Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-05-24

for ny death would be rather hard lines
en-. Blossom!''
blossom managed TO nod her head but
her face was turned away from her host, and
her father was surprised 10 see how pale II
was.
why, are you like Caesars wife," the
latter managed to ask, in his old Joking man
ner. If Flossie lost her grip at this crlsis
the consequences would be more dramatic
than he cared TO contemplate. But happily
the change from the dining-room 70 the
beautiful library caused a change in the con-
versation. and the victim of her own folly
had chance 10 recover herself. II was
long. strange evening, and one to be remem-
bered while life lasted. The two men played
checkers, while the girl guest wandered
about among the books and pictures, steal
ing occasionally into the great drawing
rooms, and coming back again as white and
scared as If she had seen a ghost.
Will it be lonely for you, BloSsom!' the
old gentleman asked, as she returned from
one of these excursions. I've been think
| ing" he added, without waiting for an an
swer, ''that it'll make things about right II
can persuade your pa to come, too. He
has no one but you, and then l need some
| business help. and il would be hearten-
| ing thing to have a true friend at hand"
20, dearI he is going to marry US both,"
muttered Flossie.
What do you say. judge?' Mr.. Nicklepod
went on. Suppose You try it for year:
| There is no reason why this house can not
be home to you both in the truest sense OF
the word. Do take pity on me, neighbors,
| for believe am the lonesomest old vaga-
bond in the whole world"
Judge Somerton, 1 wish l was dead"
said Flo5sie; and then, seizing the trumpet,
she said, in broken tones: Mr.. Nicklepod
you are an old angel, and papa don't know
what TO say, and am in Just as bad state.
I'd love to live here with all these beautiful
things, and with you. so kind and generous,
and so would papa-that is, if he has a SIN
gle sense left. And / made up my mind
would live here just because loved Jack
you know Jack-and he hadn't any money,
and ne couldn't marry me in about ten
| ages"
For mercy's sake, Floss" the judge put
in, imploringly, don't be slmpleton."
''It's begun, and it has got to come" was
the girls quick answer. And, Mr.. MCKEE
pod, l thought some time could take Jack
a lot of money-that is, if he would wait for
me-and didn't see how could really do
you any harm-that is, if you were truly
fond of me-"
You are an honest, blessed girl" said the
old man, brushing away tear, land am
truly fond of you, and truly DESTROYS to pro-
mote your best interests. But Blossom,
| would no sooner marry you than would
kill YOU Such a wicked thought has never
| crossed nv mind. You shall have two
fathers, Blossom, and you shall have Jack,
too; but not to marry him now, because you
are not old enough, and Jack hasn't had a
chance to show what kind of stuff there is
in him yet. Five years from now, II ne
proves worthy, you shall so to him with a
dowry. Then we will have the jolliest we'd
ding that ever was, and will dance with
the bride"
For a moment there was utter silence IN
the room, and then Flossie lifted her right
hand, and with characteristic movement
of her little forefinger, said into the trumpet:
You two men have had your heads TO-
Cether That is as plain as the nose on your
face" giving her fathers nasal organ little
tweak But, Papa Nicklepod, Judge Somer
ton and his daughter will oe with you anon
and the way you will have to stand round
and mind the housekeeper will be eau
ton"
"All right" said Mr.. Nicklepod; ''give me
kiss; and do wish could tell you how
happy you have made mel''
The kiss was given, and it was no disgrace
to Flossie that her eyes overfiowed Will
tears-Elea1or Kirk, im LeSlie's Weekly.