The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-07-28
ALEXANDRIA, La. WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1897.
cling the wife with thanks, I am, yours
most dutifully,
"CUTHBERT BARTON"

)
remarked Alice, when she had finished
the letter and returned 1t to her uncle.
Il told him it was time FOR him 10 got
married." was the short reply This
is his answer, the rascal. Prefers
to choose his Own partner. Wants an
cd marc TO his liking. Let him get
one. Confound him! Thinks Of giving
UP Blackstone and winning laurels with
his PEN Winning ilddlcsticks. He
hasn't sense enough to know he's on
idiot: Has serious intentions OF de-
sccnding on my rural foldr I'd like to
knew what else he's been doing for the
last six mcnths? Wants to enjoy some
argumentative ttto- a-tetcs with me-
Confound his assurance! What are you
laughing at? Perhaps you consider It
amusing? Maybe you agree with him!"
About the wife part, l certainly DO.
lhow / shoul6n let any one select
husband"
Indeed, Miss! Aud do you think any
one would take that tlouble2 Have
some sense, for heavens sake. I've
enough to drive q saint crazy. Como,
sit here, and III tell you what I'll do
Alice took chair beside her uncle,
end he began in confidential tone:
THAT independent monkey, who calls
himself my son, sha'n't have a cent OF
my money. I'll cut him off, that's what
, III Go, and I'll leave it all to you.
AL what, uiicle?"
All my money. You don't seem to
to smart, Alice.
"Oh! I understand perfectly, now. l
am much obliged, but you may save
yourself any trouble in the matter, as,
+ Of course, / wouldn't take It,.
; you'll not be able to help yourself"
chuckled the oh mst. IF choose 10
make my will to that effect you'll have
j to take it. !"
[ Indeed I wouldn't" was the deter
: mined answer, as Alice rose from her
chair. 1T belongs to Berthe, and ]
i wouldn't touch cent OF It.
How dare you defy me to my face,
cried the old gentleman, rising in his
! turn. II say you shall have it.
And l say sha'n't."
For mercy's sake, what is I'LL this
Soh, Bertie!" cried Alice, turning at
the sound of tho laughing voice.
You impudent scamp" added the
Colonel have you dared to show your
brazen fnce here"
II protest at brazen, father. My
classic countenance is strikingly like
my fathers. Among my friends it is
sad to be both modest and retiring,
Another word Of your impudence,
sir, and you will retire with your modest
countenance. What are you grinning
like an ape for, and Alice with no bet
ter sense than to laugh at you! want
to know how you dared to send me that
trash"
The Colonel threw the letter on the
desk as he spoke.
my letter, said Berthe in assumed
surprise. Il am sorry your opinion OF
it's merits is 50 poor. considered it
quite excellent Of it's kind. You remem-
Der spoke of my dosire to be with YOU
and 10, arrive with the wings OF speed
on the scene of b tile. Pray tell me
what caused the interchange Of polite
inyective."
} I'll tell you, sir" remarked his
i, father, with some warmth, I'll tell you,
when I got that trash Of yours l de-
J cided to Let you go to the devil ant
leave my money to this heads'rone
young woman, but the forward mink
with the most unheard- of impudence, de-
. clared she wouldn't touch penny of it
But we'll SOC about that; and let M
% tell you, sir, you've got to walk pretty
straight line Or"
/ -Oh, don't mind the straight line,
returned BERTHE, comfortably, provided
thore ism t wife at the end Of it. I'm
less it Is the one shall choose.
!" "Fudge!" was tho cortemptuous com
t ment. but the old gentleman munifestet
. 10 further anger. Probably he ha:
+. gathered some now ideas in tho last fcv
i moments and found them diverting.
Q What are you E'arlng at Alico for!
he said, presently. DO you want Il
Q stare her out of countenance?"
"Oh, no; / was only thinking hoy
: charmngly we'll sho Is looking. Til
air of The Cedars is no doubt rcspons
l ible. You, too, look wonderfully wei
8 preserved. No one would take you 10
9 day over forty-lve, if that.
"Humph!" was the old gentleman
" comment. "As big q fool as ever. You
}, talking has given me q confounde
headache. Go out Of the room, 10
|, heavens sake. Alice, take him out !
}. the grounds and try to keep him quie
6 for O. while. I must have a littlo scop.
d Certainly, I'll depart, by all means,
+ said BERTHE, with alacrity. 'Dclightct
Q I'm sure. Come, Alice, YOU must tax
caro- of me, you know"
1 Tho Colonel chuckled quietly as tho
It left the room together.
= FRO be CoNTlNaEo.