The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-05-18

After all, inQ00Qt you may W0n say tuRI,
snys Mr. Monkton. with Indignation. II
those two idiots meant matrimony all along
why ON earth didn't they do It before. Sec
what a lot OF time they've lost, and what 9
disgrsceful amount Of trouble they have
given all round"
Yes. yes, OF course. But then you SEQ
Freddy. It takes some time to make up ones
mind about such an important matter as that
1T didn't take you long," says Mr.. Monkton
most unwisely.
1T took me q great deal longer than It took
you" replies his wife with dignity You have
always said that It was the very first day you
over saw me-and 1t took me quite week."
This lucid speech she delivers with some
severity.
more shame for you" says Monkton
promptly.
well, never mind" says she. too happy and
TOO engrossod with her news to enjoy even
gkirmish with her husband. " Isn't 1t oil
charming. Freddy"
"It has certainly turned out very well. all
Rhings considered"
II think it is the happiest thing. And when
ewo people who love each other are quite
young
IDEALLY, my dear, you are too fattering."
eeys Monkton. Considering the gray hairs
that are beginning to mako themselves so I'M
pleasantly at homo In my head. l. at all events
can hardly lay claim to extreme youth"
Good gracious I'm not talking OF us: I'm
talking OF them." cries she, giving him shake
"Wake up, Freddy Bring your mind to bear
upon this big news OF mine. and you Will sec
how enchanting It Is. Don't you think Felix
has behaved benutifully-so faithful so con-
slant and against such terrible oddsp You
know Joyce is n little difficult sometimes Now
hasn't he been perfect all through !"
He is n genuine hero OF romance says Mr.
Nonkton with conviction. None OF your cheap
articles-a regular bona-ilde thirteenth GEN.
fury knight The country ought to contribute
its stray half pennies ana buy him pedestal
and nut him on the top Of 1t, whether he likes it
or not Once there Simon Stylites would be for
gotten in half an hour. Was there ever before
heard OF such an heroic easel Did ever yet
living man have the prowess to propose to the
girl he loved 1t Is an entirely new departure.
and should BIO noticed 1t is quite miguel"
Don't be horrid." says his wife. You know
Oxactly what l mean-that 1t Is n delightful
nndinp TO what promised to be q miserable
mudde And he is so charming; isn't he. now
Freddy2"
lis he 2" asks Mr.. Monkton. regarding her
with thoughtful eye.
You can SEQ for yourself. He is so satisfac-
tory. always said he was the very husband
for Joyce He is 30 kind. so earnest, 80 sweet
in every way"
Nearly as sweet as I am. eh?" There is
stern inquiry now in his regard.
"Pouf! I know what you are, OF course.
Who would. II 1 didn't? But really. Freddy.
don't you think he will make her an ideal hus-
bandp So open. So frank. So free from
eyerything-oh. we'll. everything-you know"
~ don't" says Monkton. uncompromsingy.
Well-everything hateful. mean. Oh! she
Is o lucky girl"
Nearly as lucky as her sister," says Monk
ton, growing momentariy moro stern in his
determination to uphold his own cause.
Don't be absurd I DECLARE" with a little
burst Of amusement, when he-they-told me
about II, never felt so happy In my life."
Except when you married me-" He throws
quite tragical expression into his face. that
Is. however. lost upon her.
"Of course, with her present fortune. she
might have made what the world would call a
more distinguished match. But his family is
unexceptionable. and he has some money-not
much. know. but still some. And even II he
hadn't she has now enough for both. After all
with noble disregard Of the necessaries OF life
-" what Is money!
"Dross-mere dross!" says Mr. Monkton.
''And he is Just the sort OF man not to give a
fhouGht to it."
"He couldn't, my dear. Heroes OF romance
ARE quite above all that sort OF thing"
well he is, certainly" says Mrs. Monkton. q
little offended. You may go on pretendin2a as
much as you like, Freddy. but know you think
about him Just as do. He is exactly the sort
OF charming character to make Joyce happy"
Nearly as happy as have made you!" says
her husband. severely.
Dear me. Freddy really do wish you
would try and forget yourself for one moment"
81 might be able to do that II were quite
bat t,1tfn ftny ma fnnu
"Oh. as to that l declare you are a perfect
baby You love teasing Well-there then -
The there" represents kiss. and Mr.. Monk
ton. having graciously accepted this tribute to
his charms. condescends to como down from
his mental elevation and discuss the new en-
RaCsment with considerable affability. Once.
indeed. there is q dangerous lapse back into
his old style. but this time there seems to be
some occasion for 1t.
when they stood there stammering and
suffering. Freddy. and looking so awfully
silly, declare / was 30 glad about 1t that
actually kissed him 4"
"What I" says Mr.. Monkton. And you have
lived to tell tho tale! You have therefore. lived
too long, Perldious woman, prepare for death"
Il declare think you'd have done It." says
Barbara. Whereupon, having reconsidered
her speech. they both give way to mirth
I'm try it when SEQ him." says Monkton.
Even hero of romance couldn't object to
chasto salute from NO."
" Iio Is coming to dinner. l hope when you
do 500 him. Freddy'-anNiously this" you will
DO very sober about It,"
barbara! IOu know never get-er-that
is-not before dinner at all events"
well, but promise mo now, you will be very
serious about It, They arc taking II seriously,
and they won't like it II YOU persist In treating
1t as lost"
''I be perfect Judge"
inow what that s"-ndlenantly-
"that YOU will be as frivolous as possible"
My dear girl! II the Bench could only hear
you. Well, there then Yes, really! I'll be
everything Of the most desirable. regular
funeral mute. And" seeing she is still offended
Il am glad aboutit. Barbara. Honestly pleased.
Think him as good fellow as l know-and
joyce another"
Having convinced her Of his good faith In the
matter and argued with her on every single
point, and so far perIured himself as to remem-