The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-07-02

the garden. But one morning he en-
tered his friends place of business
Hagen sprang up much pleased ant
hastencd to meet him.
'.Ah, my iberator!' he cried, seizins
Brose's two hands in his. '.Bcst O
friends. how kind of you to COME.
wanted to look you up to-day and tel
you how happy am. You are sor
cerer, my dear fellow! What charm
have you used to work such q complete
change in my mother-in-law? We are
now left to ourselves, not only in the
evening but often during tho day a
well. For hours together my mother.
in-law sits in her room, and we young
people avail ourselves of the time and
amuse ourselves like children. Thil
morning. even, she advised us to make
an excursion in the country next Sun.
day. and she added. regretfully, that
she would be unable to accompany US.
We are going out alone, doctor-alone!
All this we owe to yOu!
Over the face of the doctor fitted sly
smile.
Il can tell you still more" he replied.
'Your mother-in-law intends to move
and leave the house to you alone"
doctor, that would be delicious!''
exclaimed Hagen. .But I can not be-
lieve it. Where would she move top
ITO me-"
.eTo you?" said Hagen, astonishcd.
''Will you rent part of your house?"
mo, my friend" Brose answered,
laughing. "Your mother-in-law is 60
ing to marry me, and, of course, will
reside in my house"
Hagen involuntarily drew back step
and stared at the doctor.
"You are joking" he said.
"Assuredly not! You described your
mother-in-law to me as one of the most
excellent of women. and l have found
that the facts bear out your eulogy in
every particular. In order to render
you a service, have asked her if
she will be mine. She has answered
yes You can, therefore, congratulate
me as yonr future father-in-law."
'.No, no! this won't do! 1t must not
ber' exclaimed Hagen.
"And why not? see nothing to him
der?''
"lt won't dor repeated Hagen, who
was not able to control his excitement.
ut won't answer! The estate-my wife
is the only heir-she would have to
share"
Certainly, my friend, for do not
desire the WHOLE" Brose smilingly re-
piled. "Your mother-in-law is ready
even now to cede half the property to
your wife,
'And the other hail." burst in Ha-
gen.
''She will keep herself" laughed
Brose.
Hagen stood silent and gnawed at his
under lip with his teeth.
"You have shamefully betrayed me!'
he then broke out. '.You have deceived
me, told me what was not true"
'What was not true?" Brose inter-
rupted him.
Eyes! Have you not repeatedly told
me that you would never marry?"
''Of course; but l have thought better
of it. would, in all probability, have
carried out my resolution had l not had
the good fortune to make the acquaint-
ance of your mother-in-law. have to
thank you for it,"
He held out his hand to his friend.
Hagen turned away.
Il do not wish any thanks!' he said.
''You need not trouble yourself any
more, either. You need not visit any
more at my house!''
''Good!" laughed Brose, whom the
passion of his friend amused. '.But
you will not object to my visiting my
fiancee of an evening? Now, be reas-
enable, Hagen! Your mother-in-law's
estate is SO large that you can live pleas
antly and contentedly on half of it.
You ought to rejoice at the prospect of
acquiring such splendid father-in-law!
Now, give me your hand"
Half besitatingly, Hagen gave it.
Gould / have anticipated this, /
would never have asked you to visit
me-" he said, half grumblingly, and yet
smiling.
Il thoroughly believe it," laughed
Brose. '.NOw, let us remain good
friends. l am also free to confess that,
besides Your mother-in-law, have had
much satisfaction in making acquain-
lance of your wine. Do not let the
brand be exhausted and I will come
often in the future to pay you visit"
The friends separated, perfectly re-
But Hagen still needed some
hours to compare notes with himself
before he had accustomed himself to the
thought that he, too, could learn to live
on half the estate and be happy.-ME
World.