The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-04-24

in his way, my dear" he said, Though he
is too careful in his appearance and too
fond of pleasure to suit me. But it is
perhaps as well to be a little guarded in
forming familiar acquaintance with a
stranger. And-I am afraid, my DEAR that
Lee would not quite approve.
Joel almost Rugged himself as he noted
the effect produced, but he thought that be
held still better card to play. The next
day he found an opportunity to say to Lee
Tilt0n:
''Lee, are you acquainted with Lawyer
MortonY"
''No, SIR" was Lees answer; that is, but
slightly"
There is something that troubles me, T"
continued Parks. 81 don't know much Of
that young man, but to say the least he
isn't my kind. Now my Annie is young
rather taken by his dashing ways. She
has ridden with him some, and he calls
often-well, l know that she would never
care for him in serious way, but still, be-
tween you and me, Lee, don't think girls
can be too careful about forming intima-
cies with strange young men from the city.
Now, Lee, do me favor. It's of no use
for me to speak to her. | am too old, and
she wouldn't understand me. But you are
of her own age, and an old friend. You
can do it. Just give her little friendly
hint, you know.n
Lee was as wise as most young men, but
certain kinds of wisdom come only with
experience; and, although at first he siren
uously objected, he was at last over-per-
suaded, and reluctantly promised to say
just one word"
Thatevening he called upon Annie, meet
ing William Morton just coming from tSe
house, as he entered the gate As he
sat in the pleasant sitting room, Lee hated
his errand and his promise. There were
al, tinN
perhaps other things that he was more anx-
ious to say to the beautiful girl. But at
length he began his task.
Are you mnch acquainted with Mr..
Morton?n
A little; are you9"
'Well, no. To tell the truth think that
perhaps we ought to be little careful
about-about getting acquainted too much
too easily | mean, with those that we
don't-that we are not much acquainted
WITH Stammered Lee ''doE't youN'
Annie's eyes looked shade darker than
he had ever seen them before.
81 admire your prudence more than can
tell, - she said; latter have seen more OF
Mr.. Morton, perhaps shall be able to adj
wise you whether you can safely make his
acquaintance or notn'
The young gentleman's visit was not pro
longed, and when, a day or two after Mr.
Parks asked him if he had spoken a word
to Annie, he answered:
Eyes, made fool of myself"
And the old man was obliged to abruptly
turn his back upon his clerk.
Lee very soon took occasion to offer an
humble apology for his unfortunate speech
though of course he refrained from ex'
planning how he had been led to make it
and on the whole Joel was q little disap
pointed at the inadequate result of this
particular piece of strategy: TO be sure
Annie and Morton seemed to meet on
pleasant terms, but so, for aught he could
see, did Annie and Lee Titon.
In these days Joel frequently consulted
his novels professionally, and he one even
ing happened to read in 'The Hoosier
Schoolmaster'' the passage in which the
trustees unprepossessing wife horrifes the
young master by Boosting of her wealth and
shrewdness, and broadly limiting that her
daughter was at his disposal 1t occurred
to Joel that he had so far been working
upon only one of the principles in the case.
Here was hint that must be used. So he
soon contrived an interview with Lee Til
ton and began to talk. He Dragged of his
success in life, of the sharp bargains he had
driven, of the money he had made and
would still make. Noticing with delight the
ill-concealed look of embarrassment and
disgust on Lees face, he went on to speak
of his daughter:
''Wonderful girl, sharp as a razor. AS like
me as two peas in a pod" Some day she
would marry, he supposed. He didn't want
her to marry a rich man. Rather she would
marry likely poor young man, one who
would feel some gratitude for the lift he
was getting. He would see that such hus-
band made success of it. There would be
no trouble about that.
II tell YOU" said he, finally, with leer,
whoever gets that girl with my consent
gets me-"
1t came to pass that Joel found it neces-
sary to make business trip of month or
so, and he felt that he could not go without
striking one more blow. He thought that
hehad undoubtedly made progress, but he
feared that there was still danger. One
evening Annie met him with a look of scorn
in her face and a hard ring in her voice that
told him what was coming. "Read thatp'
she said, and she placed in his hand a note
dated and postmarked at,Boston.
Miss Annie Pdrks:-I feel it my duty,
though q stranger to you, tc warn you that
Mr.. William Morton is young man not to he
trusted. He is noted in Boston as heartless
AWELL WIsHER."
"Well, said Joel, anonymous letters
don't amount to any thing, | shouldn't
mind that
"But, papa, Lee Tilton, wrote that" said
Annie, bursting into tears. sit is written
on the paper that you use in your office.
Don't you see as you hold it up to the light
faint impress of your business heading!
This is the second page of a sheet, butlthe
other page surely had that heading. O,
dear how mean a thing it isl
she never wrote that in the world" said
Joel. "I'll ask him if he did,
mo. father, say nothing. It's of no use.
But, father" she went on, stamping her foot
in her energy, never speak to Inc of Lee
Tilton again"
Her father argued with her long enough,
as he thought, to fix her determination, and
the next day, with light heart, he de-
parted on his. journey.
Mr. Parks returned home on the expected
day some six weeks later, which day was
the 54th anniversary of his birth. 1t was
evening when he wendell his way home
from the station, and he noticed that his
house was brilliantly lighted.
"Ah, birthday surprise, perhaps, y
thought he.
At the door he was met by his wife in
rich array, who, after the expected greet
ings, hurried him to his room, where she
gave him this note from Annie:
"DEAR PAPA: We have few friends, and
l have birthday present for you. You
mustn't tease mother to tell. VIII meet you
i'll the parlor. ANNE"
"And now, pa, do dress quick and come
down." said Mrs. Parks at the same time
prudently Withdrawing. Descending to the
parlors Joel found small and select party,
including Mr.. Dale, the clergyman. In
front of him stood Annie, with Lee Tilton
by her side.
A single glance made explanation almost
unnecessary, although Joel roared out
what the-what in the world does this
meanW
"Hush," whispered Mrs. Parks, "it means
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