, 1882-06-23
A Useful Son-In-Law

| "What do you think Myrtle' II
hardly know what to think, Reginald
replied the girl, her eyes illuminated
with the radiant light of love, as she
turned in response to Reginald Simp'
sons question, and looked at him with
the beautiful, tender, calf-like look OF q
first and and only love. 81 only know
that, whatever my father may say, what,
ever he may do, my love for You will
never falter or fail; my trust in the
nobility of nature will be as steadfast as
the mighty rock of Gibraltar, that filings
back in scorn from its stone-buttressed
base the billows that are ever beating
against the solid sides in their mad,
impotent fury" When Myrtle got
well under way she was pretty fair
talker She was fair, slender girl, with
the lustrous brown eyes that one so often
sees in Brahma hens, and complexion
that never costs less one dollar per box.
AS she stood in the parlor of her fathers
palatial residence this balmy June even
ing her hand placed trustingly in that OF
Reginald, while her face almost touched
his as they spoke the words quoted above,
the picture was pretty one. You are
sure that he has heard all?" asked
Reginald, in solemn pleading tones,
dead certain" replied the girl. "You
can bet on this, darling" At this mo-
ment the sound Of footsteps was heard.
Myrtle ran to the window and peered
anxiously out HE is coming" she said
in frightened tones, "and you must con-
fess all and trust to his mercy" II guess
you are right Sis" replied Reginald. In
a moment George w. Halfway, merchant
prince, entered the room, and Reginald
at once went up to him. "Mr. Halfway"
he said, II have come here tonight to tell
you frankly that last Sunday morning l
went out to the race track. You know
that Myrtle and love each other with a
deathless, Dearborn avenue love that
opposition will only make stronger, and
that we have plighted our troth. / do
not seek to defend my conduct of last
Sunday. l know 1t Is wrong to visit a
race track at all, and especially on Sunday.
But it seemed to me noble to tell the
exact truth" $50 you were out at the
track Sunday" said the old man, his
face assuming sad, panied expression.
"Yes sir" "Ah! that was indeed wrong.
But step with me into my library. This
is serious matter, involving, perhaps,
the future happiness of my only child'--
and as he spoke the merchant hastily
wiped away pearly tear that hung
trembling on the lower lid of his off eye.
The two men dropped into the library,
Mr.. Halfway closing the door as they
entered. Reginald felt the worst would
soon come. Seating himself in an easy
chair, Mr. Halfway looked earnestly at
Reginald for moment. Then he spoke
up suddenly: did you see little bay
mare, with little spike tail and her near
front foot white, being exercised out
there Sunday morningy" "Yes sir" replied
Reginald. "How fast did she go?" "She
trotted mile in 2:23l 1, the fastest quar-
ter in thirty-fve seconds" was tho reply.
A peaceful, happy smile stole over the old
mans face. "Reginald, my boy" he
said, in low tones, "that little mare
belongs to me, My position as deacon
will not allow me to publicly acknowledge
the ownership of the ANIMAL but you
can bet your sweet life that when she is
cut loose at the July races L will break all
the officers of the church and several
people in the adjoining parish. Do you
understand my boyw "Yes catch on"
said Reginald. II knew you owned that
mare, but q Chicagoan is too noble to give
away his prospective father-in-law;" and,
stepping to the side-board Reginald
courteously poured out drink Of sour
mash for Mr.. Halfway before taking one
for himself. The old man did not fail TO
notice this action. "The boy has had
the true Saxon spirit" he murmured,
"and shall marry Myrtle when the leaves
begin to turn. L shall need him myself
during the trotting season" ."---Chicago
Tribune.