The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-08-26

This was rather hypocritical, as he
strayed out, as he called it, for the very
purpose of this encounter.
The lady smiled graciously upon
him.
Mrs. Page" he exclaimed suddenly,
"permit me to resume the conversation
which was interrupted SO unhappily the
other evening.
All, Mr.. Lee" with a deprecating
air, why not confine ourselves to Or
dinary topics like you so much, and
am so eager to retain your friendship,
that have not the courage to oppose
you; yet"
She had charming, pretty, graceful
ways, not wholly free from coquetry.
She glanced at him shyly, and blushed
little, in spite of the awful disparity in
their ages.
"And yet" he repeated eagerly;
"what does yet imply ?"
CT prefer friends to lovers" she an
swered, quite decidedly.
But, my dear Mrs. Page. the world
is censorious, and will not permit friend
ship between men and women"
His tone was somewhat sarcastic
Mr.. Lee evidently did not like opposi-
ton.
Mrs. Page looked out on the sea, then
up at her companion.
"If 1 could only be your daughter ~
she whispered softly.
That's an awful hit at my years and
1 ought TO be excessively angry. Such
an arrangement could not be carried into
effect some young fellows would steal
you from me. Besides, my real daugh-
ter might not like it, you know"
elbow would she like your having a
young wifeY Tell me frankly, Mr.. Lee,
what would your children say to such
an arrangement 2"
Frankly, my dear Mrs. Page, 1
think they will not like it at all; but L
shall reason calmly and automatically
with them, and prove very clearly that
| it is their duty to" and he hesitated.
I" Make the best of it,"
"Well, yes and very soon they will
be as much in love with you as am"
Mrs. Page had mocking, incredulous
| air, which Mr.. Lee ignored.
" 1 shall say to them, Although the
day marry her L propose to settle
million on my future wife"
I" Oh, Mr.. Leel''-her face crimsoned
=" how can you propose-to-to-bribe
ma in that omen wav p,'
"By no manner of means. This is
what 1 am to say to my children: I
am not saying it to you, only rehears-
ing. Don't interrupt me for a moment,
please. This million which 1 settle on
the charming person who condescends
to become my wife should otherwise
give to hospital therefore, how does
it affect you, my dears p"
CT am very impertinent, but do you
love your children much ?"
eyes, L am very fond of them, but L
give them all they ask let them do what
they please. Why should not do what
L please? ] have an idea that they will
oppose me here" in a frank tone,
(which confess irritates me somewhat
against them. However" = and his
voice became tender again" only give
me permission to make the announce
ment, and all difficulties will be re-
moved"
Mrs. Page looked distressed and per-
picked:
How many children have you, Mr..
Lee?n
"I have four"
Are you sure they will dislike it
Four of them How can 1 endure four
enemies in my own household ?"
"You will have one friend, am sure
among them. There is my son Will
liam; he is magnificent fellow = no
bic, good, superior. He certainly dis.
dains all mercenary considerations; the
others may too, but am sure of VIII
liam. William, you and against, Ger
trude, Archie and Jack; we certainly
can hold our own"
passed through every phase of blushinl
and agitation while he spoke.
Mr.. Lee, who was shrewd, marked
these signs and took courage:
" My dear, cannot you comfort me {
little ?''
Z" There are SO many objections |" sh,
sighed.
"Name them," he exclaimed eagerly
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