The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1897-04-07
A MATCH MAKER.

Major Macintosh was a very good
fellow, but he had one little weakness
He was an inveterate matchmaker.
No doubt there was some excuse fol
him. Life seemed rather empty and
purpOsely now that he had left the
army, and as he was still vigorous
energetic man he needed some whole.
some vent for his activity. Match
making provided him at once with an
interest and an occupation. 1t gave
him plenty to think of by night and
to do by day. Without it he would
have been the most miserable of men.
With it he was the eheeriest and the
most self important. 1t is very good
thing sometimes TO have a little weak
ness.
Of course, the major prided himself
on his tact and delicacy a.id fondly
fancied nobody ever saw through his
transparent little artifices. So sure of
this was he indeed that he not infre-
quently explained them at some length
TO the persons principally concerned,
so that they might know just when
and how to act under any given cir
cumstances-a very wise precaution
and one that saved an immense amount
of trouble and Misunderstanding.
But though he took every care TO
guard against failure matters would
occasionally go wrong and the most
prudently planned match come to
nothing, greatly to the majors dismay.
But he was reasonable man on the
whole, and when he knew he was beat
en- he accepted defeat philosophically.
Yet, when he knew he was beaten
but as a bold Briton and soldier he
was very hard to convince on this
point and sometimes struggled on man.
fully long after defeat was foregone
conclusion.
Despite his weakness-Or possibly
even in consequence of 1.-THE major
was popular, and men and women
alike found much TO admire in him.
His manner might be little brusqne,
but his means were ample, and this
was a great point in his favor, especial
Iy where the unmarried ladies of his ac-
auaintance were concerned, for they
were not blind TO the fact that he the
matchmaker would be a most excel
lent match, and to many of them 1t
seemed pity that he should spend so
much time and trouble in providing
for his friends happiness while his
own remained unsecured. More than
one kind hearted woman, though TAX
ing small interest in his efforts to settle
other people. would gladly have help
ed him to arrange a match for him.
self. but il was all to no purpose.
Whether he saw nothing or too much
no one knew, but the result was the
same. The matchmaking major re-
mained unmarried and on excellent
terms with all the ladies who would will
lingIy have married him, fact which
alone spoke volumes for his good feel
ing and capital management-if in
deed it were not purelya a matter OF
luck.
The major had but one near relative
in the world-his nephew, Jack Mack
in.osh. Jack was in a government
Office, and as he was now . years oi
age his uncle began to think seriously OF
arranging match for him He had
long had his eye on ut least hall a
dozen sufficiently pretty girls, any one
of whom might be just the right thing
for the young fellow-if only none 81
the other five should prove to be better.
The major was very anxious that
Jacks match should really be tri-
umph, and il cost him much thought
and grave weighing of pros and cons
for months before the critical time
came. OF course he did not consult
lack in the matter. To do so at SO
early a stage in the proceedings would
have been contrary to all precedent.
No. he must muddle il out for himself
and Only have the boy down to make
the Iady's acquaintance when he had
finally made up his mind as to which
of the half dozen it was TO be.
And, after all, it proved to be none
of them.
No; despite the earnest cogitations
of months and all the careful study ol
six specimens of girlhood the major
suddenly made up his mind that Mel
lie Bioxham was the one woman in the
world for Jack, and this within five
minutes of his first introduction TO her
The girl charmed him, and he at once
decided that she must marry Jack. "A
letter was dispatched that very evening
and a few days later the young fellow
ioined his uncle at the watering
nlace where he had been so fortunate
AZ to make Miss Bloxham's aequaint'
ance.
"Well, Jack, have you got your leave,
or is this only Saturday to Monday
trip?', was the first question he asked
when they met at the station.
al can stay fortnight ifyouH have
me-"
That's capital. I've lot of friend;
here and some uncommonly pretty
girls among them. The Fishers came
down last week, and the Renshaws"-
ais May Renshaw here? Pm glad
of that"
May Renshaw was one oil the nal
dozen who had been under considera
.i.,, and Il Is noSsible that Jack wa.