Middletown transcript., 1892-06-16
MR.. HARKINS' NIECE.
concluded from first pagel.

Well, my dear, don't want you
to refuse Deacon Haverstraw's nephew
when he asks you.n
Roses eyes opened. wide.
no. said Mr.. Harkins:: 81 want
you to refer him to me for his answer.
Now. will you do as I tell you ~
There was a pause, during which
uncle and niece gazed intelligently
into each others eyes. There was q
twinkle in Mr.. Harkins's that pro-
duced corresponding twinkle in
Roses.
"Of course, uncle said Rose
meekly. "I'll have to do it if you
tell me. Obedience to parents as
Deacon Hsyerstraw says; and you
are the only parent I ever knew
"That's true and you can give
any answer you like to that other
chap. But let me tell you, he amt
a-thinkin' about the money you're
goin' to get from your old uncle.
He'll be glad enough to get it if it
comes; but he wants you more than
themoney."
II think I'd better go and hurry
up tea,p said the artless Rose.
Mr.. Kingsley stayed a week at
Deacon Haverstraws,-that is, he
took bis meals and slept there, but
the rest of his time was spent at Mr..
Harkins's. He became quite well
acquainted with Mrs. Harkins, but
never had o glimpse of Uncle Jacob.
He was somewhat mystifed by seeing
tall young man occasionally ioung-
ing around; but Rose mentioned
that be was Mr.. Brooke, a friend Of
uncle's, who was staying at the village
hotel. and always explained his pres
ence by some plausible hypothesis:
he came to see uncle on business /; he
was going fishing with uncle, etc.
At last, one day Rose came out on
the back piazza, where her uncle and
Mr.. Brooke we're sitting, after a pri-
vate interview with Mr.. Kingsley,
looking very guilty, and informed
Mr.. Harkins that Mr.. Kingsley wish.
ed ID see him.
Mr.. Harkins aud Mr.. Brooke ex-
changed glances.
HI'suppose I'd better get out of the
way. I'll take a chair under the vii.
low.treo,1 said Mr.. Brooke, with q
malicious smile.
Now, the willow-tree was just
around The corner Of the house, and
person under it. though out of sight,
was not out of hearing Of the veranda.
This was, no doubt, highly dishonor-
able of Mr.. Brooke, but he persisted
in doing it.
Just ask Mr.. Kingsley to walk out
here,' said Mr. .Harkins, settling him
self in bis chair.
Rose disappeared, and Mr.. Kingsley
appeared.
" Kingsley, ! believe" said Mr..
Harkins. rising politely. II think
we have had the pleasure of meeting |
before.N
As Mr.. Kingley's gaze rested on
Mr.. Harkins, a startling change came
over him. His sallow skin turned a
shade darker, and his sleek black |
hair seemed literally to rise on his
head. Yes said he, in a faint
voice. 1T remember" !"
/" You mentioned your uncle Dea-
con Haverstraw," said Mr.. Harkins |
encouragingly. Well, my niece
tells me you wish to see me for q few
minutes. Take cheer"
Mr.. Kingsley sat down weakly. Mr..
fixed his eyes on him in such |
3 manner that he found himself un-
able to say a word but, the silence
becoming appalling. he was forced to
speak. My object in seeking this
is delicate one.''
Mr.. Harkins remained obstinately |
silent, and refused to help him out
BY single word.
You have doubtless observed my |
to your charming niece.
Upon making known the state Of my |
feelings to her, she referred me to
you for my answer"
What did you say?" said Mr..
Harkins, suddenly bee omiDg deaf.
"I mentioned, " repeated Mr.. Kings |
ey, turning as red as beet and rails
ing his voice slightly, that | had
formed an attachment to your niece
ind she had referred me to you for
ny answer"
"Young man, said Mr.. Harkins
you know I'm very deaf.
I can't hear your uncle
Deacon Haverstraw when he's preach
IN an rantin' and goin' on in meetin'
so that you'd think he was possessed
with a devil instead of the Holy
,perrit, that lie says makes him screech
ind howl SO when he's prayin' that
'olks can hear him for miles in the
country. Tain't surprisin' that can't
rear you, when you speak so feeble"
Mr.. Kingsley looked apprehensively
around. There was not a soul in
I