Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1888-06-09

And nobody but NE would ever think
OF hypothecatlng your trumpet" said
the naughty glrl, under her breath.
"How's your pas' Mr. Nicklepod con
tinued
quite well, but little cross" said
Florence. bending over the '.porrincer'
as she called it. Il hope you are not
cross, Mr.. Nicklepod:"
The smile deepened about the girls
mouth as she wondered what must have
been her expression of countenance when
giving utterance to these words. She
,clt I to be the most designing speech of
her life
Gross with you' protested the old
man, gallantly; impossible. l can't
believe the Judge is ever cross Blossom
but if he is, you can run right away to
my house any time and you shall have
eyerythlngsyou want as long as you live"
Il seem to be travelling by lightning
express, and on the locomotive at that, "
said the mink, sotto voce. ''But what
would papa do?' she asked of the
trumpet.
you will be leaving him sometime, l
suppose, Blossom
"Yes, in about fifty years, ;. said the
girl to herself
'sAnd you see, child" Mr.. Nicklepod
, went on, lit would be very handy for
your pa if he only had to come next door
/ to see you"
Incver thought of that" said Flossie
and guess I'll come" she said aloud,
and then to herself. II wish | dared ask
him how long he thinks he is going to
live"
I've good mind to take YOU at your
word, Blossom. I'm pretty old man,
, but hearty yet, and there is one thing l
haven't forgot, and that's how to treat
women folks. I'm a very lonesome old
| dutfer, too, with all my money, child
''The back gate would be real con-
venicnt for papa, wouldn't it," said
| Flossic into the trumpet, and in tone
| which was on the edge of a sob "But
by what gate would Jack come in,'' was
the next thought and now the sob was
softly shattered, and the April tears fell
in binding mist.
1 blossom, what the matter1'' said the
old man, with real concern. 1T can't be
possible THAT the Judge has really been
cross enough to make you cry?"
''Oh, no, indeed" said Flossie. Il
was thinking how nice it would be to
have all the flowers wanted"
You could have had those at any
time, !" was the somewhat disconcerting g
response
'.Yes, Mr.. Nicklepod"-Flossie was
! determined to be honest even in the hour
of her greatest deceit and all the
money"
/ The scanned and wrinkled face took on
| grave expression, and the old head
shook a little at the mention of this
word.
Money ism t everything, Blossom, he
said. Money won't provide me with
ears, or keep the rheumatism out of my
knees, or the loneliness from my heart.
But you shall have money. Now 90 and
tell John to cut all the flowers you want.
ana then run home and tell your pa OF
my offer | think YOU had both better
come in and take dinner with me to-
night, and we'll talk it all over"
He doesn't act particularly hilarious,
seems to me-" said Flossie, as she turned
away. :.'But I'm engaged any way
4 pllghted to an octogenarian, OF {
centurion, or something of that kind
Iack'll hate me, Of course but when ht
finds have done 1t for his sake he'll
have to relcnt. If | don't have but
million, that will be better than scrap
ING and twisting for years to save tiv'
thousand dollars. Papa always said tha
riches would be very becoming to me
Poor papa Poor jack
When the Judge returned to his home
about three O'clock that afternoon, b,
was much surprised to find his daughte
reclining upon the library lounge Wit
hcl head tied up
..Whats the matter, Flossie2 Wha
IS It that smells s0.'
''Nineear. papa. I've had mysteries
and this is the reaction.
Il hope YOU are not getting cranky
and weak. and nervous. like the girl o
the period. Floss
I'm not getting anything, papa, w
got I've got all | want, and more tha
want. and nothing that i want T.
GOT old Mr. Nicklepod and his car
trumpet for my future husband, papa
and there's millions in it. but where
oh where is Jack -
:. For moment the nudge stood as
pctrifed. and then burst in a perfect tor
rent Of lauchter Al this point the win,
-ar bandagc was discarded, and th
prospee tive millionairess came TO sl>
ting position.
Isn't il funny Isn't il very funny .
shc remarked. with flashing eyes 'Br
YOU a.e responsible for il, with Your tai
about five thousand dollars. went Il
,, liberately into Nr Nicklepod an
made him propose II me was boun
10 settle i to-day AMI now, rana. VI
you lre1k The new 70 IA, k We are
, dine with tho car 'rlmpet tonight. an
| then eNeunt parties ani dance>. Wit
lack - handsome and lovely IN his II
. dress suit. and enter long slecyed Cowr
AMI old a-e without ears
y ouIl have eaIs enough for both
= SAIL the .Iui-e They seem - hay
grown longer sl.ce morni1c
Hu,. Yapa, Mr. Nleklcrod is &C
I fainly ove. eighty. isn't he
/ tlosSIe what have you been doing
+ Truly, papa. just what said ol
dear me. how n1y head aches Ner
a hon nv heart aches :