Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-04-22

tempered and happy, the major present.
ly grew quite fond of her, in a fatherly
sort of way, and looked forward to ar
ranging suitable marriage for her as
soon as Jack should be off his mind.
In the meantime he told her all about
his plans for Jack, and talked so freely
himself on his pet project that he never
noticed how she dropped into silence as
soon as he alluded to it, especially as
her silence evidently did not rise from
any lack of interest. She was staying
at boarding house, and but for Nellie's
kindness would have had but a dull
time of it.
The major observed, with approval,
that Jack too, was kind t. her; for
he thought it an excellent sign that he
should wish to please Miss Bloxham by
little attentions to her friend. On the
whole, he was satisfied with the way
things were going-or so he told him
sef-and he could not understand why
he found hitherto unknown difficulty
in sounding Miss Bloxham on the SUBJ
ject, and gently preparing the way for
Jacks suit.
OF course, Jack was in love with her;
how could he fail to be, knowing her
so well as he now did? Why, even he,
the major, was more than half in love
with her himself, as he owned, with a
sigh to his cigar; and he was old en-
ough to know the folly of it; how, then,
should a young fellow like Jack es-
cape? No, give them time; nothing but
time was needed now-and very little
more of his judicious management-to
bring the matter to successful con-
clusion, and transform Miss Nellie Biloxi
ham into Mrs. Mackintosh-Mrs.J Jack
Macintosh. All what difference that
one little word made!
The major called himself an old fool
for his pains, and refused to think OF
what, perhaps, might have happened
had he only been dozen or Is years
younger; but for him-a man of SO,
oh, no; it was out of the question:
And so the frs. week of Jacks visit
"ane to an end.
The little expeditions, however, did
not come to an end; on the contrary,
Maj Macintosh redoubled his exer-
tions, for he was growing eXtraordin-
arily anxious to have the affair settled;
and the more he saw of Nellie the more
he was convinced that Jack would be
the luckiest fellow in the world If he
won her. And he must win her! The
major felt that his reputation was at
stake, for he had never labored to make
any match as he had labored for this.
Oh, he must speak. seriously to Jack
about it! AS to Miss Bloxham, she
must surely suspect something of his
hopes, and she had not discouraged
them; she always agreed readily to
all his plans, and treated him with
marked consideration; and, of course,
1t must be on Jacks account. To i'm
agine anything else would be-oh, no;
he wasn't quite such fool as that!
Jack, have you thought over what
said to you?" he asked, abruptly one
day. as they were walking back to their
hotel.
what about? You've said good
deal at different times"
ooh, about settling, you know"
ITO be sure | have! There's lot
in it." This was distinctly encouraging,
yet the major felt his heart sink I'M
accountably. I'm fact, think I shall
act on it,
you're thinking seriously of settling,
my boy?"
"Most seriously to tell the truth"
and there was twinkle in Jacks eye
as he spoke. II was just going to tell
you you that I've already asked-some
one to settle me- and she's promised to
do it."
There was moments silence Then
the major pulled himself together and
wrung Jacks hand.
II congratulate you with all my heart,
my boy!' he asked huskily.
Thank you. She's a dear little girl,
and thinks no end of you. She has
no father, you see, and So"
eyes, yes, | quite understand" The
major felt this was a little too much.
Il think she must know how I've set
my heart on it" he added.
"Not bit of IT, She feared you had
quite other views for me. Indeed, 1t
was all MISS bloAudLu anu Couiu w
to persuade her"
"Her? Whom?"
"Why, Mile, of course. She fears
you'll play the cruel uncle and object
to my marrying her.
"Mille! Marrying Miller"
YES. Surely you must have seen"
"And what does Miss Bloxham say to
this?"
oh she's delighted. We are all such
friends, you know"
Friends! Marry IMillie! And but
for that little marplot you might have
married Miss Bloxham-"
mot a bit of it. You are mistakn
there. Even had l ever wished it, she
wouldn't have had me"
"Who told you so?"
Nobody; but I'm not quite fool
any more than you are quite hundred,
lbaoauca-rpcla Millie iS NOT the mar