The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-10-10

ly ran on into fear; for In Dram
SO weak as his what might not love accom-
plish? They trembled lest they should
hear him say that some pretty milliner or
shop girl had conquered him, for he affected
little flirtations of that sort. When, therefore,
the young simpleton gave the name OF Car
Temple, his parents could not altogeth her con-
ceal their feelings of relief. 1t is true the
acquaintance with the Temples was the sligl T.
est in the world; but still she was lady, ana
they accepted her as daughter-in-law prospec-
tive without any hesitation Equipped Win
this permission, Doolittle few off Gown street,
not intending to call on his beloved, or, IN
deed, to do anything in particular, when, ss
the fates would have it, he tumbled into b
love-making in this fashion. Who should he
see, swimming gracefully up the drowsy
street, but Car herself, tall, elegant and alto
gether bewitching Doolittles heart flew into
his mouth He slackened speed, lest he should
come upon her before he had braced his nerves
for the meeting, and while he loitered, Car
turned into a haberdasher's shop. He now
drew near cautiously, and soon spied her
seated at the counter trying on gloves. Doc
little, never a wholly responsible being, was
SO futtered that his behavior for the next
few seconds must have had something me-
U.
Car was surprised to hear chair softly
drawn across the floor toward her, and before
she could look up it was placed at her side;
and then she saw Doolittle sinking into it, his
eyes fixed on her face all the time as if he had
been magnetized. Car felt the absurdity Of
the situation, but with a readiness which her
mother would have praised, she resolved not
to let the shop people see anything to laugh
CO q 1ivol
as if his conduct were the most natural in the
world and holding up pair of gloves, she
asked her admirer if they were not pretty
| color,
"Caplral gloves, should say" ne rcPned.
"Do let me pay for them"
"Pay for my glovesw cried Car, breaking
now into hearty laugh at his absurdity.
90, do let me pay for them," he went on,
pleadingly. "The girl in this shop is such
nice girl-such a tremendously nice girl
often buy gloves for her; she is so nice. Do
let me pay for your gloves"
ave never pay here" Car replied, happy
in her excuse. Everything goes down in
mammals bill"
II am sorry for that" the lover answered.
III should have liked to pay for your gloves.
| o, how are yous Are you very well?" he
asked, addressing the shop girl, who had re-
turned by this time.
| She blushed at his salutation till she was
like one of the beauties on her own glove
boxes.
Whether keen witted Car did not quite ap
prove of this sort of encounter under her very
eyes, or whether she was already suited,
cannot tell; but she remarked that she had
got all she wanted and left the shop, not for
bidding her admirer to follow her. Follow
her he did, though in departing he maneuv-
cred to get right behind her back, that he
might freely bow his adieus to the nymph at
the counter; which done, he stepped into the
street with face of great satisfaction, and
walked at Miss Temples side. For many
steps he said nothing; at last he looked up.
"Miss Temple, l want to marry tremen-
dously clever girl am not clever myself;
am very WELL but not tremendously clever.
Now, want to marry girl that can advise
me and tell me what to talk about, and make
up things for me to say-smart things, you
knOw-that will look like my own. And l
want girl that will read works for me, and
tell me if a work is erroneous; for don't like
to read erroneous works, Miss Temple. Now,
do marry me, Miss Temple; for you are ex-
actly that sort of girl, and you will take care
of mel mean will take care of you. At
least, want you to marry me, if you don't
very much object; do, indeed, Miss Temple"
1t is critical moment in woman's life
when she is asked If she will marry a man
whom she does not altogether dislike, and no
doubt Car felt something of the gravity of
her position. But she felt it's absurdity, too,
and nothing could restrain her laughter.
Doolittle seemed much discounted
Don't laugh" he said, dolefully "People
always are laughing at me; and it is ire
mendously trying, you know"
IL was not laughing at you," Car replied,
relieved now that the outburst was over. II
was only thinking how vexed mamma will
be with you for speaking to me in this sudden
way"
"Vexed, will she?" said Doolittle with an
air of trepidation; for they were close to the
gate of the Beeches. perhaps 1 had better
run home. Just advise me, for I feel tire
mendously nervous"
mo; mamma won't be very angry" Car
answered, reassuringly. "She is walking in
the garden. Come in and see her."
Doolittle became confident again at these
words trusting in Cars superior knowledge;
and into the garden they came, where was
great parasol moving to and fro, and under
its canopy there promenaded the stately little
figure of Mrs. Barbara Temple
"There is mamma" Car cried, whether in
jest or earnest he could not tell, and darling
away she left him with her mother
Now Mrs Barbara Temple, watching the
couple from beneath her parasol, had dis
cerned in the twinkling of an eye how mat
tiers stood, and knowing the young man and
perceiving his confusion, which returned
when Car vanished, the little queen of women
came forward with an air that would have
treasured a greater Ounce than Doolittle
"You have been attending on my daughter
she said, with her pleasantest SMILE "Most
kind of you"
"Oh, you think it really was kind do your
cried Doolittle, set on his feet at once. "I am
glad of that meant it kindly wanted
to pay for her gloves, but she would not let
me, as you have bill at the shop"
"Mrs. Temple"-he cleared his throat des-
perately, and she knew what was to come.
"Yesp
"Your daughter-the one wanted to buv
the GLOW s for-is a tremendously clever
girl"
"People are generally pleased with her." re-
marked the mother.
tremendously pleased, I should think.
DO you know, Mrs Temple. should like to
marry your daughter, if you did not mind.
l should be particular about your not mind
ing"
Wise Mrs. Temple accepted and treated his
proposal as if it had been couched in the most
formal style.
"Such a desire is always complimentary,
she remarked. "May ask if your parents
know of this attachment
"Oh, certainly, yes; this morning" he re-
piled
"Do they approve of itr'
"Oh, quite. In fact my father said he was
surprised at my showing so much sense; that
he would never have expected it of me. Oh.
yes, they are quite pleased, 1 assure you.