The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1897-11-19
HIS FUTURE MoTHER-IN-LAw.


the Zeniths after that tea table ex-
change of compliments.
Miss Stella had en- her hands a war
demanding as great skill in state craft
and as able generalship as that in
which the ncrth ard the south were
engaged She was without a single
ally in the family and had to contend
with terrible odds in numbers.
Both Captain Zenith and Miss Car
rie were lovers of peace; but that was
against Miss Stella since their peace
deperded on their espousal of
Zenith. If left to themselves
they would not have opposed
her; brt they stood in too great awe
of Mollie to withhold their censure.
Miss Stella was finally instructed to
deny the adjutant her company; the
injunction was disregarded. Intimida-
ton was tried; failure was SO emphat-
ic that the effort became ridiculous
Restraint was attempted; the attempt
was wofully futile.
OF this warfare the adjutant was, OF
course, wholly ignorant. Miss Stella
Lcd told him that the engagement was
distasteful to her family because of
her own lack of years. He regarded
the engagement as a long one and
looked upon that objection as a very
trifing matter, not at all disquieting.
He had no expectation that objections
would be submitted to him until he
shol ID ask Captain Zenith for the hand
of Miss Stella. He did not anticipate
interference Until it should be propos-
ed to consummate the engagement by
an early marriage. He had no inten-
tion to submit that petition till he
found himself ready to marry. For
these reasons the opposition to the en-
gaeement was not q serious affair in
his mind.
lie was enlightened somewhat
through Miss Zenith. One afternoon
he called and was met at the door by
that young lady, who, to his inquiry
for Miss Stella, answered:
"Stella is not in this afternoon; in
deed, we do not expect her to return
before Tomorrow"
'Is she out Of town? I certainly un-
derstood from her that she, would be
at home all this afternoon?"
Probably she forgot the engage
ment; possibly she changed her mind.
She went out with Gussie Groves, say
ing that she would remain with her
till tomorrow"
The adjutant stood on the steps med
itating. He was disappointed, puz-
zled, annoyed. Miss Zenith stood two
steps above him, pleased by his very
evident discontinue, and hoping that
he would not linger too long, fearing
possible accidents. The accident hap
pened. 1t was announced by the voice
of Miss Stella, who, leaning over the
balcony above them, said:
why, Mollie! Step in, adjutant,
am coming down at once"
Miss Zenith was in a quandary.
Should she risk an open encounter
then and there with her sister and at
the same time insult the adjutant?
She would rather escape the latter.
She fully realized the probability of
defeat if she brought on an engagement
when her sister had the presence of
her lover to stimulate her resolution
to conquer. Under such conditions
she would be more than ever formida-
BILE.
Miss Zenith having hastily deter
mined upon her course, showed the
adjutant in and then appealed to Mrs.
Zenith to act at once. Mrs. Zenith
consented to act, but put off action un-
til the next day.
The next day, still urged on by Miss
Zenith, Mrs. Zenith entered the par
lor while Miss Stlla and the adjutant
were there planning for an evening
ride, and without circumlocution ad-
dressed herself to the task she had as
sumed.
Lieutenant Jaquese, your friendship
is very agreeable to us; all of us ap-
preciate the honor you confer upon
the family by your friendship. You
have our highest esteem; our greatest
respect. Therefore hope that you will
not misinterpret my motives; but as a
mother of girls l feel myself compelled
to suggest a caution which, with only
your youth to guide you, you may not
rightly appreciate. A high regard for
yourself, motherly regard for Stella,
proper regard for usages of society,
all impel me to say that it will be bet
ter if you are somewhat less marked
and particular in your attentions to
Stella. She is but a child and alto
gether too young to know her own
mind"
81 am flattered by your personal
concentrations; yet l am at loss to
determine precisely what it is you
wish? Whether l am forbidden the
premises or required to hereafter ig.
more the existence of Miss Stellar"
Neither said truly tnat the
friendship you manifest for US is graf
flying. But it is desirable that it be
general and not so marked for Stella.
She is but child and l simply desire
that you recognize and remember that
fact"
My dear Mrs. Zenith. l entertain
no thought that threatens her happi-
ness"
Because of her extreme youth we
do not wish an especial intimacy to
grow up between you. If 1t were one
Of her elder sisters it would be DIFF
| ferent matter"
| Very different. l respect and ad-
mire them. Miss Stella l admire and
( love; and intend to some day marry.
had not designed to speak to you upon
/ this subject until the war Is over and
/ we are ready to consummate our alli-
ance; but what you have said renders
the avowal necessary. We hope for
your approval"