Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-06-21
A HAPPY DEN0UMENT.

my dear uncle, ! hope you are not in
earnest in this ~
"But am in earnest, sir-I am in
earnest"
Mr.. Oliver Hawkes., the rich banker,
faced about, and with his hands beneath
his coat-tails, glared through his spec.
tacles at his nephew.
Eyes, sir | was never more in earnest
in my lite, as you will see. ! promised
her father on his death-bed to look after
the welfare Of his daughter, and to do
what could to bring about a marriage
between her and YOU"
"Why should you and Mr.. Thompson
have singled me out in this affair ?" in
quired Mr.. Charles Albert Fitzroy, with
anything but aattered or gratibed ex-
preston.
"For various reasons, sir--tor various
reasons. Because John Thomson and l
have been close friends aud partners
through life, and you and Joanna
Joanna
"You and JOANNA" pursued Mr..
Hawkes., without noticing his nephew's
Mortified expression, "were the nearest
Of us, and Of an age and disposition suit
ed to each other. Because my poor friend
dreaded, of all things his daughter max
ing an unsuitable or unhappy match,
and he knew you had been properly
brought up, in correct principles, and
without any bad habits and associates
thanks to me. And because, as your
wife she would be at least always safe
and under my eye and my care.
"Wouldn't it be as well, sir, if-if you
you would marry the young lady your
self" interrupted Fitzroy, with sudden
interest.
"No lmpertinence, sir. You know as
well as | do that am no marrying man
and that, even if l were, should not
think of taking for my wife a girl OF
eighteen"
"Shell grow older
$50 shall l." (.
Charles Albert turned to a window
and looked out gloomlly, while his un
Gle paced the floor
Presently he said, abruptly
"Does Miss Thompson know of this
matter!'
"She knows that it was her fathers
wish that she should marry you. Hi
did not desire to bind her by q promise
If on acquaintance she likes you, vel
and good; and see no reason why sh'
should not, provided you conduct your
self PROPERLY
"My inclination is not to be c0nsid
cred, it seems"
"Pooh. You will like her well enough
when once you know her. She's an un
commonly nice girl"
Pretty" inquired the young man, in
differently.
"Hum! Well am no great Judge Q
beauty; but in my opinion she's good
looking enough to satisfy any rationa
taste. don't say she's a Venus, or
Helen of Troy, or a Cleopatra-heave
forbid But she's nice, lady-like
pleasant-mannered girl who will max
q good wife and a good housekeeper
Such pudding as l saw on her father
table, made by her own hands"
"Fitzroy suppressed grOan.
"What style is she" he inquired
family.
"No particular style, that | know o.
Good figure, blue or gray eyes, or pei
, haps brOwn--dOn't recolleCt which
Nose-hum "a trihe turned up, thlnl
hair reddish"
"Red hairw
eyes; red hair-and what of lt'
great many persons like red hair.
II don't" said the nephew, decisive
ly.
"Well, then, get her to dye it. Te
her to dye it yellow, brown, purple
green-any color you choose" SAID til
old banker impatiently. "But on
, thing | know-which is, that if you d'
cline to marry Joanna, withor
/, any reason, I-Tll leave every cer
$ of my money to the girl herself"
e "But, my dear uncle, listen to M
If l decline to marry Miss Thompson
it will not be without a good aud suf
S cient reason"
: "What reason can you possibly hav
in the name of common sense !"
"Only this" answered Charles ALDER