The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-05-23
A DETERMINED MOTHER.
How She Secured the Happiness
of Her Daughter.
CHAPTER I.
81 say you did, sir

81 say you did, sir
Madam, you certainly make mis-
take"
81 don't make mistake, any such of
thing These are the very words you
said: Mrs. Beasely, have not spoken
to Hester concerning the matter, think
ing that it would be better to speak to
you first, but | would like very much to
marry her. Those were your words,
Mr.. Lucas, and you needn't try to get
out of il"
"Why, madam, l am much too old
for Hester. / have never had q thought
of marrying her. You certainly must
have dreamed that l addressed YOU"
Look here, Mr.. Lucas, am a
woman"
''Of course. You have borne that
reputation during many years."
None of your foolishness, sir. say
that am a wom-"
"A declaration which have not dis
puted."
She drew herself up, glared at him
and continued, Il am woman, but
have the spirit of man. am always
prepared to defend my word against
attack, and let me warn you not to
again question my truthfulness. You
said that you wanted to marry Hester. ="
Mrs. Beasely, this is an unfort-
innate affair. | am forty years old;
Hester is seventeen. Surely the dis
parity"
Disparity the deuce.'
1.-THE deuce, Mrs. Beasely?"
Eyes, the deuce"
"All right, disparity the deuce, then,
Mrs Beasely."
when | told Hester what you said,
she joyously replied: Won't that be
delightful" AfA
Mother, what are you and Mr..
Lucas lowering about exclaimed a
young lady, entering the room. 81
have been trying to write letter, but
your noise scatters my thoughts, if
have any,"
"Hester, keep quiet I'll manage this
affair | am determined that you shall
not be cheated"
Elbow cheated, motherp"
"Now don't put on such an air of as.
constituent. You know what l mean. y
81 declare / do not"
"Now, daughter, don't be foolish
When l told you that Mr.. Lucas wanted
you for wife,
''Mother!" screamed the young lady
whats the matterPn demanded the
old lady.
You never in all your life spoke t
me about Mr.. Lucas wanting to marry
me. | don't know what to think O
you"
'Hester | have not la the weight o
my hand on you since you were a child
but you persist in disputing my wore
/ shall box your ears. Lucas asked M
for you. When | told you, a fact whicl
you can not dispute, you clapped you
hands and said that such an arrange
ment would be delightful"
Miss Hester's face grew scarlet With
out replying, she sat down near the win
dow. Lucas could see the tears rollin!
down her cheeks.
''Mr. Lucas has disputed my word
but he can not deny the truth of what
say. Now, l shall leave you here t
talk over this business"
"Miss Hester, this is a strange affair,
said Mr.. Lucas, when the old lady ha
gone.
81 never saw the like. don't know
what can all mother"
''She is certainly very strange"
"ls it possible that she is goin,
crazy?"
81 think not, for she is perfectly san
on all other matters, and is the mos
accurate business woman l have eve
seen. As God is my Judge, though,
have never spoken to her about marry
ing you. have never thought of sue
thing, let me assure you"
The denial was a little too positive
The young lady, turning with moe
courtesy, replied:
"Oh, you needn't throw such emphs
sis into your words. Other men, VIII
are quite as handsome as you ar,
doubtless, have thought about marry
ing me. Ihave never begged any on
TO marry me, / am sure.