Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1897-12-24

Pretty soon she heard steps on the
platform and presently voices from the
other side of the pile of boxes reached
her ears.
"How is your matrimonial project
getting along?" was asked by one of
the unseen parties. And voice which
Miss Nancy recognized as belonging to
the squire's nephew answered.:
1T seems to hang fire, just at pres
cnt. The fact is, the girls got another
string TO her bow and the chances would
be against me If it wasn't for the fact
that her aunt favors my suit, because
she thinks I'm going no get Uncle Amos
money, and she'd like TO unite the two
properties. So I'm rather sweeter Oh
the aunt just at present than l am on
the girl. If l get the girl at all it must
be through the old ladys influence, you
see. The girls a little daisy, but the
aunt's well, she isn't daisy, you can
be sure of that! It's a question if hav-
ing her in the family wouldn't be pay
ing a dear price for all her property,
but YOU see there's a chance of being
able TO shake her off after a little. |
happen to know that a new railroads
going through this place and the com
pany will have TO buy piece of land
she owns, and this land she intends TO
give TO the girl as a wedding present.
Now. Just as soon as the road is put
through-and it's sure TO cone-this
land will hoe worth more than all the
rest Of the old lady's property. If the
girl gets deed of ii and get the girl
can sell it to the railroad company and
make a good big sum of money out of
il and Wen be independent of the aunt;
and when that happens, if it ever does,
III tell her TO look out for her affairs
and III look out for mine. I'm looking
out now that she don't find out about
the new railroad scheme. | want to
make sure of the girl and the land be
fore | break the news TO her
Miss Nancy listened with ears and
eyes very wide open.
"Yes, when it happens, if it ever does, -
she chuckled. II don't believe you'll
ever get the chance you're looking for,
my smart young man! don't suppose
l am daisy-I never thought / was!
but | rather guess I'm match for
you, since l know what do. l don t
believe you'll have TO shake me off.
think I'll do a little-0r most--of the
shaking"
just then the train came along and
Miss Nancy got aboard it without be-
ing seen by the young men.
That evening, when she came home,
as luck would have It, she met the
/ squire's nephew at the station.
If you're going home you might walk
along with me and help carry some of
my bundles" she said in her very pleas
ant manner. I'm just about tired out
! I've been seeing TO good deal of bust
/ ness to-day. I've had a deed made out,
giving Margery the south 40 acres of
the farm, and I've been pricing carpets
and furniture and finding out how much
it's going TO cost to set up young
! couple in housekeeping OF course they
won't need the things right away, but
l thought I'd get some idea of what the
expense would be-"
"They-who do you mean?" asked
the young man, in bewilderment.
why, Margery and Mr.. Markham, of
course" answered Miss Nancy. "Who
else should | mean?"
You don't mean TO say you're going
TO let your niece marry that fellow"
cried the squire's nephew, in surprise
and CONSERVATION.
why. certainly" replied Miss Nancy
rs if she had never had any other idea.
Hes nice young man. He's got brains
and when he gets Margery he'll get
money, for the new railroads going
/ TO make the land I've decided her worth
a snug little fortune"
I'D like to know how you knew about
the new railroad?" cried the astonished
| young man.
"Oh, keep posted on such matters. -
said Miss Nancy, looking very wise.
Put here we are at my gate. Thank you
J for bringing my bundles. Won't you
come imp"
mo, not tonight" was the gruff re-
ply. and Miss Nancy chuckled as the
! young man went his way.
IL guess I've got about even with
YOU" she said. nodding her head after
bis retreating figure. II guess he was
about as much surprised as Margery'll
| be-"
Her niece had seen her and came out
70 meet her and help her with her bun
dies.
"Margery, I've got something TO tell
YOU" said Miss Nancy, anxious to have
the matter disposed of. I've thought it
all over, and / don't know but you're
right about John Markham. II IS fool
ish to let an old grudge stand in the
way Of young folks happiness. I've
concluded to let you do as you think
best, and I've had the south 40 decided
to you, and when John gets you he'll
get that too, if you see fit TO turn it
over TO him. Anyway. it's yours to do
just what you please with"
"Why, Aunt Nancy" cried Margery,
looking at her as if she felt sure she
| !, Il a Il. d.