The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1897-04-07
aware of the fact, but of their recent re
lection he was totally ignorant.

was thinking how very unfortunate il
it would be if Jack really felt any at
traction in that quarter. Not but what
May was nice girl enough-till you
compared her with Nellie Bioxham.
Let Jack once see Nellie and he would
think no more of May.
Jack noticed the change of tone and
drew his own conclusions from it.
ANY new acquaintance, uncle?'
he asked. And there was twinkle
in his eye as he spoke which it was
just as well the major did not see.
"a few. Yes, Jack, a few. Old
Colonel Marsh and his sisters; pleas
ant women, though a bit elderly-for
you, you know, and Mrs. BloXham and
her daughter; charming girl, the
daughter. though bit young-for me,
of course"
"Ah, about the right age for me 70
play with, SUPPOSE
There was some impatienee in the
young mans tone.
"ro play with? No, no, Jack, you re
too old for play now. It's quite time
you settled, and I've been thinking
"Yes?" as he paused impressively,
for the major felt that at last the time
had come for him to speak.
"That Miss Bloxham is the very girl
for you. In fact, that you're just cut
out for each other.n
"H'mr' said Jack.
1t wasn't much of remark perhaps,
but the major found it distinctly dis
concerting.
"Well, why not?" he asked testify.
''Why not? No reason perhaps.
But then again-why?"
because she's pretty and good form
and very good company, a thorough
lady and charming woman. Can't
you trust my Judgment in matter of
this kind?"
The major spoke with the assurance
of one whom long experience entitled
to speak with authority, and Jack
smiled. Unfortunately his uncle saw
the smile, and il irritateJ him.
"She's miles and away too good for
you, you young dog, if that's what
you mean," he broke out angrily.
That's exactly what l do mean.
If she's all the admirable things you
say she is, | fail to see how we can be
cut out for each other and shall feel
/ bound i'm common fairness To let some
better fellow cut me out. I'm not half
good enough for her-if she's all you
say she is"
The major burst out laughing.
"If that's all, come and have a look
at her." he said, "and then you can
judge for yourself She is sure to be
on the parade. They all are at this
hour"
"Oh, yes, I'll have look at herv'
said Jack.
Jack was as good as his word.
He chad a look" at Miss Bloxham,
and he was introduced to her. They
talked together, the major beaming ap-
proval the while. He was introduced
to her mother-a harmless, garrulous
old lady, who talked whether there
was anybody to listen or not and al
ways about nothing in particular. Her
talk was never allowed to interfere
with general conversation, nor did she
expect II TO do so, which was but rea-
sonable under the circumstances.
When the Bloxhams left the parade
an hour or so later, the major and Jack
walked with them as far as their own
door, and Jack walked with Miss
BloXham.
"Well?" said the major as they turn
cd away.
"Eh?" Jack was evidently not at
tending 4 slight, pale faced little
girl was passing at the r1oment and
bowed to him with a shy smile.
who's that" Major Macintosh
asked abruptly. 1t struck him that
Jack was looking ridiculously pleased
about something or other.
"The sister of a man in my Office.
I've been down to his place once or
twice lately"
"Ohr' The major dismissed the
subject "Well, what do you think of
her?'
"Of-her?'i
"Yes. Isn't she all / said and
more?"
"Oh, Miss Bloxham. Yes, she seems
all right"
"All right? l should think she is
all right. Pom my word, Jack, you
take it coolly."
"Why, what would you have? She
| has talked to me about lot of things
for an hour or so, but | really know
nothing about her, except that she is
good looking and too good form to say
that she is bored whatever she may
feel"
Bored, Why should she be bored?
Didn't you talk to her?''
"Yes, and she'd much rather l
| hadn't. / wasn't the right man uncle,
that's ALL"
"Then, by Jove, should like to
know who is" the major said testify.
Jack laughed, but he did not pursue
the subject further. After all, it was
no affair of his, and if his uncle liked
to play little game Of cross purposes
he had no wish to interfere with him.
The next week passed away pleas
antly enough. The major, taught by
experience, knew just the kind of little
expedition that was best qualified to
throw young people together-possibly
not always the right young people, but
he was scarcely to blame for that-and
he was constantly arranging some nice
little pleasure party or another. Of
course, none of these was complete
| without the Bloxhams and a quiet,
| shy girl, a great friend of Nellie's, in
whom-somewha to his surprise-the
msjor recognized Jacks little acquaint-
ance.
Mile Lee went everywhere with
her friend, and as she was always
sweet tempered and happy the major
presently grew quite fond of her in
| fatherly sort OF way and looked for
| ward to arranging a suitable marriage