Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-07-09

why, you are not engaged, are your
exclaimed the mother in open alarm.
mo, not yet" replied Windward re-
luctantly.
Il am very glad to hear it, my son, )"
said the widow, gently but kindly, but
with more authority in her tone than
usual, ''and hope you won't take such
a step without confding in your mother.
l ask this much for your sake, Wind
ward, not mine"
''My dear mother" said the young
man, laying his hands in hers.
you see, Windward," said the moth
er, smiling happily as she strOked her
darling's hand, Its so early yet; l have
only met her once or twice, and you
have known her only few weeks. Of
course she is pretty and bright and
pleasant, bat wife is so much to man,
YOU want to know her disposition and
health and family, and be sure she loves
you-do you think she does, Windward?"
"How can 1 tell unless l ask herr" ex-
claimed the young man, hanging his
head and twirling his watch charm.
The mother smiled at her sons con-
fusion, and yet rather sadly. Her in
stinct told her that the wooing; as yet,
was rather one sided; and, mOtherlike,
she did not propose to have her child
sacrificed.
"Why, I think sbA likes me-" sold
Windward sheepishly, land, well, l
suppose love her. At least delight to
be with her, and we always have nice
time She's Just as bright and sparkling
and beautiful and sweet as a mountain
brook
Look out, lover Windwardl Smiles are
dangerous. Mountain brooks are also
cold. shallow and crooked
Possibly Mrs. Bassett's look of caution
and reserve intimated as much. At any
rate Windward stopped, chilled and hurt
by his mothers lack of sympathy at a
time when he felt the need of it most.
Poor lady, she yearned for ksr child, but
she could not encourage tilis fancy, at
least in complete ignorance of the real
situation. But it would never do to az
sune an attitude that would drive the
child from her; it was all important 10
retain his confidence and devotion. And
so she said, bending tenderly over the
young man:
"Windward, we have preached very
important matter. Do nothing hastily.
Be free to tell me your plans and hopes
and feelings, and be sure of my love and
sympathy. live for you and FlOy."
Il know it, mother; you spoil us, - e1-
claimed the youth; and with kiss they
parted, both lighter in heart and hap
pier for the interview, though to both it
| had brought new cares and perplexities.
Mother would forgive me and be rec
onciled if | married the fat woman Of
the circus" thought Windward, as he
walked briskly toward congress, but l
could make her very unhappy by fool
ish marriage. wonder what that girl
does think of me anyway"
But here his reverie was suddenly in
terrupted, for Just before him on the
avenue, hurrying like himself to the
Capitol. was his affable member. \ few
steps brought them alongside, and Wind
ward then politely accosted him.
All, good day. good day, Mr.. Bart
lettr' he replied, smiling, and quicken
lLIs9 LIS paw
Anything new about the claims?"
asked Windward, answering the mem
bers squirt" with one on his side quite
as spirited.
Yes, we're making Roadway, making
Roadway" said the member, beaming
upon "AIr. Bartlett" when he found he
could not make Roadway himself, and
thus escape. a understand the COM
mittee are favorably disposed; that, You
know. is a great deal, to have the com
i4ittee favorably disposed By the way,
/ believe you told me. once you knew
Blamms. All, yes, yes; fine man;
like Blamms; but do you know, between
us, you know, Blamms is-enthusiastic
His beautiful, hopeful disposition leads
him too far. He will, yes, he-overdoe'
it, so to speak. like Blamms very much
but he hurts his cause, fear, writing Sc
many-enthusiast letters. like them
but some of my colleagues don't under
stand him, you see, as well as you and
do. Yes, I'm afraid he hurts his cause
and it's your cause, too, you know
your cause, toby writing so much
But couldn't tell him so, yoJ
know. Lord, mol Hal hal He would
misunderstood me. And l am Away
glad to get his letters. But you, a
a judicious outside friend, might hin
mot as coming from me, of course
that he should trust us, US, you know
. on the ground, to take charge of thes
matters. Are you going up to the Capt.
toll? All, yes; find day, isn'tit? Charm
ing climate Washington has All,
must turn off here; my kee
: me busy in the departments in the morn
ing. Glad to serve them always, an
; always glad to meet you. Yes, L woul'
! hint to Blamms, as a friend, not to writ
! so many, so many-impulsive letters
u not coming from me, you understand,
like them; but you understand. Good
/, day, Mr.. Bartlett; good-day." and b
= darted up a side street.
!, well, you are fraud" though
It Windward, and with a contemptuou
. smile he drew from a pocket letter hi
. too, had received a day or two ago fro1
+ the earnest Blamms and Fe-read i
u against the background of the member
y remarks, with no little amusement.
ran as follows:
81 think our member palavers t.
: much He always did talk too easy for m
Il tho voted.for him But he don't act right
Al this claim business, and I've writ to the sen
N tors about it and one or two other members
Il the delegation French claims IS a live ISL
W down our way, as he Will find out if he sOgeI
p There's twenty Of us who viii knife him IN u
- primery for denomination If he don't hurry