The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-06-20
NIPPED IN THE BUD.

Jack Willard was a well to do young
bachelor, who had been telling himself
for some years past that It was time to
get married; and one day sc met his
fate-it was on Sunday, and she sat in
front of him, with her face intently fix
ed on the minister, but in such posi-
ton that Jack had view of charming
profile, and during a greater part of
the service he could not keep his eyes
off it.
The lady was dressed in black; she
had a sweet, pale, lovely face, and her
name was Mrs. Esther Linton, a young
widow, with one child, baby not a
year old.
Her name and her sad story Jack had
managed to ferret out among his
friends before the close of the day on
which she had first dawned on his en-
raptured gaze; and the facts he had
thus elected had only strengthened his
sudden passion. +.i -
In due course of time, Jack succeed
ed in obtaining an introduction to Mrs.
Linton, and personal. acquaintance with
his enslaver only served to riyet his
rosy chains. He called almost every
day on one pretext or another. till at
length he began to hope that Mrs. Lin
ton really cared for him; and although
naturally very bashful and retiring
man, he was rapidly getting his cour-
age up to the point of making propo-
sal. One morning he woke up in a
Iivelier and more courageous frame of
mind than usual, and ne determined to
speak the momentous words that day.
He mentally rehearsed the form In
which he should do it, while he Dress
ed; and at about eleven o'clock issued
forth-a gorgeous being, all prepared
to speak his little piece.
He reached the fair widows, and
rang the bell; when to his surprise and
delight the door was opened by Mrs,
Linton herself. Then he noticed that
the lady had her bonnet on, and SEEM
ed to be all ready to 60 out; but she re-
ceived him with evident pleasure.
pray come in, Mr.. Willard" she
said. II am so glad to see you, for
know you will mind baby for me! See!
have her il her little carriage in the
dining room. and / won't keep you ter
minutes. NV servant has gone out,
but will be back in ten minutes or so;
and. anyway, | won't be gone more
than half an hour at furtherest myself.
i have u business engagement OF the
greatest importance, but it is only at
the end of the street.. VIII you be 80
very kindp know its great favor,
and there is not another gentleman in
the world of whom would ask it.
What could Jack Willard sayP Had
he not come here to beg the privilege
of becoming baby's second father, and
could he reasonably refuse to do a ia
theirs duty for miserable ten minutesP
So he accepted the charge bravely, and
declared that nothing in the world
could give him so much pleasure as to
take charge of baby for week at q
time, if necessary.
Mrs. Linton thanked him sweetly,
and fastened away. Jack went to the
window, and-baby being asleep
spent the first half of the ten minutes
in watching Mrs. Linton's graceful fig
ure as it disappeared down the street
Attic end of that time he was sud-
denly reused from that pleasing con-
temptation by shrill scream.
Jack hastened TO soothe the baby,
but no sooner did she catch sight Of a
strange and masculine face than she
sent forth yells of dismay.
Hush. pretty baby. hush" said