Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-06-25
A HAPPY DENOUMBNT.

"My dear uncle, hope you are not in
earnest in this :"
"But | am in earnest, sir 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.
ayes, 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 l could to bring about marriage
between her and YOU"
"Why should you and Mr.. Thompson
have singled me out in this affair ~ in
CURED Mr.. Charles Albert Fitzroy, with
anything but flattered or gratihed ex-
preston.
''For various reasons, sir-tor various
reasons. Because John Thomson and
have been close friends and partners
through life, and you and Joanna
"Joannaw
"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 ! were, ! should not
think of taking for my wife girl OF
eighteen"
"She'll grow older
$50 shall l."
Charles Albert turned to a window
and looked out gloomlly, while his IN.
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. He
did not desire to bind her by promise.
If on acquaintance she likes you, well
and good; and | see no reason why she
should not, provided you conduct your
self properly"
"My inclination is not to be consid-
cred, it seems"
"Pooh! You will like her well enough
when once you know her. She's an IN
commonly nice girl
Pretty :" inquired the young man, in
differently.
"Hum! Well | am no great Judge OF
beauty; but in my opinion she's good
looking enough to satisfy any rational
taste. | don't say she's a Venus, or a
Helen ofTroy, or a Cleopatra-heaven
forbid. But she's nice, lady-like,
pleasant-mannered girl who will make
a good wife and a good housekeeper.
Such pudding as | saw on her fathers
table, made by her own hands,"
"FitMoy suppressed a groan.
"What style is she F" he inquired
family.
"No particular style, that | know of.
Good figure, blue or gray eyes, or per.
haps brown-don't recollect which
Nose-hum "a tritle turned up, ! think
hair reddish"
"Red hairw
eyes; red hair-and what of it? A
great many persons like red hair,
II DON'T" said the nephew, decisive
ly.
"Well, then, get her to dye it. Tel
her to dye it yellow, brown, purple
green-any color you choose" saia the
old banker impatiently. "But one
thing | know-which is, that if you de.
cline TO marry Joanna, without
any reason, I-rll leave every cent
of my money to the girl herself"
"But, my dear uncle, listen to me
If decline to marry Miss Thompson
it will not be without good aud suffi
cient reason"
What reason can you possibly have
in the name of common sense p
"Only this" answered Charles Albert
tragicany, twisting down the corners o