Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-03-01
HALLIDAY AND SON.

eyes, which twinkled necessarily. and
was seated in his chair with heels upon
his desk. Son was young man of
twenty-five, tall, dark and handsome.
clad in a suit of navy blue flannel. and
was seated on corner of the desk look
ing down upon his father.
"Who is the object of your Aide
youring passion, eh. Dick, my boy2"
The old gentleman asked. "Some chit
of q school grip"
"ITer name is wilkins" replied the
young man. "She is u widow-a
double widow. will say-for she had
been married twice, and is-come don't
let your chin drop to such an alarming
extent, for outside of all she is worth
$4,000. although that, in my case, is "A
feathers weight in the scales. She is
actually thirty-siN. but looks ten years
younger, and is pretty as a picture.
She has one child, a daughter who is at
school in Paris, but rs she is heiress to
4 cool 100000, she is not an incum-
branCe by any means"
"Dick Halliday. you're u COOL" eX-
claimed the old gentleman. "The
woman is almost old enough to bcyour
mother"
Not quite rs bad rs that"
81 say sir. she's almost old enough
to be your mother! Have You com
mtted yoursclf-has she ensnared
you?"
Don't you remember the old agree
ment, father. that when | thought Of
marrying | would consult with you
before taking the step? | will there
fore introduce you To Mrs. wilkins. let
you study her character. and then
abide by your decision; for have no
doubt as TO what it will be-"
"Ah" said the old gentleman. that's
better That's decidedly better You
may introduce me. Dick. and | will
promise you my unbiasing opinion Of
the bewitching creature"
"All right. When will you GO"
Tonight, tomorrow. any time you
please; but see here. Dick, to change
the subject, how about this London
business? It's going to ruin"
We'll suppose we will have to
send u man To look after it,"
"Sendr' cried the old man. that
wont do at all: one or the other of US
must go. We've trusted entirely too
much Of late. and home interests are
almost as bad ~ our foreign. Now.
Dick, III tell you what I'll do. II you
%ill 90 to London and straighten things
up, III give you my answer concerning
your flame the moment you return.
I've been over so often that the very
thought Of going makes me sick
Come. what do you say. Dick"
"If you desire it. father, I'll 60. GER
tainly."
"Then that's settled. Where arc you
off to now ~
81 was going up To the Astor. but III
wait until evening. and then you can
accompany me-"
"All right. Dick, all right; only don't
commit yourself Beware Of widows
you know"
That evening Halliday and son re-
paired to the Astor House and were
conducted To one Of the private parlors
In few minutes Mrs. wilkins entered
and it was plain TO bc seen that the old
gentleman was amazed. He did not
wonder at his sons infatuation. and
afterward acknowledged her to be the
most beautiful woman he had ever
secen. When at length they took their
departure after spending a delightful
evening. the son said
"What do you say. father?"
Give me time. my boy, give me
ume." was the reply.
The next day at | o'clock Dick started
for London. The weather was fair
the passage prosperous one. and he
reached his destination safe and sound.
He found the business in q terrible
state and had his hands and mind fully
occupied. and week slipped by. One
morning he received a letter from his
father. a portion Of which ran as fol-
lows:
Concerning the widow. | am well
pleased with your choice She is n
good woman-as good as beautiful. A
trilc too old for you is my only objec-
ton"
Another week went by and another
letter came, in which, speaking of the
widow. the old man said:
aEN -