The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1896-12-03

the widow was OF the proportions ne
desired.
Like YOU" he said. Having only
just contemplated matrlmony, he had
never bestowed a thought on the wild
ow's charms until now; and fast be-
coming hopelessly in love, he wished
he had gone and shot himself before
he came on his present errand.
But. you foolish man, how can ]
put that? What am I?'
You're an angel"
She laughed merrily.
Then l must put of angelic proper
tions.'"
NO; let us leave that out altogether
Very well. Is she to be pretty?"
Preferably"
Good looking, at all events"
"Yes."
Like myself? coquettishly."
That's impossiblev'
rs it? Then shall say of good ap.
pearance?"
YES" dubiously; though 1t sounds
like barmaid's requirement"
And preferences as to height?
About your height"
well how tall am l? I'm sure ]
don't know"
Have you a measure?" asked Theo.
dore.
She had one on her chatelaine, and
as It never apparently occurred to eth.
or that the simplest method would be
to detach the chatelaine, Theodore felt
much embarrassment while he per-
formed his task, measuring the pretty
widow first from the ground to the
chatelaine, and then from the chate-
laine to her crown of hair. Indeed, SO
hurried was he that the operation had
to be performed no less than three
times before he was at all certain as
to her height.
Five feet fve," he pronounced.
rs she to be musicale" continued
the widow.
Theodore paced around the room. A
hitherto unthought of possible calam.
ity now presented itself to him.
Musical!
What an escape! Suppose he had
rashly engaged himself to some musi-
cal being who was not musical; i'd
est, who was shoddy musical? II
would have been the one thing to make
him commit suicide!
Meanwhile the widow, probably
guessing what was passing in his mind
for she knew him to be lover OF
music, left her visitor for a moment
But what was it he heard? A most
lovely voice singing softly with such
thrilling sweetness that his whole sou
was moved. All! what would he give
to possess the owner of that voice?
Whoever could it be? Not the widow
But it was, and at that moment she
re-ortered the room.
Have you made up your mind?"
she said, merrily.
Yes, want some one who is really
musical"
We'll, but every girl will say she is
that"
What shall I do?"
as it really Indispensable"
YES"
Then l would advise you to marry
some one you know is really musical"
On, bashful man! He was already
madly in love with this woman, and
lie never took the hint.
Perhaps he did not see it.
But | don't care for any musical
lady l know of-except one" he add
cd, confusedly.
Then, why not ask her?"
"She wouldn't have mel should
never think of asking"
How do you know she would refuse
when you have never asked?"
Shes too good for me-"
Nonsense. There is no woman toe
good for you"
Thank you, but l really couldn't
ask"
"How do you know she is not in
love with you, and if that is the case
you ought to-"
"Oh, but it's most unlikely"
Suppose it is likely" persisted the
widow, should you in that case disap.
prove her telling you s0?"
mo; | think Wen leave musical out
Of the question. If ! were only sure
OF her being as musical as you"
why, yen silly man. You are want
ing her 10 be like me in everything"
II do"
But he went no further, and the
widow proceeded:
rs she to be domesticated? OF
course, II she is to be like me, / will
put it. Now is there anything elsei
Money!"
mo"
"nhen we'll draw up the advertise.
ment."
THAT can't do" said Theodore
I'm really very sorry to have given
you all this trouble; but can't do it.
We'll what shall you do,"
p 81 don't know. Remain a bachelor
perhaps. But won't advertise. You'll
pardon me for the trouble I've given
your"
"Oh, don't mention it. l should be
very glad to help you-more glad than
1 can say. 1t is so sad to see a good
man like you leading a solitary exist
cpCc."
You are very kind. Good morning.
But stay moment. Did you not
sey," continued she, blushing, that
you would prefer some one like me fol
year wife?"
YES"
"rhen why not ask me?'