The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1896-10-23

swell, Andrew, do you find my
clock every interesting"
In some confusion the young man
an excuse, but she went
on: "Now, don't deny it, you
naughty fellow. You want to know 1t
your visit had lasted long enough for
you to take your departure decently.
"Not at all, aunt. Your guess Is
quite wrong, for haven't the slight
est intention Of going yet. But why
do you keep regular sun-Glal like
that in your drawlng-room"
"Perhaps because I was born so
long ago that it is | and not the clock
that is behind time. But come--in-
stead of criticisin9 my drawinS-room,
tell me what you are going to do when
you leave here"
"In tho first place I am not going
to leave here for some time, but, when
have wearied you with my presence
until you cannot stand it any longer.
it will be time for me to 90 to Mrs.
Laton's tea
"Mrs. Laton--Paulino Laton|
"The same"
"Ah, YES, I used to sec her some
time ago. She is widow. l remem-
Der her vaguely-a large woman,
dark"
"She is blonde, aunt"
"Indeed? She used to be n bru-
nette. And 80 you are signing ut the
feet of Mrs. Laton?"
"We are all siGhing at her feet.
"She must enjoy it.
ssu-,l I rotbnr think she does. "
"Is it fuu?' -. a.
eyes. after q faA circle of friends.
wayS the. same Httli, =. o.ton. there's
sister, II rather gool.looking girl,
and n few other younS matrons and
bachelor girls"
"Aud what do you DO besides look
at these women?'
1--WE take tea, We gossip and We
flirt."
"Oh, oh u
"But, my dear aunt, one mnst DO
something between o'clock and din
ncr."
Evidently, and flirting Is what
you have found to do"
1T is way to kill time"
81 scarcely know what you mean by
the term. Explain it to me-"
"Oh, impossible. \ definition for
the word has long been sought, hat 1t
has not yet been found. But, given n
young woman tete-ntc with Young
man who is not fool, and l warrant
you it won't be long before you will
have u practical demonstration. Fir
tation is n manner Of being discreetly
indiscreet. To know how to iiirt is
no common accomplishment. 1t AZ u
veritable science"
"And is love u science, too?"
"No. it is rather an art"
"And marriage-what is it?"
ooh, that Is philosophy.
"lndeed?-at what age does one at
tain this philosophy?
''As late AS possible"
cit soems to me that at twenty
eight"
"Aunt, aunt" cried Andrew, spring.
ing from his chair, "confess that YOU
are concocting some terrible plot.
You look as guilty as conspirator. "
Mrs. Harmon smiled q fine smile all |
enjoyed for moment the consternn.
tion in her victims face. Then she
eyes, you are right. I wish 10 get
you married"
''ln heavens name, what have
done to you?" gaspel the young man,
with comic seriousness and rs the old
lady still smiled. he continued: "See
here, aunt. should never have sus-
pected you of such thing. You. a
woman of intelligence, superior
woman. descending to the role of
matchmaker 1t is . terrible shatter-
ing OF my ideals
"Come, come, my poor boy, do rot
be SO cast down. The girl is charm
ing, [ assure you"
"Of course" Andrew burst out,
''the girl Is always charming. Oh. |
know her; l can see her now; she
may not be exactly pretty, but, as you
have said, she Is charming She
dresses admirably, and makes all her
own gowns. She stood ut the head g.:
her classes In school, and attends lee.
turcs now. Moreover, she has taken
cooking lessons and can put up pre-.
serves. She plays the piano, she
sings. she paints, and she has tidy
fortune in her own right. Bah! No.
thousand times no. ] do not want
this miracle of per cction. know u
thing or two, aunt, even il | don't
look it. and If | marry, shell marry
woman who suits me, simply Tor the
sole and unique reason that she does
Slit me. But l know girls-they are
oil alike. and 1 know what they are
and what they are worth. There isn't