The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-04-27
CHANGED THROUGH A DREAM.

MI. OiSilclOu SuiuiicIo iCit Coih-
pletely satisfied with himself and his
surroundings. A soft carpet was under
his feet, tinted walls, and treasures of
bric-a-brdc satisfied his beauty-loving
eye, and an open CRATE fire added light
and warmth to the already luxuriant
apartment.
In fact, every detail of comfort was
complete, from the velvet lounging chair
and book-rest to the terra-cotta tray
filed with costly cigars, and the little
antique bronze frog that sat so patiently
on three legs, and held out an ingenious
receptacle for burned matches with his
fourth and only remaining member.
1t was still early in the evening, and
he had Just liehted q fragrant havana,
elevated his feet, encased in handsome
~ embroidered slippers, to comfort
able height, and opened the evening
journal, when timid knock sounded
on the door. and reused him from his
luxurious position.
ats that stupid waiter" he muttered
impatiently, ''or Polly, the housemaid,
with some silly message from my wife.
What nuisance those women are!'
Then Mr.. Camthers removed his
slippered feet from their airy elevation,
threw down his paper, readjusted his
glasses, and growled
Come in"
1t was no waiter who entered, nor
Polly, the housemaid, but n diminutive
figure, clad in dress of some dainty
blue stuif, who fingered on the threshold
looking at her father with bright eyes
and just the prettiest dash of color in
each smooth cheek.
.'Oh. bother. rs only Carry ejacu-
lated Mr.. Caru'hers, taking up his
paper again .''yell, what is it that you
wantP Speak quickly, child, for I'm
very busy.
Taking advantage of this gracious
permission. Carry Caruthers came into
the room and paused by the side of her
paternal parent, with one hand laid
hesitatingly on the arm of his chair.
II came to ask" she began, and
her voice grew husky, and she gave u
little cough and commenced again.
'sYou know this is New Years Eve,
father, and it is always the custom
at this season to give gifts to those who
'lVhy, don't you get all that you ask
Caruthers impatiently; sit seems that
give them what you will, women are al
ways weeping for more. We'll, state
your DESIRE with a movement of the
hand toward the pocket containing his
well-fiiled purse.
at isn't money" said Carry, hel
checks rejecting the red of the fire us
brightly as though they had been twin
looking-glasses. Then, plucking up
courage. she plunged right into the
heart OF the subject with spirit worthy
of larger woman.
''Father, Frank is coming tonight ut
nine to see you, and his honest purpose
is to ask my hand in marriage. | love
him for his upright, truthful nature, and
he loves me. He is great fayorite with
mother and the boys, and we only need
your permission to be happy"
Mr.. Caruthers laid down his paper
and looked at his diminutive daughter
with eyes in which anger and amaze
nent were ludicrously blended.
Never before in his life had he heard
shc girl speak out with such plainness
and decision; and astonishment for a
moment held him silent.
"Whatr" he stammered. Frank
3emson coming here to ask your hand
n marriage, and / give my consentP
No, madam! Never! Why, the fellow
hasn't n hundred pounds TO his name!
When you arc wed. it will be TO man
who can show wealth equal to my
own"
Frank is not beggar," cried Carry
Indignantly, forgetting for the moment
all fear of her father. ''He is in posses
sion OF Il good salary. and you yourself
said more than once that he was fine
young man, of more than average BUSH
ness capacity, and he comes of good
family besides.
Mr.. Caruthcrs sat and still gazcd at
his daughter.
Il am master in my own family he
bad often affirmed, with visible pride in
the fact, and this was the first time in
his experience that any member of the
household had ever ventured to contra
dict him in his own words.
$50 he has taught you already TO
show disrcspcct to your father, said he
;.rimly, ''thc rascal! Well. let him come!
I'll give him dose that he won't re-
cover from in some time.
''And prove him more OF gentleman
ihan you are Yourself sobbed Carry,
Acr gentle nature for once thoroughly
ouscd. and then she turned and went
cut Of the door. overcome with her own
.emcrity.
"Well, upon my soul.'' exclaimed
Mr.. Caruthcrs. what is thisworld com
ng TOP / always knew Carry was -
pretty little thing, but ! didn't think
hat she had spark of spirit in her.
''Why, she actually looked like me,
~ she stood with her cheeks allamc, the
vixen. But she won't marry that Frank
2emson all tho same. I'll see if am
20 be thwartcd by my own children"
TO solace his wounded spiris, Mr..
caruthers poured out u glass of the ruby
liquid that sparklcd is the cut-glass de-
,anteron the table at his side. and slipped
~ el~wlv