The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1884-02-02


visit to some friends in Saratoga, leaving
her son to keep house at home. That
same afternoon one of Captain Black s
servants brought the following note for
Willoughby:
WILLIE Have you any objection to
my telling my dear papa allp Matters
have now gone so far, that ii will be i'm
possible for either of us to retract what
| we have written. Let us take papa iuto
our confidence. l know his kind aud
generous nature we'll, and have no fear
that he will oppose cur union. Priy
send me line by bearer. EVA.
The answer was as follows:
My Own EvA-Do whatever you think
is best. My fate is in your hands. II
your papa should refuse his consent. l
- But will not think of anything so
dreadful. Fear not that 1 shall ever re-
tract. Life without you would be des-
ert, with no oasis to brighten it,
Yours, WILLoUGHBY.
That evening, just as Willoughby had
finished dinner. he heard loud double
knock at the street. door; and on It's be.
ing opened, a strange voice inquired in
10 d tone:
rs Mr.. Wllloughby Vine at homer
His heart beat violently as Janet, en-
terlng the room, said:
"A gentleman wishes to speak with
you in the library. sir"
And she handed him card, inscribed
Captain Checker Black, 1O0lst Regi-
ment N. G. S. N. Y"
Il will be with him in n moment"
SAID Willoughby; and he swallowed a
couple OF glasses OF sherry, to nerve Kim
for the interview.
captain Choker Black, I believer" he
ssid as he entered the library.
"Your servant. SIR said the gallant
captain-who, glass in eye, was busily
engaged in scrutiniziug an engraving Of
the Battle of Gettysburg. Your
servant, sir. Have 1 the pl asure
of addressing Mr.. Willoughby VaLe?'
Willoughby bowed.
business that has brought me here?"
Terribly nervous, and scarcely know
ing what answer to make, our hero bowed
again.
Come, come, sir, don't be afraid to
speak out! My daughter has made me
her confident, SO let there be no reserve
between u.s. Eva has told me ALI"
Here poor WilloughBy blushed up to
the roots of his hair.
"You see, know all about it. You
have fallen desperately in love with the
poor girl; and although you have never
exchanged three words together, you are
engaged to be marrie' Mighty exped-
itious, upon my word. Ha! hal hal
Pray excuse me for laughing, but the
idea is somewhat comicul! Ha! ha! hal
As the captain appeared to be in pret
ty good humor, Willoughby's courage
began to rise.
Don't mention it, sir. You are hei
father, and haye right to do what you
please. But l sincerely trust you hav,
+ no objection to offer"
"l2 Nonel Believe me, shall be de
: lighted to see my Eva comfortably set
} tied. But, harkye, sir. Business il
business. am plain, blunt man, auC
fifteen years soJourn with ones regimen
ON the plains doesn't help to polish one
First of all, what are your prospec's?'
And the captain drew notebook on
of his pocket and proceeded to examin,
our hero as ii he was in court of jus
tice.
you are an only son, believer"
II am"
Good" And down went the uote il
the pocket book.
Your age?"
twenty eight next birthday"
"rwepty-eight! Good. Is your con
stitutiou bealthy?"
II believe so, have had the measl, S
whooping-cough and mumps."
Disorders peculiar to infancy
Good" Aud the captain scribbled ava.
, again.
, "Are you engaged in any business o
protessiou?'
= None"
Then how on earth do you live?"
= 'On my private incumr, captain"
Then all | can say is you're an un
: commonly lucky fellow to be able to sub
/, slst on that. only wish l coulu. WA
is your iucom,?'
I "About four thousand year"
a "Is it in house property, shares i
I limited companies, or in Governments
= Ii in public companies, should be sol
y ry to give two years purchase for th
J., lot"
e In the new four per cents
Good. think 1 may say very gool
What sort of a temper are yoG?'
"Well, that's rather difficult Queslio
to answer, said WIilougLby, smiling fC
Z the first time.
Hang it, sir not at ALL" returned II
Il captain. III any one asked me my ten
per, should say 'Hasiy! sir--coniounC
:. edly hastyr Aud Choker Black prou
of it. sir-proud of it,"
"Say about the average" answere
'e Willoughby, timidly.
% Temper average said the captain
" jotting 1t down. Il think these al
'e about all the questions have to al
D. you. You know my daughter by sight
- Il haye had the pleasure of seeing he
frequently-from the window, slr!"
: "And you think you could be hapE
. with hei?'
Think, captain! am certain of it.. y
IA Very good, Now, harkye, Mr., Wi
loughhy Vane, Marry her, treat h
. well, and be happy. Neglect her, Lligl
, her young aft ction, by harshness I
- 4 !