The Osceola times., 1885-06-06
A DETERMINED MOTHER.
How She Secured the Happiness
of Her Daughter.
CHAPTER I.
sI sav Won did. sir"

81 say you did, sir"
MADAM, you certainly make mis-
taks
al don't make a mistake, any such Of
, a thing. These are the very words you
said: Mrs. Beasely. l have not spoken
to Hester concerning the matter, think
ing shat 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, am much too old
for Hester. i have never had thought
Of marrying her. You certainly must
have dreamed that addressed you"
Look here. Mr.. Lucas, l am a
woman"
"Of course. You have borne that
reputation during many years."
None of your foolishness, sir. say
that am wom-"
"A declaration which have not dis
puted."
She drew herself up, glared at him
and continued, 81 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-
unate affair l am forty years old;
Hester is seventeen. Surely the dis
parity"
Disparity the deuce"
The deuce, Mrs. BeaselyP"
ayes. the deuce"
"All right, disparity the deuce. then,
Mrs. Beasely."
when | told Hester what you said,
she joyously replied; Won't that be
delightful"
"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 l
have any,"
Hester, keep quiet. I'll manage this
affair | am determined that you shall
not be cheated"
"How cheated, mother?"
'Now don't put on such an air of as
tonishment You know what mean"
Il declare | do not"
Now, daughter, don't be foolish.
When ! told you that MIR. Lucas wanted
you for wife"
"Mother!" screamed the young lady.
whats the mader?" demanded the
old lady.
You never in all your life spoke to
me about Mr. Lucas wanting to marry
me. l don't know what to think of
you"
Hester / have not lain the weight of
my hand on you since you were child.
but fyou persist in disputing my word
shall box your ears. Lucas asked me
for you. When told you, fact which
you can not dispute. you clapped your
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 rolling
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 to
talk over this business"
Miss Hester, this is strange affair"
said MIR. Lucas, when the old lady had
gone.
81 never saw the like. don't know
what can all mother"
''She is certainly very strange"
''is it possible that she is going
crazy?"
81 think not. for she is perfectly sane
on all other matters, and is the most
accurate business woman have ever
seen. As God is my Judge, though, !
nave never spoken TO her about marry
ing you l have never thought of such
thing, let me assure you"
-, 1he denial was little too positive
The young lady, turning with mock
courtesy, replied:
"Oh. You needn't throw such empha-
Bis into your words. Other men. who
are quite as handsome as you are,
doubtless, have thought about marry
ing me. Ihave never begged any one
70 marry me, ! am sure.
Miss Hester, did not mean"
"Oh. never mind making excuses.
Just tecause you have a large planta-
.on and fine carriage, you think that
everybody wants to marry you"
Miss Hester"
Don't Miss Hester me. You and
mother ought TO be ashamed Of your
selves. poor girl never has chance,
N ,his world, anyhow" and the young
lady burst into tears.
CuA prrp II