The Centre reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1871-1940, 1878-05-23
VOLUME XI.

| could favor hlm with Annie Laurie.
complied hy playing Yankee poodle
with variations, for knew he could not
distinguish the difference. Just IA |
WAS playing the last bar | Was startled
hy prolonged snoIe-he had actually
gone "a sleep with his head hanging
over the char. his wig awry. and his
mouth wide open Now, Guardy. You
must admit that was too much for tiesh
and blood to endure, and don't profess
to be saint.
Not 10y any means, assented her
guardian.
"Wcl." continued Dot, "a happy
thought struck me. l ran softly up
stairs and got an old red wig that Dick
used - wear when he belonged to the
Amateur Dramatic Club. Then care
fully removed Mr.. Nonsouhy's nicely
dressed black wig, and substituted the
rei one. | had a. Stud my handkerchief
into my mouth 20 keep from laughing
you can't imagine how comical he
/ looked
"Well, | waited for him 10 finish his
nap until my patience was exhausted,
aud then | went 10 the piano and gave
an awful thump with both hands. He
gave a sudden start and Strengthened mp.
l gravely inquired how he liked the
piece.
Charming charming T. lac replied,
with enthusiasm. =" always admired
Annie Laurie.
4 Just at that moment he happened 10
glance at the clock and finding il later
than he expected he jumped up IN great
haste.
"'I declare = he said, Il had no idea
il was so late; how swiftly the time has
passed in your fascinating society; but
I | must tear myself away, for have an
engagement ut eight o'clock.
"Then he bade me adieu, pulled on
his oyercoat in great hurry, seized his
I hat and rushed down the street.
But, Guardy, he did looE so funny
with those fierce red locks around his
countenance, and Dot broke into peals
OF laughter at the recollection.
"Dot, said Mr.. Delmayne, looking
sternly at his miscbievous ward; ~
don't know what 10 do with you: be-
heve mast find some one who will take
the responsibility from my hands. Mrs.
Delmayne thinks you are old enough 10
marry, and
The old cat - interrupted Dot.
dot, said Mr.. Delmayue, sternly,
81 cannot allow you TO apply such an
epithet 10 my sister-in.law.
Your sister-in-law p cried Dot, in
noceDtly, "why, | was speaking of old
Tabby.'
Mr.. Delmayne adroitly converted a
smile into a yawn.
Yes, he continued. 81 must GER
tainly find a nice young husband for
you"
~ am perfectly willing, replied Dot,
compOseily. "but who is to be the
lucky man -? Let me see, she con-
tinued, refiectively, 'there is my French
dancing master, he pressed my hand
quite warmly the last time he was here,
and he has beautiful eyes. and such a
love OF musta-he, she added, enthus-
iastically.
"The jackanapes, he shall never
darken these doors again, muttered
Mr.. Delmayne, between his teeth.
Then there Is Whitney's head clerk,
l am sure he admires me"
A clerk, " exclaimed Mr.. Delmayne,
disdainfully.
Well, T" continued Dot, "there is
the German music teacher at the semi
nary, he is a Jolly old bear, but then,
she added, thoughtfully, "he Is a Wild
over with five children; | don't know as
should be capable Of taking that po-
sition.
"I should think not, decidedly" ac-
quiesced her guardian, with a smile.
"Wel," cried Dot, with despairing
expression on her saucy face, Il don't
know what can be done-unless You
marry me yourself"
Then, suddenly realizing the enormity
of her needless speech, she darted from
the room
"Marry her myself, unused Mr. Rich
ard Delmayne, ait is not bad idea.
wonder that il never entered my stupid
brain, for believe l am fond of the lit
tie monkey after all, and how desolate
the house would be without the sunshine
of her presence.
mot quite nineteen" he continued,
thoughtfully, al am Just double her age
and | fear am too old TO suit her youth.
ful fancy? but nevertheless, will try
nv fate"
The tea bell reused Mr.. Delmayne
from his reflections. l must mention
this subject 10 Helen, he thought, when
l have an opportunity.
Marry that forward little chit,
cried madame, in dismay, as Richard
thus ruthlessly demolished her castle in
the air. "Why, Richard, you must be
crazyi A man Of your years TO think Of
marrying, when you have a comfortable
home, and a sister TO attend to your
wants. II you take this step, Richard,
she continued, "I am confident you will
regret III. think you will see vast
difference with that careless, ignorant
child at the head of your household, for
/ shall not remain to be domineered over
by a saucy, Independent girl.
Mr.. Delmayne made no reply 10 this
remark; but it was evident that his
sister-in-law's determination would not
break his heart
Dot stood by the window in the deep
ening twilight, awaiting her guardian,
who had been absent several days look
ing after some property in New York.
Suddenly Dot was aroused from the
reverie into which had fallen by a we'll
known step, and she ran eagerly TO the
door to admit her guardian.
"Well, puss, What have you been do
ing during my absence?" asked Mr..
Delmayne, as he seated himself before
the glowing CRATE and warmed his chilled
fingers.
"Oh, dear I" cried Dot, "I have been
shockingly bad. can't remember one
half the wickedness / have committed.
You must apply to madame for the de-
tails, she has long black list Of mis-
demeanors ready for your private ear
but, Guardy, did you succeed in finding
a husband for me?"
eyes," answered Mr.. Delmayne,
composedly, but whether you will be
suited, remains to be seen.
81 suppose / shall be compelled to
marry him whether / will or no." re-
joined Dot, merrily.
"Not by any means" answered the
guardian, gravely.