Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1886-05-13
THEIR UNCLE'S PLAN.

The immense dry goods store was
crowded.
Charmingly- -attired ladies swarmed
about the counters; harassed saleswomen
pulled down innumerable boxes and
answered unlimited questions; and the
little baskets chased one another along
the wires to the cashiers desk.
At further counter, where pretty
toilet articles held sway, Annie Rogers
stood gazing at her own fair image in a
plate-glass hand-mirror with Russia
leather back.
'sHe'll be sure to like it,n she said,
looking up at the young man who stood
waiting at her side. s'Tll take it, she
added, turning to the girl behind the
counter and producing her purse. "It's
his birthday, you know" she went on,
as the hand-glass went flying down a
wire. "We always make birthday pres
ents to each other. Dear old Uncle
Dodsonn
"Uncle Dodsonn he had always been
to her, though she was only an orphaned
relative Of his dead wife, adopted in her
infancy.
SHE'S lucky person, with you to care
for him." said Howard Candy, taking
charge of the hand mirror as it reappeared
in its neat wrappings. you'll let me
walk home with youg" he went on, as
they stepped out into the crowded street.
More than one hurrying shopper noted
them admiringly as they walked slowly
down the avenue together-the graceful
girl, in her soft, light dress, her checks
grown pink and her eyes bright in the
fresh air, and the tall young man, not far
behind her in personal advantages, bend
ing to talk to her.
But they were not aware of these ap-
proving glances they were not conscious,
in fact, of anything beyond their own
absorbing conversation, hint Of which
may be gathered from their parting
words. For, as they mounted the broad
steps Of the big Dodson house, Annie
was murmuring:
"What will Uncle Dodson ssy?''
"He1l give US consent and blessing, Of
course, my dear girl" said Howard,
cheerfully.
And he gave Mr. Dodson's birthday
present into her possession, pressed her
hand with whispered word, and went
down the steps reluctantly.
A large valise stood in the hall, and an
unfamiliar hat hung on the rack.
Annie looked'at them sharply. Proba-
bly, it was some friend of Uncle Dod-
sons come to see him-he was something
Of an invalid.
But the hat-a smart, speckled straw,
with blue band had an Enthusiastically
youthful air. She ran up the stairs won
deringly.
Mr.. Dodson was sitting in the large
armchair before the window, where most
Of his time was spent. A young man Of
two-and-tventy, or thereabouts, notice.
able for nothing unless for the cheerful
ness Of his rather boyish face, sat near
him.
Mr. Dodson looked up with welcom-
ing smile as Annie entered.
"My nephew, Dudley Hobart, NV
dear, 2 he said.
The young man rose and bowed
rather constrainedly, Annie thought.
Mr.. Dodson regarded her anxiously.
''Sit down, he said.
Annie sat down at his side, feeling that
something unpleasant was coming; and
the young man quietly withdrew.
"He is my nephew my only relative. =
Mr.. Dodson began. sHe will inherit nv
property, my DEAR
"Well9" said Annie, cheerfully.
Well, = Mr.. Dodson repeated, strok
ing her hand, s he will inherit my prop
erty; but you must be provided for, too.
There seems to me but one way. have
thought of it much; but the best
way seems to be-that you should marry.
So have sent for him, Z said Mr.. Dodson,
going on hurriedly. aAnd-we have
been talking Of it, my dear.'
Poor Annie had listened silently. Was
this kind hearted Uncle Dodson who
was saying these dreadful things
A little too business-like to suit you.
eh ?" said Mr.. Dodson, noting her dis
tressed face. Yes, of course. / ex-
pected that. Young folks nowadays
have an idea that their elders shouldn't
have word to say about these things
not word But don't you see, my
dear, " be went on, kindly, Athat it's al
the same thing Suppose I had got
Dudley here without mentioning my little
plan2 Well, you'd have been pretty sure
to fall in love with each other. He's as
nice fellow as you'll find, Annie, and
he knows pretty girl when he sees one,
] imagine. Well then, why should you
hold back, either Of you, merely because
! give q little push to a sure-enough
affair n
The girl at his side turned her troubled
face away hastily.
- was very simple thing surely to
toua1l tlIIs; TIC mere men