The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-01-14

women pulled down innumefable boxes
and answered unlimited questions;
and the little baskets chased one an
other along the wires to the cashiers
desk
AT a farther counter. whore pretty
toilet articles held sway, stood Annie
Rogers gazing at her own fair image
in plate-glass hand-mirror with Rus
sia-leather back.
Hell be sure 10 like il. she said,
looNing up Mt the young man who
stood waiting at her side. Ill take
il, she added. turning 10 the girl be-
hind the counter. and producing her
purse; "it's his birthday. You know.
sue went on, as the hand-glass went
flying down the wire; 1--WE always
make birthday presents to each other.
Dear old Uncle Dodson!"
Uncle Dodson" he had always been
to her. though she was only an or
phaned relative of his dead wife,
adopted in her infancy.
Hes lucky person with you TO
care for him." said Howard Candy.
taking charge OF the hand-mirror as it
reappeared in lis neat wrappings;
You'll let me walk home with you?"
lac went on As they stepped out into
the crowded street.
More than one noted them admiring-
" as they walked slowly down the
street 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 her in personal advantages,
bending TO talk to her.
But they were not aware of these
approving chances: they were not con-
scious. in fact of anything beyond
their own absorbing conversation, 4
hint OF which may be gathered from
their parting words. For, Is they
mounted the broad steps OF the big
Dodson house, Annie was murmuring:
'What will Uncle Dodson say?'
He'll give lis his consent and bless
ing. of course, my dear girl, said
Howard cheerfully.
Aud he gave MIR. Dodson's birthday
present into her possession, pressed
her baud with a whispered word, and
went down the steps reluctantly.
a large valse stood in the hall, and
an unfamiliar hat hung on the rack.
Annie looked at them sharply.
PROBABLY it was some friend OF Uncle
Uodsou come to see him-he was
something of an invalid.
But the hat--a smart speckled straw.
with a blue band-had an unmistak-
ably youthful air. She ran up the
stairs wonderingly.
Mr.. Dodson was sitting in the large
armchair before the window, where
NEST of his time was spent A young
man of two-and-twenty, or Whereabouts,
noticeable for nothing unless for the
.cheerfulness of his rather boyish face,
sat near him
Mr.. Dodson looked up with well
coming smile Us Annie entered.
MY nephew, Dudley Hobart, my
dear" 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 COM
ing; and the young man quietly with
drew.
IKE is my nephew-my only rela-
tive" Mr. Dodson began. ''He will
inherit my property, nay dear.
'''Well!" said Annie cheerfully.
We'll" Mr.. Dodson repeated, strok-
ing her hand, "he will inherit my
property; but you must be provided
for, too. There seems 10 me but one
way. have thought of it much but
the best way seems to be-that you
should marry. Sc | have sent for
him. said Mr.. Dodson, going on hur-
riedly. land 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?
IA little too business-like TO suit
yog-eh?' said Mr.. Dodson, noting
her distressed face. ''Yes, of course.
l expected that. Yorng folks nova
days nave an idea that their elders
shouldn't have q word to say about
these things-not word! But don't
you see. my dear" he went on kindly
''that it's all the same thing. Sup
pose 1 had got Dudley here without
mentioning my little plan? Well,
you'd have been pretty sure TO fall in
love with each other. He's as nice a
fellow as you'll find. Annie, and he
knows pretty girl when he sees one,
4 imagine. Well, then. why should
you hold back, either of you, merely
because | give little push to sure
enough eaair?"
The girl at his side turned her
troubled face away hastily.
II was very simple thing surely 10
put an end 20 all this. The mere men
ton of Howard Candy would do it,
she was sure, for Uncle Dodson was
not az ogre
Aud yet. how could she meet his
possible displeasure and his certain
disappointment?
The words died away on her lips.
"A baShful pair of youngsters you
are. vowr' said Mr. Dodson with a
laugh. III Dudley didn't behave the
same way! Oh well, you'll get over
it.
Annie opened her lips, hesitated,
closed them again. with a weakness
aud cowardice Of which she was pain
fully conscious. and rose with helpless
tears dropping.
Her recent purchase was still in her
hands
II have brought little present for
your birthday. Uncle Dodson," she
said chokingly. aud laid it on his
knees.