Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1886-05-13


She is pretty said Annie, looking
down approvingly'at the fair young face
in the picture.
Il knew you'd think so, said Dud,
looking grati6ed
II have Howard's picture in'the album
down stairs. said Annie. 'Illirun down
and get it."
She tripped away softly, and came hur-
rying back breathless, with the plush
covered book in her hand.
ssHe looks as though he had some
get-up to him. was Dud's masculine
comment.
sWell, he has, " said Annie, with q
proud smile. aof course, she went on,
hesitatingly, we must tell Uncle Dod-
son.
"Of courseFp said Dud, rather family.
Their eyes met; they smiled guiltily.
s'To tell the truth, said the young
man, candidIy, I'D rather be shotp'
MY case exactly" Annie responded.
"You see, " said Dud, looking anxious,
'she means it all as favor, a benefit to
us; and to go and knock all his plans
endways in that style-Td just as lief be
let out Of it for my parts
Precisely as I feel, murmured Annie.
"What shall we do2''
''Dont ask me, = said Dud, entreat-
ingly.
An uneasy pause, filed by helpless
contemplation Of each other with
wrinkled brows.
"Of course, we must tell him, (" Annie
repeated, irresolutely.
"Of course, said Dud, again.
But that was as far as it went.
A rustling sound from Mr. Dodson's
armchair reused them to a sudden sense
Of his presence.
"Are you awake, Uncle Dodson9" said
Annie, getting up slowly to 60 to him,
Dud following
"Wide awake, my DEAR" said Mr..
Dodson, promptly.
''Does your head acheGn said Annie,
bending over his chair and feeling deeply
hypocriticaL
Mr.. Dodson's reply was strange one.
It was short, rather sarcastic laugh.
His companions exchanged startled
glances. Could he have overheard theml
No; it was impossible.
But he turned upon them abruptly.
$50 you've gone and encouraged that
good-for-nothing young Candy, have you,
missW he began, fixing Annie with a
humorously-stern gaze thrown your
self on that young upstart, ehan
Poor Annie could only stare, bewil-
dered.
ssAnd you, sir" Mr. Dodson went on,
turning to bis nephew-'you'ye tied
yourself to some little chit Of school
girl not out of bibs yet, supposed A
nice pair your aret''
His listeners stood spcechless.
ssDid you-overhear us9" murmured
Dud. at last finding his voice with an ef
fort.
Mr.. Dodson laughed again, in evident
enjoyment of their confusion.
"And you were afraid to tell me, eh?n
said he. "You were going to deceive a
poor, helpless, old man2"
''No, no" said Dud, in weak protesta-
zion.
But Annie's face expressed only a
growing wonder.
''How did you know, Uncle Dodson2"
she said, beseechingly.
For answer, Mr.. Dodson took up the
hand d-mirror-Annie's birthday present
from its satin lined case, held it before
his eyes, and motioned the two to look
into it.
1t reflected, with wonderful distinct
ness, the entire rear Of the room, includ
ing the chairs in which they had sat.
"When saw yos, my dear, said Mr..
Dodson, looking up with twinkling eyes
into Annie's aston;shed face-"when I
saw you exhibiting diamond ring
which appeared to be a recent acquisi-
ton, and bringing up the album to show
well, let US say old Mrs. Presley's pic
ture-and when saw you, sir, whipping
out an absurd little tin-type and actually
talking about it as though it were some
thing worth looking at drew my own
conclusion.
"You aren't angry, dear Uncle Dod-
son2" said Annie, timidly, a queer mix
ture Of relief and apprehension in her
face.
s'But am, I said Mr.. Dodson, with
smile which refuted his words, 'sand |
think / shall leave my money to-well,
say to a Home for Destitute Dogs.
Neither Of you deserve i'll"
s'Bnt neither Of us want it." said An
ME, tenderly. You'll enjoy it your
self for along time yet"
Dud echoed her words.
Il suppose shall divide It equally be-
tween you, said Mr.. Dodson, musingly,
but you don't deserve It'll"
MIR. Dodson was among the liveliest
of the gay gathering at Annie's wedding,
a few months later. Emma a. Opper.
A Metropolitan Opera-Bsx.