Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1885-03-26
TWO OF A KIND.
The Love Affairs of Father AMI
Daughter Kennedy.

by his friends the mildest-tempered man
in Posey County, but had any of them
CHANGED to accompany him on his
homeward way the night on which this
chronicle opens they would have been
obliged to alter their decision. The
little gentleman trembled in every limb,
his cane swayed menacingly up and
down, and his lips heaped muttered
vituperations on the heads of imaginary
companions. His own dwelling reached,
he called hoarsely from the foot Of the
staircase:
'Katie!''
Eyes. pa"
Come down; / want to see YOU"
She ran down the stairs after mo-
ment's time and followed her parent
into the parlor. Her toilet she consid-
cred amply sufficient for the occasion,
it consisting of PAIR of stockings, a
night dress and shawl.
''What's the matter, pa?" (She pro-
nounced it paW.)
whats the matter?" He turned
around with burst of anger that
startled her. whats the matter?" he
repeated again. 1.-The matter is that
if that thieving, low-lived Mark Dickin-
son enters this house again will shoot
every load in that revolver into his idle.
worthless, impudent carcass" empha-
sizing each adjective with resounding
blow from his cane upon the time-worn
horse-hair sofa. He paused for an in
slant, but his astonished daughter did
rot speak, and he opened up the second
rouLd. you've had your pick of the
finest fellows in town and to take up
with loafing vagabond who never
earned his own boots nor even backing
for them. Girl, girl The began to grow
tragic], you've ruined yourself and
you've ruined me; but remember grad
ually lowering his tones TO the deepest
bass in his vocal repertory1 if he once
comes here he-comeS-tO-Dea Go
to bed"
Glad to escape, she lost no time in
locking herself into her room, for she
was quite decided in her own mind that
her father had become suddenly insane.
Her mother had domineered over him
all the years of their married life until
the grave stood between the meek little
man and his firm-minded cOnsort; but
Katie assumed the reins of government
as taey fell from her mothers lifcless
hands, and followed 50 nobly in her
footsteps that Mr.. Kennedy's subjuga-
tioL had been quite as complete with
his pretty daughter for housekeeper as
during his wifc's lifetime. The I'M
wavcring docility that had characterized
him made his exhibition of rage the
more impressive. Mr.. Kennedy was
the victim of deep and humiliating
disappointment. Had not her thoughts
for weeks past been so exclusively
centered on Mark, Katie would have de-
tected the fact that her father seemed
apprehensive of displeasing her. While
love had been gently besieging her
heart the same tender passion had
made immense havoc with the similar
organ that beat in Mr.. Kennedy S breast
The Widow Garrison (the widow and
her large farm south of town. had
captivated his affections; her gracious
acceptance of his timidly offered atten-
tons gave him every reason to consider
his suit successful, though nervous
dread of mourning his daughters dis
pleasure long deferred him from utter
ing the decisive words. But his fears
subsidized when the widow casually re-
marked upon her son Sans growing
admiration of Katie, and Mr.. Kennedy
recollected that he had frequently met
the young man in his own parlor
Should Katie marry Sam she would GER
tainly not refuse to sanction her father S
union with her mother-in-law, and en-
couraged by these reflections Mr.. Ken
nedy offered his heart and hand to and
was accepted by his elderly charmer.
Her Eyes" had hardly been pronounced
when Sam entered the room, his glance
falling with displeasure upon the
visitor.
well. Sam" began happy and un-
suspicious Mr.. Kennedy, chow did you
leave Kate to-night?' with surrepti-
tious wink at his own dulcinea-
Il left her deceitful. two-faced mink
rs she always has been"
The explosion brought CONSERVATION
to its hearers. Mr.. Kennedy's Jaw
dropped and he stared in silent dismay,
but the widows quickened intuition
saw through her sons anger.
Has Katie Tilted you?" she asked
sharply.
Il asked her to marry me and she
refused" -
Perhaps she'll change her mind"
suggested Mr.. Kennedy, hesitatingly,
after few moments of oppressive 81
lence- "She doesn't like anybody
else"
''She does. though. interrupted Sam,
sullenly, ''she's engaged to Mark Dick
inson."
Mark Dickinson"
well. Mr.. Kennedy" the widow
spoke deliberately, although her express
sive black eyes hardly indicated soul
at peace with all mankind. ..if your
girl is too good for my boy l reckon I'd
better make matters even by being too
good for you. and we win be Just as
If our two families keep q
right smart distance between them
after this"
NJ, Kennedy kept bis bed the follow.