The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-12-17
IN THE SAME FIX.

IN THE SAME FIX.
Slade and Co.'S immense shop was
crowded.
Charmingly-attired ladies swarmed
about the counters; harrassed sales
women pulled down innumerable boxes
and answered unlimited questions;
and the little baskets chased one an
other along the wires to the cashier s
desk.
At farther counter, where pretty
toilet articles held sway, stood Annie
Rogers gazing at her own fair image
in plate-glass handmirror with Rus
sia leather back.
He'll be sure TO like it," she said,
looking up at the young man who
stood waiting at her side. ''l'l take
it" she added, turning 10 the girl be-
hind the counter. and producing her
purse; "it's his birthday, you know"
she went on, as the hand-glass went
dying down the wire; 1--WE always
make birthday presents to each other.
Dear old Uncle Dodson!"
"Uncle Dodson'' he had always been
to her, though she was only an Or
phaned relative of his dead wife,
adopted in her Infancy.
"He's lucky person with you to
care for him." said Howard Candy,
taking charge of the hand-mirror as it
reappeared in its neat wrappings;
you'll let me walk home with youP"
he went on as they stepped out. into
the crowded street
More than one noted them admiring-
ly as they walked slowly down the
street together-the graceful girl in
her soft light dress, her cheeks grown
pink and her eyes bright in the fresh
air, and the tall young man, not far
behind her in personal advantages,
bending to talk to her.
But they were not aware of these
approving giances; thoy Were not con-
scious. in fact of anything beyond
their own absorbing conversation, a
hint of which may be gathered from
their parting words. For, as they
mounted the broad steps of the big
Dodson house, Annie was murmuring:
"What will Uucio Dodson sayP"
Hell give us his consent and bless
ing, of course. my dear girl" said
Howard cheerfully.
And he gave Mr.. Dodson's birthday
present into her possession, pressed
her hand with whispered word, and
went down the steps reluctantly.
A large va.ise stood in tie hall. aud
an unfamiliar hat hung on the rack.
Annie lookcd at them sharply.
Probably it was some friend of Uncle
Dodson's come to see him-he was
someth ug OF an invalid.
But the haI--I smart speckled straw,
with blue band-had an unmistak-
ably youthful air. She ran up the
stairs wonderingly.
Mr.. Dodson was sitting in the large
armchair before the window, where
most of his time was spent. A young
man of two-aud-twenty, or thereabouts,
noticeable for nothing unless for the
cheerfulness of his rather boyisE face,
sat near him
Mr.. Dodson looked up with a well
coming smile as Annie entered.
My nephew, Dudley Hobart, my
DEAR" he said.
The young man rose and bowed
(. rather constrainedly, Annie thought.
Mr.. Dodson regarded her anxiously.
'.Sit down" he said
Annie sat down at his side, feeling
that something unpleasant was COM
ing; and the young man quietly with
drew.
''He is my nephew-my only rela-
tive," Mr.. Dodson began. HE will
inherit my property, my dear"
"Wellr' said Annie cheerfully.
"Well," Mr.. Dodson repeated, strok-
ing her hand, ''hc will inherit my
property; but you must be provided
for, too. There seems to me but one
way. Ihave thought of it much; but
the best way seems to be-that You
should marry. So i have sent for
him." said Mr.. Dodson, going on hur-
riedly, land we have beon talking OF
it. my dear"
Poor Annie had listened silently.
Was this kind-hearted Uncle Dodson
who was saying these dreadful things!
"a little too busineSs-like to suit
you-ehp'' said Mr.. Dodson, noting
her distressed face. Yes, OF course.
/ expected that. Young folks nova
days have an idea that their elders
shouldn't have a word to say about
these things-not n wordi But DOM
you sec, my DEAR" he went on kindly
THAT it's all the same thing. Sup
pose l had got Dudley here without
mentioning my little plan? Well
you'd have been pretty sure to fall IL
love with each other. He's as nice 8
fellow as you'll find, Annie, and hs
knows pretty girl when he sees one
l imagine. Well, thon, why shoulc
YOU hold back, either of you, merely
because / give little push to sure
enough AFFAIR.""
The girl at his side turned hel
troubled face away hastily.
1t was very simple thing surely tC
put an end to all this The mere men
ton of Howard Candy would do it
| she was sure, for Uncle Dodson wa
| not an ogre.
And yet, how could she meet hi!
possible displeasure and his certain
| disappointment?
Tue words died away on her lips.
"a bashful pair of youngsters yol
are, Iyowi" said Mr.. Dodson with ,
laugh. .If Dudley didn't behave thu
same way! Oh, well, you'll get owe
it."
Annie opened her lips, hesitated
closed them again, with weakness
and cowardico of which she was pail
fully conscious, and rose with helples
tears dropping.
Her recent purchase was still in he!
/ hands.
81 have brought little present 10
your birthday, Un5le Dodson," sh
said chokingly, and laid it on hi
knees.
1t was not until rather late hou
that afternoon that Annie found coul
age to visit Mr.. Dodson's room again.
She had carefully avoided Mr.. He
bart.
Mr.. Hobart! 1t was certainly tn
ugliest name she had ever heard.
She had taken lunch in her room