Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-05-16

entertain him when ! was suffering to
finish q book, so gave him the late
magazines and hoped he would amuse
himself; but no. he wanted to play
cribbage. I hate the game. and told
him I never played except for money"
"Why, Dot !!
"Well, wanted to shock him, and
/ had the satisfaction of seeing him
look Mortified. He asked for some
music as soon as lac recovered his
breath, and I went to the piano and
began 10 make some confused sounds,
which / suppose did not suit his fine
ears, for was soon startled by snore
he had gone to sleep, his head hang
ing over the chair, his wig awry and
his mouth wide open. Now, you must
admit that the temptation was strong,
and you know l am no saint"
"No," he assented.
"Well," continued Dora, "a happy
thought came to me, and ran upstairs
and got an old red wig that Dick used
to wear when he belonged to the ORA
matte club, and having removed the
squire's nicely-dressed black wig, I
substituted the red one. I had to stuff
my handkerchief in my mouth to keep
from laughing; you can't imagine how
comical he looked. Well, waited for
him to finish his nap until I was tired,
and then ! went to the piano and gave
an awful thump with both hands. He
gave q sudden start and Strengthened
up: gravely inquired how he liked
the piece. Charming 7 he said. He
14nEaI a. hA al4aI ooBsnnr hn ha6
passed a delightful evening in my very
pleasant company, but must tear him
self away. If you could have seen
those fierce red locks around that sancti-
monious face, you would have enjoyed
the joke as we'll as did"
"Dot," said Mr.. Delmayne, looking
gravely at his mischievous ward, 81
don't know what to do with you +; I be-
lieve I must find some one to take the
responsibility off my hands. Mrs.
Delmayne thinks you are old enough
to marry, and"
"The old cat !" interrupted Dot.
".Dora," said her guardian, "you
must not apply such disrespectful
epithet to my sisterin-law. cannot
allow it,"
did I apply it to your sister-in-
law?"
81 was speaking of her."
"And Ispoke of an old cat"
Her guardian adroitly converted a
smile into yawn.
EYES," he continued, I must find q
nice young husband for you"
81 don't want him very young"
ooh, don't object to Squire Pom
sonby's age at all, if you don't"
Ponsonby againr'
"Who, then?"
"My dancing master. He is French,
has lovely teeth and eyes, and L think
he is fond of me-" she said, demurely,
" because he presses my hand, and
signs, oh, so sadly !"
"The jackanapes he shall not darken
these doors again p
"Then, there's Whitney's head clerk.
am sure he admires me-"
"A clerk !" disdainfully.
Well, there's the German mnsic-
teacher at the seminary, he is a jolly
old bear"
"Dot ~ sternly.
~ beg your pardon; he is good
enough, but I am afraid am not good
enough to become step-mother to his
five children"
g, Decidedly not" he acquiesced,
with smile.
Then" said Dot, with despairing
look on her saucy face, II will not
have old Ponsonby. and there is no.
body left but-you."
Then, suddenly realizing the enor-
nifty of her needless speech, she darted
from the room.
Nobody left but me, " he mused. st
wonder I never thought of that. be.
lieve I am rather fond of the little
monkey, after all. How desolate the
house would be without her Not quite
nineteen--just half my age / fear I
am too old, but since she has put the
idea into my head, I think I'll try my
fate"
The tea bell aroused Mr.. Delmayne
from his reflections. 81 must mention
this subject to Helen, when I have
time," he said.
Marry that forward little chit y
cried madame, in dismay, as Richard
thus ruthlessly destroyed her air castle.
Richard, you must be mad A man
OF your age to think of marrying when
he has sucha comfortable home, and all
his wants attended to. Should you
take such step, Richard, I am sure
you will regret it. You will find a
great difference with careless, ignor-
ant child at the head of the household,
for 1 shall not remain to be domineered
over by saucy, independent girl"
Dot stood by the window in the
deepening twilight, awaiting her guar.
dian, who had been absent several days
on business. Suddenly she was aroused
from deep revery by a we'll. known
footstep, and she ran eagerly to the door
to meet him.
Well, little girl, what have you been
doing during my absence?" he saked ,
as he seated himself before the glowing
CRATE and warmed his chilled fingers.
." Oh, dear !" cried Dot, at have been
shockingly bad. I can't remember one
half the wickedness Lave committed,
You must apply to madame for details.
But to business. Did you find hus-
band for me?"
Yes, answered her guardian, COM
posedly, but whether you will be