Marble Hill press., 1896-05-07

could make mans life, even if she
hadn't more than half the chance.
After long time slept and dreamed
dreams in which there were summer
girls and other disturbing elements.
and when l awoke in the morning. in
response to Bascom's knock, was my
old self again and laughed at the very
idea of woman as life companion.
During Sunday I had several very
interesting talks with Mrs. Hilman, and
by night again l was worse than l was
the night before, and began wondering
why it was that some men were so much
| luckier than others, and also whether
| there was much chance of Mr.. Hilman
departing this life and being laid to
rest with his fathers. knew of num-
ber of pleasant churchyards where
thought Mr.. Hilman might. be accom-
modated with quarters indefinitely, and
| l felt that / could attend his funeral
with much pleasure though, as a rule,
abhored funerals.
"Well, old man." said Bascom, as We
| lOOh IlIS lUNN
ing, Il hope you enjoyed yourself"
Il never had pleasanter outing in
my life" I answered, with such sin
cerity that he actually blushed, land
you have my thanks in all their ampli-
tude."
I'm glad you liked it, for more
reasons than one" and he smiled rather
curtly.
"Oh, yes, I know" I said. with
laugh. You think that after my ex-
perience Of the last forty-eight hours
my views on the woman question will
undergo a radical change?"
He nodded and smiled at my pro-
| fundity Of observance.
"Fess up. now, Marston," he said.
Haven't your views changed somewhat
by what you have lived in for even so
| short time?"
Well" I replied picking my way
carefully, Il am willing to say that as
far as your household is concerned, the
prospect is more pleasing than l
thought it could be-"
And would you say the Hilman
household were any less pleasing than
mine?" This was a nudge and
chuckle that l thought quite uncalled
for in view of the fact that Mrs. Hill
man was married woman, and I had
no right to express undue admiration
for her or her household, and which
made the blood rush into my face.
"Of course. that must be included"
| said, trying to laugh off my embar-
rassment. And STILL" l continued,
that is only two, and there are millions
which one wouldn't care to praise"
What are they to you?" he retorted,
You are not hunting for the millions,
but the one"
Apparently I am not hunting on-
with great degree Of success"
But you should, and now you
have positive proof that the life is not
as black as it is painted"
It's very easy for you to talk !
contended warmly. You have called
lucky turn and so has Hilman. But
you have exhausted the supply. Now,
if l could get such a woman as Mrs.
-" But l stopped short, for | was
about to make discrimination which
was hardly complimentary to my host,
and | didn't want to do that
Go on" he urged, good naturedly.
Il don't care if you say Mrs. Hilman
Anybody could see that you had lean
ing that way. Even my wife wasn't at
all envious of her sister.
Very WELL" | submitted, say Mrs.
Hilman. If l could find such a woman
as Mrs. Hilman, l am not at all sure
| that my mind would not undergo
change, and that l could not be per-
suaded to throw off a few of the tram
mels of bachelorhood."
Bascom let off guffaw that not only
startled me, but it shocked me as we'll,
for | thought l had said something l
should not have said.
What's the matter, man." l asked,
much alarmed.
That's it," he continued to laugh.
What's the matter with Mrs. Hill
man."
was much more disturbed than ever
at this queer inquiry.
What do you mean?" l asked, taking
him by the collar.
why, old fellow, if Mrs. Hilman is
your ideal and you think you could be
| happy with that kind of woman, why
don't you avail yourself of your OPP
! portunities and take Mrs. Hilman"
wha-wha- -why-why-" l
stammered, utterly upset.
"Oh, there isn't any Mr.. Hilman, if
that's what you are trying to say. He
has been in the quiet churchyard for
10! these many years, and Mrs. Hilman