Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1893-02-25

EarIy IN The evening, while inspecting
his person in the mirror after the com.
pletion of acareful toilet, he was startled
by knock upon the door.
lie opened it and stepped back in IN
feigned astonishment, for who should be
standing there but his once presumptive
son-in-law, young Jack Hoburton.
..I saw your name in the register" said
Jack. "and have taken the liberty to seek
an interview"
"Step in," said Mr. Merivale, and with
cool ponposity no waved him to q chair.
"Now," said he as he seated himself,
.ny time is precious. I suppose you
wish to confer concerning your unfor
tunate relationship with my daughter,
but upon that point 1 have nothing more
to say than what expressed in my let.
ter. 1 have duties to perform as par
ent that YOU will doubtless understand,
and I hope you will not dwell upon a
point that must necessarily be painful
to us both"
81 did call for the purpose you sug
gest,o said Jack, "for l hoped that after
all the circumstances wero made known
YOU might possibly not be so much op-
posed to our union. In the first place,
YOU know, Kate and love each other,
and, in the second place. have acquired
sufficient property to maintain wife"
eyes, yes, all that is true, no doubt :,
broke out Mr.. Meriyale, "but sufficient
is only a relative word. My daughters
prospects are not what they were. be,
iieve made you aware Of that in my
letter, did not?'
YES" replied the young man, contin-
,nng his argumentative manner, "but my
prospects are good. have made some
money, and what l have is safely IN
vested
A frown settled over Mr.. Merivale's
brow, and he rose and walked rapidly
up and down the room.
srThe subject annoys me" said he,
land must beg you to close this inter
view. | have always considered You a
promising young man. and if things
wero different I would say, Marry my
daughter and receive my blessing, but
as it is, never. and must ask that the
matter end here.
He opened the door and Jack took
leavc-the perfect picture of broken
spirited youth. When we'll into tho hall,
however, he broke into an uproa-ious TT
of laughter.
The next morning, on repairing to the
Office of the Arapahoe Mining company,
Mr. A1eriyale found the president absent
and took seat in the reception room.
After he had waited for some time the
door suddenly opened, and Jack Hobur-
ton entered.
Mr.. Merivale rose to his feet with all
angry scowl.
..Young man," he blurted out, 81 can
not have you following me about like
this. What TO You mean?'
The Office boy stood staring at the two
men with eyes and mouth wide open
with establishment.
At motion from Mr.. Hoburton be
disappeared into Il side room, where be
sat for some time with eye and ear alter
nately at tine keyhole.
.'Mr. Merivale." said Hoburton, You
are laboring under Il mistake. This is
my place Of business. had no intention
! of following you. although, to be sure, !
| expected to rncct you here in accordance
with your letter of last week. Here 1t is
nov" said he, picking out bit OF cor
respondence from pigeonholc.
DIDO You mean to say that you are
Joel c. Hoburton. president Of the Ara
| pahoe Mining company" cried Mr.. Meri'
vale.
why, yes" replied Mr.. Eoburton.
Though somewhat chag1ined, Mr..
Merivale made no further opposition
and the nuptials were finally celebrated
amid all the pomp and dignity opposite
to such all occasion.-Exchange.