The Monitor-register., 1896-09-18

An idea had entered Mary's head. She
would give this Mr.. Wood a false impress
sion of herself; she would give herself
the airs and manners of a complete coun-
try girl, devoid of all accomplishments,
that she might discourage his suit and
lead him to withdraw from any intention
of offering Ter his hand.
The next Tuesday her uncle left for
Washington, and on Wednesday Mary
made a visit to the city, returning with a
red wig. She had already made up two
dresses in dowdy style. which disfigured
her to satisfaction. Next, she took her
maid into her confidence, having made up
her mind to play the role of a rustic
maiden. Thursday morning she put on
her wig and one of her dresses, and could
not help laughing at the figure which met
her eyes in the mirror.
81 shouldn't know you, Miss, 1 declare.
You look horrid."
THANK you. Lizzie, that is the way l
want to look. l wonder what Mr.. Wood
will think of me ?"
81 don't believe he will fall in love with
you"
II hope not"
At 8 O'Clock the train arrived, and with
it came the young gentleman, who was at
once driven to Mr.. Barton's residence.
Not having any previous attachment.
Mr.. Wood was not unwilling to marry
Miss Barton, providing she WAS likely to
do credit to his taste. He was inclined to
be tastidious, and had a good idea of the
kind of a wife he would select.
Ushered into the parlor he q awaited with
some curiosity the advent of the young
lady; and was disagreeably surprised
whom the young woman entered to see the
worst possible style.
"Howdy do. Mr.. Wood" said Mary, in
broad accents, advancing with out
stretched hand.
quite well, thank you," he answered.
EDO | address Miss Barton ?"
Il expect you do" said Mary.
81 hope you are we'll"
"Pooty smart, thank you," said Mary.
"And your uncle, 1 hope he is we'll
also?
eyes, be is rooty smart, too, but he
had to go off on business, and he wanted
me to look after you. He will be home
in a week"
Good gracious, what vulgarity, thought
John Wood to himself. What horrid
hair and what a wretched dressmaker she
must have.
81 expect you admire my DRESS" said
Mary. "Ain't it pooty :"
The dress 10 question had a very large
figure, in fact the material, as we'll as cut,
was entirely out of taste.
"Quite So" said the young gentleman
in some embarrassment.
81 picked it out myself" said Mary,
"Unole didn't like it, but | think it is
sweet poorly"
"What a taste!' thought Wood men
tally.
But | forgot" said Mary, suddenly.
"You must be awful hungry, amt you ?"
Not as bad as that" said Wood with
a smile.
'I'l go and see about dinner" said
Mary. 81 don't know what we're going
to have; l hope it's fried liver. 1 dote on
liver"
"Well." calculated Wood, left to him.
self, "if she isn't the most countrifed
specimen | ever met. l wouldn't marry
her if she was worth four times ffty
thousand dollars. To think of introduc.
ing such a creature as Mrs. Woodl
Fancy how all the fellows in my set
would sheer at her. l only wish 1 was
we'll out of it."
Mary entertained the visitor in a similar
way at dinner, and watched With exulta.
tion the effect she was producing.
II don't think there ia much chance of
bis proposing" she thought. "If he
doesn't will hold uncle to his promise"
"Do you play the piano ?" inquired the
young man, seeing one 10 the room.
Il play one tune" said Mary"
"Will you oblige me ?"
'oh. certainly. I love to play"
she sat down and murdered ssSweet
Home" in the most atrocious manner. till
the young man became very FESTIVE and
was glad when she had finished. .Just 10
| might have anticipated, he thought.
Three days passed, and Mr.. Wood could
stand it no longer. An engagement called
him back to the city, at least SO he said.
But he left a note for Mr.. Barton.
When that gentleman returned he was
surprised to find the visitor gone. The
note was handed him. He read as fol-
lows:
Mr.. BARTON: DEAR S1R-You are
aware that an alliance between myself
ana yonr niece was favored by my father,
out regret to say that, having made the
young lady's acquaintance, l doubt il |
could fluid her congenial. Our tastes
appear to differ very decidedly. I
acknow ledge with gratitude the kind
politeness with which she received me.
NhOAV u md'io ~ hl6h0 NY NI6IG
a pleasant one. She is no doubt very
amiable, but as l said before, I doubt if
We should snit each other. Trusting you
will not be offended at my plain speaking.
l remain yours JOHN WOOD.
THE impudent puppyr' exclaimed Nh.
Barton. $50 he refuses my niece, does
he ?"
"Mary, read that"
She read it calmly.
Il am not surprised, uncle. Mr..
Wood did not seem to fancy me much,
swell, I'll show him you can get
a husband" said the crusty old man.
'Send for Robert Fenton."
Robert Fenton was sent for and told he
could marry Mary, and the wedding took
place.
"Now," said MIR. Barton, 81 want YOU
to go to New York. take a good house and
commence practice there. When Mr..