The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-05
THE COUNTRY FATHER .IN.LAw.
By JosKPHisE E. BARRY.

lington, as they walked down enc of the
principal streets of Is.
"Quietl Secusionu repeated Reece in
contemptuous tone. I'D like TO know how
long ii is sin 70 you have begun 10 sigh iol
Quiet: you. who are of the most fun
loving fellows IN town, must pack up and 20
into the country at the best of the season.
Besides, Harold. you are crazy to think of
going into the country where there will be
one TO taIK to you but lot Of pumpkins
and ignorant clio choppers and country girls
who stammer and blush il you happen to
look at them. You need only to point your
firger at the girls when they will begin to
giggle."
That may be your version OF the SUD-
Jet" said Harold, "but to me it will be a
treat relief TO get away from this hot,
busting city and spend q season among the
genial blue jeans farmers and rustic bellies.
Who knows but I'll fall in love with some
country lass and present her to you as Mrs.
Harold MarshIaud on my return. How
would that suit you, old boy?" he went on.
laughing heartily at the impro5abiity of
bis own Joke and highly amused at his
trends discomfiture.
every well. All have 10 say Is that /
wish you Joy, but do not admire your taste
last think some day when you are having
grand party at your magnificent residence
on Fifth avenue, and have gathered together
all the beauty and chivalry of your aristo-
attic circle, you will look down the street
ard see Ter father coming along, driving
covered wagon and pair OF oxen,
STOP at your brown-sIone mansion
and march into the middle
Of your naughty guests, srrsyed in cowhide
boots blue jeans aud palm leaf. Then, to
crown all you will be obliged to introduce
him to your friends as your much revered
father-in-lew +" replied Reece, laughing i'm
moderately at the horrid picture ne pre-
sented.
Harold joined good naturally in the
laugh, and the two friends shook hands and
separated for the night. Harold Msrshland,
alter giving strict I'M unotioDs 10 the servants
10 call him early, went to bed, hoping to OBJ.
tain q little rest during the time which in-
tervened before his early departure the fol
owing morning
He was up early the next day aud having
drank the cup of coffee the servant brought
him be sDaIched up his valise and went
down stairs, where he encountered Rsece
Ellington waiting for him. Tue friends lit
their cigars and started for tAe depot to catch
The morning train, which was TO take one of
them away from the city for month at
least.
Il know l shall enjoy the co 1utry rot
withdrawing al your preaching, Ellington;
ard the only thing that worries me is tbatI
cen not persuade you TO give a the city for
awhile and accompany me. Perhaps my
mule country wife-thet Is to be-mght
have pretty, bashful sister that you might
marry. ard then we would have the same
covntry father-in-law to visit as during our
party seasons" said Harold. renewing che
conversation OF the preceding night with
Amusement.
20 its all very well for you to talk, bat
YOU can Lot get me to burn my fingers at
the same stove with you; when you come
back and find me married to the rich heir.
sss, Miss Stanley, who is coming here next
week, and the happy possessor of her fifty
thousand dollars, perhaps you will change
ihe tone of your argument" Reece replied
doefully
'Hs. bs. Rsece, if you succeed in catching
her shall say you are a clever fellow. Bat
now l must say good-bye; as the train is
starting and / might get left bshind, in
which case your chances for winning the
heiress might be very small. So farewell,
my dear friend, here is the train aud l must
away to parts remote. The coast is clear,
the held Is open TO you, 80 &C and win your
heiress and give my wife all your iders for
pumpkin butter
Harold Marshland leaned out of the car
window watching the retreating form of his
friend until it was hidden behind the car.
riages and vehicles surrounding the depot,
and then drew a volume from his pocket and
was soon interested in Its contents So ab-
sorbed was he that he was startled when the
sbrill whistle of the engine announced their
arrival at the little station where he was to
set OF. He grasped his valise and sprang out
on the platform
A light spring wagon was waiting to con-
vey him 10 bis destination He took seat
eside the driver and was soon speeding
aorg the country road.
After drive OF about five miles from the
station they drew up before a pretty white
t1o-story house surrounded by wheat and
corn-helds and from his seat in the wagon
be could see pretty sparkling brook flowing
through the meadow.
he alighted aud opening the gate, walked
mp the flower bordered path toward the
house where he was met by the housekeeper,
who conducted him to his room and left him
10 rest before dinner.
Having finished his toilet Harold sat
Gown by the window to await the summons
1or refreshments. He was there but few
moments when he saw farmer Stanley, the
owner CT the farm, emerging from behind
the trees, and smile fitted across his face as
he RECALLED Reece E)lington's raillery Of the
night before.
In the meantime the farmer had sp.
proached the house, and Harold saw that he
wss tail stout. stoop-shouldered man of
shout forty years. His hands and feet were
very large, his hair long and his whiskers
bushy; his fsce was tanned aud weather
beaten, and bis whole appearance the regular
representation OF the burly, awkward farmer
Reece Ellington had such an antipsthy to.
ward.
Hearing the dinner-Sell ring Harold left
his position by the window and his amusing
inspection Of the farmer and descended to
the diningrnom.
The housed eeper was the only occupsnt O,
the room. and she hustled forward and
placed a chair for him. Just as he was tax
ing the proffered seat he heard the door OMEN
end the housekeeper say. Mr.. Marshland
slow me to introduce you to Miss Clara
Stanley"
BE turned and found himself face to face
with TIE most beautiful creature he ever
saw. When be heard her. in clear, ringing
tones, welcome him TO Cakw0ods. he bowed
lnvv IN acknowledgements NJ har GRATING bos