The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1882-08-16

how to make herself irresistibly charm.
ing to her friends. Gay, stylish and
Inclined TO firt l found her, but be-
meath it all she was pure and true and
womanly, and / loved her as I had
never even dreamed Of loving any
woman.
plucked up courage at last and told
her so, although knew she could do
better as far as money was concerned,
unless, indeed, Aunt Mahala decided in
my favor, which at present seemed very
unlikely. And now that Ray had prom
ised to be mine, and was looking for
ward to our marriage, 1onged for the
enc hundred thousand more than ever.
It would enable me to pla ce my darling
in as good home as should take her
from, and could not endure the
thought OF anything less. ! did not
want to take any advantage OF Jim and
Bert, however. Once l ventured to
broach the subject to my aunt, and pro-
posed that she should divide the money
equally among the three of us; but |
was promptly told to mind my own
aff4irs, and not trouble myself about
money which would never trouble me.
Bert happened to be the one to in
form Aunt Mabala of my Engagement to
Ray Ansdell.
II tell you she's stylish y 1 heard
aim say in conclusion, and with ma
iicious intent, was srre, for the word
"stylish" always goad ed the old lady
into furious humol.
"Stylish" she snortred excuse the
verb, but no other one expresses her
g. 81 I,A 90
then Any little fool " no can mince
along and look like fash ion plate will
do for him ; no brains, no common sense
but never mind, if she's only stylish ! ,
At this juncture welited into che
room, and Bert, who did not know of
my proximity looked o lit tie cresstallen,
and soon took his departu re.
$50 Bert was kind emo ugh to inform
you of my engagement" remarked.
"Oh, yesi 1t was nothing to me, Of
c'nrsel He cnly happen ed to mention
it.
This in her most sarc astic tone of
voice, and 1 knew she was offended
because had not made a confidante OF
her.
cit is only few days since it was all
unity to inform you of it," I said,
anxious to conciliate her, if p ossible.
Don't trouble yourself to make
excuses, young man. OF cou rse no one
expected you to think of you poor old
aunt at such time as this. She has
nothing in common with lofty young
gentlemen nor giggling lii tie hirts,
either"
"Aunt Mahala, please d ont pass
Judgment upon Ray Ansdell until you
have seen her and become acquainted
with her." begged, feeling the occa-
sion to be too important to lose my
temper.
swell. bring her around" she con-
descended to cay. 'T confess I'd like
to see the girl who is fool enough to
want to throw herself away on y ou."
1t would never do to slight this court.
eous invitation, so I explained to Ray
soon afterward that an eccentric old
aunt of mine desired to see her Ray
expressed her willingness to go and pay
her visit.
81 dearly like eccentric people" she
declared, enthusiastically.
l greatly doubted her liking Aunt
Mahala, but I would not discourage her
by saying so.
"Iwiil come for you early Saturday
afternoon 1 said, as kissed her good
bye at the door. "And, darling, you
must not mind if my aunt makes Pc
culiar remarks it is her way"
"Oh, mol And 1 shall make her
like me, in spite of your torebodlngs to
the contrary"
"Now, Ray, never said -"
"No you never said So" interrupted
Ray, "but you looked it all the time.
Y N imagine your Aunt Mahala and l
won't get on together T; we'll, we shall
see."
ST don't know how any one can help
loving you," cried, snatchin a dozen
kisses from the bright, roguish face so
close to mine.
Saturday, Immediately after lunch
con, 1 informed Aunt Mahals that 1
should bring Ray Ansdell to SEQ her that
afternoon.
Ansdell-Ansdell. she unused. 81
used to know man by that name a
good while ago a poor, shiftless,
drinking fellow. What did you say her
other name WASP"
"Rachel," replied, thankful that it
was an old.fashioned name, for Aunt
Mahala persisted in liking anything and
everything dating fifty years back.
"Then why don't you call her Rachel
instead of that silly nickname? But
then 1 suppose it would not be stylish
enough for her ladyship."
kept my temper with an effort, and
tried to say calmly:
"Auntie, hope you will say nothing
to Miss Ansdell about your fortune or
your intentions regarding it. She
promised to marry me believing me to
be poor man with my way to make in
the world, and as she will probably
have to live with me as such / don't
want you to say anything to raise ex-