, with the
request that she will favor me with her
company to the theater."
John, lounging in his cab on the way
TO Miss Wheeler's, fell into a train of
thought closely corresponding with that
of his father. Hear him:
Father seems to suspect my inten-
tions toward Floy, and I'm glad he does.
It'll save me vast deal of explanation
and cross-questioning when the time
comes, and that isn't far of, thank for
tune. Next week, at last-at last, Imay
tell my sweet Floy, my fair flower Dear
little thing-she knows it well enough,
fancy! No doubt it was wise precaution
OF my mothers, when she made me
promise that would offer my hand to
no woman until 1 had known her init
mately at least a year; a wise precau-
ton, certainly. But it hasn't been needed
In Floy's case. 1 might have proposed
six months ago, and been just as sure of
her worth and loveliness as 1 am to-day.
But it was dear mothers dying request,
andl shall strictly obey it. That was ten
years ago, and was only fifteen-a boy,
mere child, and had no more thought
of marrying than have now of dying.
But she knew-mother knew what good
thing it is to have good wife; and this
was the only measure she could take to
secure me one. Yes, dear Floy, you are
all that could wish for-pure, modest,
sweet, intelligent, lovelyl Next Thurs
day night, then, is the limit of my pro-
bation. Only another week, in which to
learn more of her loveliness. l wish
father knew Floy, Ideclarep'
And just at thisperiod of his happy
musings, the carriage stopped at the door
Of his beloved, and he spraDg out and
up. the steps with all the ardor of an
unconfessed lover.
An hour later, Mr.. Kennedy, sitting
inan inconspicuous part of the crowded
house, lowered his opera-glass with a sat-
isied smile, and handed it to Miss Cath.
arine, exclaiming "See, Cad There's
John and the girl he means to marry /
Don't you see 'em? Follow nv eve
there Pretty girl, isn't she ? and intel
hgent, tool See how he looks at herI
Ah, poor boy, he worships herl Well.
well, she looks like nice little thing,
and Isuppose it's all right"
81 think she gesticulates rather too
much, and glances around good deal,
as If to see who's looking at herr OBJ
served Miss Catharine. "She seems to
court admiration; but that's what they
all do nowadays. Maybe she's as good
as any of 'em. hope she's nice girl
and IL make good wife for John"
81 hope So" said the old man, with a
sigh. John ought to know her pretty
well by this time. The year is nearly
up, you know."'
On the afternoon of the following day,
Mr. Kennedy entered first class car
riage OF the Underground Railway. Be-
fore entering, he noticed there was one
occupant, lady. As heopened the door,
he turned toward him, and at glance