Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1892-08-04
cling the wife with thanks, I am, yours
most dutifuIly,

remarked Alice, when she had hnlshed
the letter and returned it to her uncle.
L told him it was time 1or him 10 get
married, was the short reply. Inns
is his answer, tho rascal. Preiers
to choose his own partner. Wants an
old mare 10 his liking. Let him get
one. Conround himi Thinks OF giving
I'D Blackstone and winning laurels With
his pen Winning fidllesticks. He
hasn't sense enough to know he's an
idiot. Has serious intentions OF de-
scending on my rural fold.' I'd like to
know what else he's been doing for the
last six months? Wants to enjoy some
ar9umentative tete a-tetes with me.
Confound his assurance! What are you
laughing at? Perhaps you consider it
amusing? Maybe you agree with him.:
About the wife part, J. certainly GO.
I know I shoul1n t let any one select my
husband.
Indeed, Miss! And do yol think any
one would take that trodble? Have
some sense, for heavens sake. I've
enough to drive saint crazy. Come,
st here, and III tell you what III Go
Alice took g chair beside her uncle,
and he began in a confidential tOnc:
That Independent monkey, who calls
himself my son, sha MT have cent OF
ny money I'll cut him off, that's what
I'll Go, and I'll leave it all to you"
All what, uncle?"
All my money. You don't seem to
10 smart, Alice.
oh. I understand perfectly, now.
am much obliged, but you may save
yourself any trouble in the matter, as,
OF course, wouldn't take it.
you'll not be able to help yourself"
chuckled the OLD man. If I choose 10
make my will to that effect you'll have
to take it..
Indeed I wouldn't t., was the deter
mined answer, as Alice rose from her
chair. ct belongs to BERTHE, and
wouldn't touch a cent OF it.
How dare you defy me to my face,
cried the old gentleman, rising in his
turn. L say you shall have it.
And I say sha'
"For mercy's sake. what is all this
about?"
'Oh, Bertie!" cried Alice, turning at
the sound Of the laughing voice.
You impudent scamp" added the
Colonel, have you dared to show your
brazen face here"
L protest a. brazen, father. My
classic countenance is strikin ely like
ny fathers. Among my frit nds it is
sa to be both modest and retiring"
Another word Of your impudence,
sir, and you will retire with your modest
countenance. What are you grinning
like an ape for, and Alice with no bet
ter sense than TO laugh at you! l want
to know how you dared to send me that
trash"
The Colonel threw the letter on the
desk as he spoke.
My letter" said Bertie in assumed
surprise. Il am sorry your opinion of
it's merits is SO poor. l considered it
quite excellent Of It's kind. You remem-
Der ] spoke of my desire to be with you,
and 10, arrive with the wings of speed
on the scene of b tile. Pray tell me
what caused the interchange of polite
invective."
I'll tell you, sir" remarked his
when [ got that trash Of yours l de-
cided to let you 90 to the devil and
leave my money to this headstrong
young woman, but the forward mink,
with the most unheard- of impudence, de-
clared she wouldn't touch penny of it.
But We'll eee about that: and let mo
tell you, sir, you've got to walk a pretty
straight line OF"
oh, don't mind the straight line,
returned Bette, comfortably, provided
there isn't wife at the end Of it. In
less it is the one | shall choose"
"Fudge!" was the contemptuous COM
ment, but the old gentleman manifested
o further anger. Probably he had
gathered some new ideas in the last few
moments and found them diverting.
What are YOU glazing at Alice 1or?"
he said, presently. DO you want to
stare her out Of countenance?"
"Oh, no; I was only thinking how
charmingly we'll she is looking. The
air of The Cedars is no doubt respons-
ihle. You, too, look wonderfully we'll
preserved. No one would take you for
a day over forty five, if that"
"Humph!" was the old gentleman S
comment. CAS- big a fool as ever. Your
talking has given me a COMPOUNDED
headache. Go out Of the room, for
heavens sake. Alice, take him out in
the grounds and try to keep him quiet
for while. must have a little sleep"
Certainly, I'll depart, by all means, I"
said BERTHE, with alacrity. Delighted,
I'm sure. Come, Alice, you must take
care of me, you know"
The Colonel chuckled quietly as they
left the room together.