The morning call., 1891-03-20
HIS INDIAN SUMMER.

Allen Percy was IS, rich and good look
ing, and the mtst disagreeabIe bachelor,
people said. in the neghborhood. He was
in lis sourest mood when Merle Dame, the
little scIool-tCacher, came to call on him.
"What are you here for?" he blurted out.
To teach you your duty"
He arched his eyebrows.
Hum! Let's hear about that. Who is
Miss Dame that she dares venture tolesson
me?"
"One Who does notliye altogether for her
self, as you do"
Pharisaical. eh? Do you know you have
taken a bold step"
Yes. sir"
THAT if I chose. can throw you out Of
employment as teacher in the department
you fll?"
Yes, sir.
You came to teach me my duty-try
your system Of instruction upon me, Miss
You have a nephew who is one of my
PuPl,s. Vs."
" You think your responsibility ends
WHEN yen have paid his bills, warmed and
fed him."
He will grow up a ruined young man."
What?"
1T is as I tell you. You are not con-
cerned to where he spends his evenings
and half holidays, 50 engrossed are you
with your own special ills and grievances,
so afraid Of b ing wheedled into malrl-
monial alliance against your better judg-
ment."
You Rre severe"
"Don't | speak truly?"
perhaps. At least you are candid In the
expression Of your opinion. How do you
know thaS Leon is in dangerP
The affection | feel for my scholars leads
me to watch them carefully. | accidentally
discovered that he frequents gaming sa-
looms, and thought my last course would be
to report him to you"
''What do you adviser
Talk with him gently and firmly. In
spire him with love and reverence Tor you
and you can make of him what you will"
How can l, If l am as selfish as you
thiGk?"
She scanned his face narrowly.
You are capable of a more royal and low
ing existence. You have not always been
what you are now"
"H0w do you know?"
81 have the gift of divinatlon."
well, Miss Dame. you have not played
to-day 70 mammOn. l like your courage and
spirit, and | will endeayor to do right by
Leon and Seddie."
THANK you; my mission is accomplished
then"
Allen Percy forgot his rheumatism right
suddenly, and took straightway wonder
ful interest in the cause Of education. His
influence over Leon became unbOunded.
The lad, conscious that his unce's eye was
upon him, acquitted himself accordingly.
From him Allen learned much in relation to
Merle, her tastes, disposition and habits Of
thought. He seldom met with her, and lat
terly she had seemed to shun him. When
he did meet her their greeting, though never
formal, was as cool as northwest blast. 1t
was cutting, but invigorating, and stirred
their blood into more rapid circulation.
Months passed, and October came in rich
gala dress. The sky was tender and blue as
in June. The sun tinged the landscape red
gold. Mountain, mead and valley were glO-
Tiied Summer was giving her last magnifi-
cent smile to earth before sweeping into
eternity. Allen went out for a stroll and
overlook Merle.
- am reveling in the delightful weather" "
she said.
Let US take seats underneath this chest
nut, and enjoy its glow and richness to-
gether"
Night is falling and warns me to re-
''Linger yet. I want to ask why you
avoid me-
You hate women, you know"
i don't hate you, Merle-do you me"
Not much. l am 'yirago, though"
II was cross when l said that. Do you
think me altogether bad now?"
mo"
would you marry an old fellow, Merep"
u ain 'wall-fower, and shall not at
tract any mans love; therefore, no."
81 am much your senior"
'How much?"
"Twenty years at least"
81 am 80.
"You arel Well, don't hate you, Merle
will you be my wife?"
'1f you are willing to take all risks and
will never shirk the responsibility attaching
to tie relationship"
And so the Indian summer came to Allen
Percy-Exchange