The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-07-29
JACKS MOTHER-IN-LAW.

Two new engagements" announces
young Glitterby, of the Diamond Club.
What is the first one ?" asked some
body.
Fannie Firehy and Fred FIapwings.
Everybody laughed.
"What is the second ?"
Jack St. John and Mary Breton"
Before any one had time to reply tn,
door swung on its hinges and 6ne-look
ing young man entered.
Why is everybody looking at me !?
he demanded, smiling, his sparkling eye
taking in the situation, as he settled
amongst them. What am l suspected
of stealing-spOons?"
No use, Jack, said Glitterby. III
all out p
"What ?"
~Your engagement to Miss Breton"
You don't say So"
"What You don't deny If ?"
No, don't deny it," he said. g I'm
little taken by surprise that is all.
did not know that it was out"
We're all saying it's very nic'
thing, you know" said Glitterby.
"Yes," and Yes We were" continued
McAllister and Van Tivis.
"Well, 1 think So" answered Jack
contentedly.
No one, Of course, supposed that be
would have the bad taste to comment
urther on the matter. He certainly die
mot. Some of the younger ones locke,
at him little enviously when he wen
early, for Mary Breton was the mos
beautiful girl Of their set
AS they had supposed, he went straight
10 the Breton mansion, and was ushereC
Into the parI0r. DIaIy eIscTvu tis0 ivOu
with an exclamation Of pleasure.
a didn't know you we're coming al
tonight, Jack she said. What dC
you think? Mother has come home
and you know We did not expect her TO
another month"
The two pairs of bright eyes met in
quiringly.
Yes, Jack" smiled Mary. sh'
knows"
"What did she say -
She has said nothing yet Mother j
so-so-well, moderate, you know"
perhaps she will think you too young
But it is only an engagement as yet. How
is your father ?'
Very much better"
Mrs. Breton had returned from win
ter in the south sf France, with her invs
lid husband, and found her only chill
engaged. The young girl had though
she was right, otherwise she would hav
waited but since his coming of age JAG
st. John had been pronounced the mos
eligible psrti in her set. Many Of he
girl friends would have accepted him {
the delight of their parents.
Mrs. Breton was too fatigued to b
seen that night, but the next mornin
Jack went up to pay bis respects.
A little woman in black. with swee
wise face, came forward to meet Jacl
saying, 1 can give you halfan hour, Nj
81. John my husband is still very wea
and needs me-"
Something in her tone troubled Jack
little as they went into the library.
1t troubled him still more when sh
had seated herself, aad turned her fac
silently upon him.
Mary-she has told you that ! hay
offered myself to her and that she has a
cepted me-" she began.
Yes, Mary has told me- But m
daughter is not of age" she said, I
length.
81 do not urge marriage immediatel,
Mrs. Breton" began Jack.
1 cannot consider marriage at ali, NJ
St. JOHN said Mrs. Breton, to Jacks NJ
bounded astonishment. My only chill
is all have. The physicians assure II
that my husbands life hangs by threa
and that any hour may sever it. hay
spent many .oilsome years in rearing IN
daughter from a delicate infant. On b,
hSn gs all my future happiness"
You dislike me ?" exclaimed Jack.
6 Not in the least. But in giving m
daughter into the care eofanother, in prS
viding for her future welfare, in dete
mining what must be for the happiness
unhappiness of her life, 1 cannot accel
for her a a man all untried as you ar
Mr.. ST. John.
You are too young, and with q
abundant fortune, too unoccupied
make Of life what you ought to make
it. 1t seems to me that a man shou
have occupation, should have some pu
pose in life beyond the mere pleasure
living.
There is always danger ofan idle Ii
no matter how well prineipled a ma
may be. If you were already in busine
or proposed TO give yourself 10 any me
camille business, or to a profession,
might have viewed the matter diffsren
ly. No, Mr.. ST. Johu cannt give y
my daughter"
Her edict had gone FORTH The engag
ment between Jack st. John and MAJ
Breton was at an end
There was no doubt that Mrs. Bret
was a very singular woman. Just WI
had passed people did not know, but I
fact that she had refused Jack st. Joi
,, for her daughter leaked out, and ma
J much comment. Mary was a beautii
,;-l NJ corrso M one denied that !