The state journal., 1885-01-17

why come TO you.
"Well1" l continued, inquiringly.
II was anxious to learn in what light
the fact would strike you"
"YOu mean as regards an engagement
between my daughter and yourselft'
Yes" he answered, Il suppose you
might put it in that way"
1t certainly was strange mode of pro-
posing to become my n-in-law, but af
ter all the end justified the means. my
dear Panton, said, "you must remem-
Der that ouracquaintance has been short,
and sh Guld have, Of course, to he as
sured that you are in position to keep a
wife. But. otherwise do not know any
one whom l would welcome more gladly
as Clare's husband"
Then. il satisfy you on that point,
there is no obstacle to my trying my
luck 2"
None whatever" l answered, deem
ing it unnecessary to allude to the Brown
episode. "You have my full consent.
and can only trust that you will be
equally fortunate in winning Clare's."
Thank you, was his reply; Il fancy
if you'll excuse me I'll go into the gar
den now and smoke cigar. Perhaps l
may hit on some likely plan for obtaining
that during the process
Certainly, my boy, do as you think
best. rejOined. And so this remarka-
bic interview came to close.
My little scheme was, then, a success
so far. After all, your clever people are
not difficult to Circumvent If one goes
about the business properly. The very
simplicity of my project, | said to my.
self, Was probably the chief reason that
prospered so well. A less single minded
man than myself would almost certainly
have ruined all by too great zeal, but the
unobtrusive manner in which | pulled
the wires was, felt, in the spirit of the
highest diplomacy.
1t was true that had still to deal with
Glare, and in her respect could not have
the same certainty which Panton's an
nOunCement had created as regards him
SELF Nevertheless | was not without
hope that the later's powers of persua-
sion would eventually prevail.
PantOn's communication had been
made on the Wednesday, and in the
meantime considered it as we'll not to
recur to the subject He was not, was
convinced, man to let the grass grow
under his feet, and my wisest policy was
On Saturday | informed my guest at
luncheon that had to ask his indulgence
for my absence until dinner time, as l al
ways devote that afternoon to the prepa-
ration OF the next days discourse. Butt
added that Clare would doubtless prove
an efficient substitute-an assertion which
l was pleased to observe neither OF the
young people seemed anxious to dispute.
AS it happened, the sermon | selected
was one which | already knew pretty
nearly by rote, and consequently little
more than an hours study sufflced to put
me at my ease with it. AS closed the
manuscript it occurred to me that it might
be interesting to find out, in an informal
sort Of way, how the two were amusing
themselves, and so gently opening the
study door, / stole noiselessly on tiptoe
toward the drawiDg-room.
On looking in l found it WAS untenanted,
but thOuht could detect the murmur
of voices proceeding from the adjoining
conservatory. With characteristic play
fulness | crept cautiously to the entrance
and peeped in.
Clare and the stranger were seated on
an ottoman with their backs turned to-
ward me. But this did not pevent me
from seeing-indeed, it rather helped to
shOW-that PantOn's arm was round my
daughters waist, and that their heads
were very close to each other. Although
out of simple delight at the scene before
me strained every nerve to hear what
they were saying, unfortunately could
only catch an indistinct word here and
there.
My joy at the discovery was 81 CHI that
could scarcely refrain from calling out.
Only with a considerable effort, indeed,
did | succeed in sitting my feelings; bat
when again found myself safely within
the library, with no one at hand TO watch
me, felt it impossible to restrain them
longer.
sat down in my chair and rubbed my
hands glecfully together, while as I
thought Of Browns discontinue, peal
after peal Of laughter followed in quick
succession. To think that l, of all PEG.
pie the most guileless and Ingenious,
should have Outwitted this crafty
schemer The idea was too exquisite.
When at last l had sufficiently regained
my composure, l once more proceeded
toward the drawing room, on this occa-
sion, however, being careful to give due
warning Of my coming. AS expected,
on reaching the Con vatory, found
Glare alone on the couch, while Panton
stood little apart from her,
Well, young folks" l said, Il hope
you've enjoyed yourselves.
Perfectly" returned Panton, in
tone conveying that for his part he could
have gone on doing so in the same way
for some time further.
"And how have you amused each
other?" asked.
II have been teaching Miss DENLY
new game" he replied.
''Ah," said, land what is itS"
Il call it Question and Answer, and
really it's amazingly simple, although
your daughter seemed at first to have
some difficulty in understanding it. 1t is
usual for two to play, and the interest is
increased when they are of different
sexes"
Indeed" 1 interrupted, placing my
hand Oh Clare's shoulder, ''and what
then7"
1.-The gentleman, as a rule, begins;
although I've heard of cases where the
lady has preferred to do so, something in
this manner, 1 love you, he says;
will you be my wifeF To which she
replies. Yes.
"And has my little puss been taking
part in it?" l asked, looking down into
Clare's face aftectionately.
She blushed as she answered, Eyes,
papa"
l crossed to where the other stood and
took his hand. "Mr. Panton," l said,
you have made me very happy. l am
proud to welcome you as my son in-law."
Thank you," he replied, beginning
TO laugh in his old fashion, you are aw.
fully good, By the way" he continued.
Il may as we'll set you right at once as
to slight misconception. You seem to
have caught my name imperfectly. 1t is
true that l take two-thirds of it from
the relative who Left the Wiltshire rrnn.