Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-12-19
Continued from Isl page.

Since we shall be as one III Will Dc
mere form, and papa cannot kick.
Gladiola had one fault. In moments
Of deep emotion, she sometimes became
addicted to the use Of slang.
You here again? told you yester.
day to BECOME angrily exclaimed Ru'
fus Cingstone when Roderick Sweet
william came into his presence at half
past ten A. M. the following day.
I was gone, but I returned, replied
Roderick respectfully.
Your daughters hand. See, here is
paper conveying to your daughter all
my property. l am now poor, | have
nothing but my prospects. Truly am
worthy to be your son-in-law.
you haye done this? The papers
are all drawn up.
Drawn up and signed, here they are
an not worth a penny now.
I see, replied Mr.. Cingstone, after
hasty perusal of the papers.
well, young man. he continued, in
o sorrowGul tone; I deeply regret to
inform you that since yesterday have
changed my opinion regarding the
choice of husband for my daughter.
l think, after all, it would be better for
her to mrrry rich man.
Then we can destroy the papers,
Mr.. Clingstcne, and I shall be eligible
even in the new view you take of the
matter
I am afraid not, replied the old man
who was quite shrewd, muslnglv.-
These papers are all formally prepared
and it would be wrong to destroy them.
Besides, l think that man who will
sign large fortune away so readily
ought not to be entrusted with 1t again.
As Gladlola's guardian l shall take
good care of the property you have con-
veyed t.her until she marries. | shall
take care that her husband is a man
with better business head on his shout
ders than you will ever have. Good
day, Mr.. Swectwilliam If you ever get
hold of any more money, hang on to it
my boy
Roderck's face had assumed the ex,
preston of one, who having placed all
his money on the favorite, sees dark
horse come in as winner.
Surely you are testing, he stammer-
ed you Joke with me-
I never jest, and joke with no one,
sternly replied the shrewd old financier.
BY the way, that you may have some
thing that will keep you from want un-
til you get fresh start, | will allow
you an annuity of five hundred dollars
until you can get along without it
Now 90 away, and don't detan Inc any
longer. My time is valuable'
Specifies with conflicting EN- otions,
Roderick picked up his hat and stole
away. At the door he met Gladlola.-
He started to tell her of her fathers
doings.
Don't trouble yourself, said she, in
terrupting him. I WAS in the adioin-
ing room and heard it all. Dear papa
is so eccentric. It's Just like HIM to do
this
Miss Clingstone-Gladiola can
not be that you approve Of his action =?
| have revealed to you the depth of my
affection; l have entrusted my all to
you, surely you will not desert me p
I could not think Of marrying you
without dear papa's consent, that would
be undutiful, you know, replied Glad
lola, collly.
Is this your final decision: 2
'Certuinly.'
Then listen to ME, Miss Clingstone,'
began Roderick, in stern, measured ac-
cents, at the same time drawing himself
proudly erect until be seemed to be at
least nine feet nigh. You and your
precious father think you have the bulge
on me, but you are in greyious error
I am not nearly SO great TOOL as | may
seem to be to the casual observer. Those
papers which your father in triumph
holds are written in patent evanescent
ink. Long before y OH can get posses
slon of my property the writing will
have faded the papers will be blank,
you will perceive, Miss Clingstone, that
he that INDUCES in the final hilarity de-
riyes the greater enjoyment thcref:om.
! was but TESTING, Rolerick. 1t
was all Joke, murmmred Gladola,
literally lubrieating her words with soft
soap.
Il shall leave you and your father to
enjoy your little jest and hope you
will be able to laugh heartily over it,
replied Roderick, as he bowed himself