The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1883-11-22

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sented cordially. The time Of you
gentlemen in business is so valuable
that we could not attempt to detain
you"
but before | go, I should wish to
speak word to you in private, if you
please, if Miss Roper and this lady
will excuse me-" with comprehen-
sive bow.
II will trouble you to come into the
dining-room, then" said Mrs. Roper,
rising. II know need not apologize
to Mrs. Singleton"
Mo, indeed" | said; "but you must
allow me to say goodbye first: 1t is
high time for me to be going home.
And home | went; but, as [ after
wards heard the history of the con-
versation from Mrs Roper, l am in a
position to continue the narrative,
notwithstanding.
Mr.. ,Goldthorpe planted himself at
one side of the little square table, and
deposited his hat upon the red cloth,
with an air of coming to business.
Mrs. Ripper sat facing him on the
other sidrs, ready for battle.
Il suppose, mA'am," he began,
that MISS Roper has Informed you
why | am here to-day"
Il think | told yon, when you first
came, Mr.. Goldthorpe, that your ar
rival WAS unexpected by mt"
"Ah! she left the explanations to
me. Well, am here to explain"
Pray do not suppose that d friendly
visit needs any explanation. | look
upon yours to-day in that light; | beg
that you will not ask me to regard it
IN any other"
But do ask you. ma'am. came
for purpose; and when | have pur-
pose, | always carry it out-and,
what's more, | succeed in it.
1T will be wiser, then for you not
to pursue one in which you have no
prospect Of success"
''Ket there be no misunderstanding
Eabetween us ma am" said Mr.. Gold
thorpe hurriedly. Il have the high
est possible esteem and respect for
YOURSELF, but it is your daughter that
[ want to marry.
Mrs. Roper nearly sprang from her
chair in Indignation, but insulted
dignity gave her additional self-pos-
session. and she replied
although such misrepresentation
mis- ght have naturally arisen, consider
ing the respective ages OF all con-
cerned, yet | assure you, sir, that it
never for moment crossed my mind.
My daughter told ME that you had
paid her considerable attention while
in London; and | conceived that the
reason Of your presence here was to
ask my consent to your suit.
50 it is, ma a'am; SO it Is, said Mr..
Goldthorpe, reassured; land | hope |
have it.
''On the contrary. have been en-
deavoring, indirectly, to make you
understand that it is useless to ask
for it.
"Useless!" he cried. you don't
know what you're saying-you don't
know who you're talking to-"
Il beg your pardon, [ know quite
we'll "
Il dare say you think, because I'm
stock broker, that I'm speculator;
and that my wife and children may
be millioHaires one day. and b+ggars
the next. But I've seen too much Of
that sort of game. It's no business
of any ones what do with the mon
ey | keep loose at my bankers; but
there's 60,O00l invested in govern
mrnt stocks and United States bouds
and some good railways, that have
not touched for ten Years, and don t
mean to. And when | marry, I'll
settle every penny of that on my wife
aud her children; SO that, if | went
through the courts next month, she
should keep her carriage all the same.
II will not attempt to discuss the
honorablrne>s of that arrangement" +"
answered Mrs. Roper icily Il am
aware that commercial honor is diff
ferent thing from what l have known
by the name. My objection is Of ID
different kiud altogether" J"
is it my age?' broke in Mr.. Gold
thorpe. Il was only fifty-seven last
birthday, and I'm stronger than most
of the young fellows | know. Be-
sides, I'll make her a better husband
than a boy, that hasn't half sown his
wild oats, and will be wanting his
own way, instead Of giving her her ;"
Il must own that | think such a
serious disparity Of age great Object
ion," Mrs. Roper replied; hut that Is
not the only ground. Mr.. Gold
thorpe, has m y daughter ever led you
to believe that she loved you?'
why, certainly thought the
young lady did not seem uufavorably
disposed towards me. But, without
having had it from her own lips, |
should not like to use such strong
expression"
Il am glad to hear you say: | did
not believe she would have deceived
you. Am to understand that you
love her?''
"Well, really, the fact that | am
ready to ask her to be my wife is
proof enough that [ feel towards her
rs | ought. I'm not sentimental
man-never prof-ssed to be: and |
don't know that [ can get up grand
passion. But like Miss Roper bet
ter than any young lady | ever met
She will make ME good wife; I'll
make her IA good husband; and, with
out Boosting, | may say that when
she is Mrs. Goidthorpe, there'll be a
good many women who would give
something to stand in her shoes"
"She will never be Mrs Goldthorpe
with my consent" said Mrs. Roper,
rising.
"Not?" said Mr.. Goldthorpe blank
ly.
Certainly not. If she wished to
marry to poverty. should [ not have a