Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1888-01-05

al won t, said the squire, gong
back to his work.
He was very thoughtful however.
all the afternoon, and when Charley
arrived he took an early opportunity
to corner h m.
olive been thinkin' some lately of
gcttn' new housekeeper, he SIAM
mercd growing very red in the face.
''D0csn't Aunt Sarah want to stay?"
asked Charley msuspectingly.
II meant-ahem!-a housckeeper
of-of. of-anolher kindr' explained
the squire rather explosivcly, wiping
his face very theoretically after the
completion of the difficult sentence.
Il think L begin to UNDERESTIMATE
said Charley, in great surprise. May
ask who it tsp
"It's-it s-down the road" answer
ed the squire. choking considerably
over the words and jerking his thumb
in the direction of the Widow Kcene's.
That's the way the wind blows, is
it?' laughed Charley. Pm glad 10
hear it. You couldn't do better if you
hunted the world OVER
"l'm Glad to hear You say So" said
lis father, much relieved. Il felt sure
you'd like to have Lucy as-as IA
member Of the family"
Il haven't the least objection to
such an arrangement, answered
Charley. with twinkle in his eyes.
'Thank the Lord that's over WITH"
said the SOU re, drawing Il long breath.
as Charley Strolcd of down the path
in the twilight "Ihat's II sensible
boy. wonder, now. that he never
took Il fame. to Lucy. s'poso folks'll
say I'm an old fool, but don't care"
About I O'clock on Saturday after
noon the squire, in h's best coat and
with pal of Strawberries on his arm,
knocked at Mrs. Krcnc's door.
Good afternoon" she said. opening
help tn nix ng that her face was almost
as fair as it had been % years ago, as
she welcomed Inn in.
The SOU re wanted TO say he'd like
her daughter, but concluded lie
wouldn't just then.
By that tine he was in the sitting
room. Who should he see there but
Charley, holding worsted for Lucy to
wind and seeming very much at home.
III didn't expect to see you here"
he S'ammcred.
Then Lucy and Charley tried hard to
look very demurc and failed, and final
ly got to laughing. The squire felt
Ii 5 face growing uncOmfortably warm.
"Jusl see what he brought u.s." sad
the widow. display ing the berre s. IF
you'll hUll some, Lucy. we'll have n
shortcakG for tea. | remember you
used to be rather fond of shOrlcake a
few ears ago. she said TO the squire
and smiling till 4 dimpIc showed itself
in each cheek.
"a know what you're thinkin' OF, >"
responded he. "Ihat was n little the
best shorlcake | ever came across,
Hcslcr,' and then they both laughed
over tie recollection of some pleasant
event in bygone Years. Then Lucy and
her mother went TO the kitchen and the
squire and his son were left together
u I've spoken TO her about being
one of the family and she's willing"
said Charley with a little blush.
'What?' The squire felt hot and
pnlI h,y
staudr
You know what you said the other
night when YOU told me you thought
of getting her mother for n housekeep-
er," explained Charley. Il suppose
from that you understood Lucy and
intended to lie married sometime. We've
talked ii over and it's all settled.
The squire was speeches. for the
space OF minute.
i hope you'll be happy" he man.
aged to say. very family, at last.
just then the W ddow came in
I've got the cake baking" she
said. Lucy said she d hull the berries
and set the table. aud sent me in tc
play lady, so came"
Charlie, concluded he could hui
Strawberries, too, and slipped out int
the Kitchen.
The squire had made up his mint
agan. Ii he couldn't have Lucy he't
have her mother.
'What's the use of waiting" though
he. at m ght as well be settled nov
As any time"
A happ, thought came to him, as h
cast about for words TO express h s de
sire with.
Hester" very suddenly. and wit
the energy OF desperat on. "you said
you had anything I'd like, | was wei
come TO it. want you!'
why, Squire KimbaIr' cried tn
widow. flushing so rosily that he fe
sure she was prettier than her daugl
ter.
When Lucy came in. half an hou
later, TO tell them supper was ready
Squire Kimball rose up, blushing like
girl, and said:
This is your mother, Lucy" pointin
20 the widow.
81 knew that long time ago." al
swered Lucy, laughing.
'hoodness, what blunderrn erie
the squire. Il meant this is Mrs. Kin
ball or goin' to be-"
81 s'pose may k IS my father, then,
said Lucy. aud kissed the delight,
SOU re plump on the mouth.
And ,ou may give me another (
your fsther-in-law waile you're abo
1t. he laughed
"One'l answer for BOTH" said Luc
archly.
Aud then the squire gave his arm
the woman he had meant to marry Il
ani twenty years before and led her O
10 lca perIectly satisfied with the W
III ug, bad turned out,