The Opelousas courier., 1886-07-03
THEIR UNCLE's PLAN.

~ &H SAANNA AAAA as
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 q further counter, where pretty
toilet articles he'd sway, Annie Rogers
stood gazing at her own fair image in a
plate -gla:s hand-mirror with Russia
leather back.
ssHe'll be sure to like it, she said,
looking up at the young man who stood
waiting at her side. II IL take it." she
added, turning to the girl behind the
counter and product 6 her purse. cts
mis- birthday, You know" she went on,
as the hand g,ass went flying down a
wire. "We always make birthday pres
cnts to each other. Dear old Uncle
Dolsonf''
aUneie nodsona he had always been
to her, though She was only an orphaned
relative of his dead wife, adopted in her
infancy.
ties a lucky person, with you to care
for him." said Howard Candy, taking
charge of the hand mirror as it r~eappeared
in its neat wrappings. you'll let me
walk home with you{n he went ON, as
they stepped out into the crowded street.
More than one hurrying shopper noted
them admiringly MS they walked slowly
down the avenue together-the graceful
girl, in her soft, light dress, her cheeks
grown pink and her eyes bright in the
fresh air, and the tall young man, not far
behind h in pc. sonal advantages, BEND
ing to talk to her.
But they were not aware of these APP
proving glances they were not conscious,
in fact, of anything beyond their own
absorbing conversation, a 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:
tsWhat will Uncle Dodson say2"
"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 a whispered word, and went
down the steps reluctantly.
a. large Yalise stood in the hall, and al
unfamiliar hat hung on the rack.
n.y. 61ullE IUOhCQ al tLlGlt Stidi ply. 1ODd-
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 a 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-tw enty, or thereabouts, notice
able for nothing unless for the cheerful
ness of his rather boyish face, sat near
him.
Mr.. Dodsoa looked up with a Welcom-
ING smile as Annie entered.
my nephew, Dudley Hobart, m
dear, y he said.
The young man rose and bowed
rather constrainedly, Annie thought.
Mr.. Bodson regarded her ~anxiousIy.
sit down. ! he said.
Annie sat down at his side, feeling that
something unpleasant was coming; and
the young man quietly withdrew.
lie is.my nephew-mY only relative, 2
Mr. Doison began. ssHe will inherit my
psopMty. my dear
4sWcll2s said Annie, cheerfuily.
6 Well, 4 Mr. Dodson repeated, strok-
in1 her hand, che will inherit my prop
erfy; but you must be provided for, too.
There setnss to me but one way. [ have
thought Of it much; but the best
MaY seems 10 be that you should marry.
So I have sent for linn, said Dir. Dodson,
going on hurriedly. aAnd-we have
been talking If It, my dear
Poor Annie had listened silently. Wa
this kind hearted Uncle Dodson who
was saving these dreadful things ?
a little b business-like to suit you,
eh MI said 1T. Dodson, noting her dis
traced face. 9 Yes, of course. I ex-
pScscd that. Young folks nowadays
have aa idea that tltir elders shouldn't
have 4 Waad to say about these things
not d world Eut don't you aee, my
dear, he went On. kindly, that it's all
the saine thing SUPPOSE. I hsd got
Duales here without mentioning my little
plan Well, you'd have been pretty sure
To 5afl ioe with each other. He's as
nice d fellow as yoa'H find, Annie, and
hs ktoWs d pretty girl when he sees one,
4 imagine. Well thee, why should you
hold Back, either Of you, merely because
4 give d little push to q sure-enough
affair 2
The girl at his side turned her troubled
iace away hastily.
Itwas d very simple thing sufely to
PIT an end to all this. The mere mem
ton Of Howard Canby would do it, she
was sure. for Uncle Bodson was not an
0xyrn