Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-04-22

daughter; charming girl, the daughter,
though bit young-for me, Of course. .
"Ah, abtu the right age for me to
play with, l SUPPOSE"
There was some Impotence in the
young mans tone.
''To 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"
Him. said Jack
1t vast much of a 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 a charming woman! Can't
you trust my judgment in a 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 it irritated him.
She's miles and away toe good for
you, you young dog, if that's what you
nean," he broke out angrily.
''That's exactly what I do mean. If
she's all the admirable things you say
she is, I fail to see how we can be
cut out for each other, and shall feel
bound in 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.
eff that's all, come and have a look
at her" he said land then you can
judge for yourself She is sure to be
on the parade; they all are at this hour .
ooh, yes, I'll have a look at herr
said Jack. Jack was as good as his
word
He "had a look" at Miss Bloxham,
and he was introduced to her They
talked together, the major beaming ap-
prevail the while. He was introduced
to her mother, a harmless, garrulous old
lady, who always talked whether there
was anybody to listen or not, and al
was about nothing in particular. Her
talk was never allowed to interfere
with general conversation, nor did she
expect it to do SO, which was but reason
able under the circumstances.
h. JoF+ Jo
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
turned away.
"Eh?" Jack was evidently not at
tending. A slight, pale-faced little girl
was passing at the moment, 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 OIL
twice lately"
"Ohw The major dismissed the sub
ejct "WeIl, what do you think Of her?'
"Of-her?"
Eyes; isn't she all l said, and more?F
ooh, Miss BIozham-yes, she seems
all right"
"All right? I should think she is
all right. Pom my word, Jack, you tak'
it coolly.'
"Why, what would you have? She
has talked to me about a lot of things
for an hour or so; but l really knew
nothing about her, except that she is
good-looking, and too good form tt
say that she is bored, whatever she ma!
feel"
Bored! Why should she be bored
, Didn't you talk to herr"
Yes, and she'd much rather I hadn't
+ [ wasn't the right man, uncle, that
, all"
: Then, by Jove, should like to know
who ISL the major said, testify
: Jack laughed, but did not pursue tn
5 subject further. After all, it was NJ
=, affair Of his; and if his uncle liked tt
Z. play little game of cross-purposes, h
? had no wish to interfere with him
= The next week passed away pleasant
, ly enough. The major, taught by eX
2 perience, knew just the kind of littl
= expedition that was best qualified t.
5 throw young people together-possibl,
t not always the right young people, bu
he was scarcely to blame for that-ant
: he was constantly arranging some mic
little pleasure party or another. o
f course, none of these were complet
{ without the BloXhams, and a quiet, sh,
r girl a great friend Of Nellie's, in whom
e somewhat to his surprise-the majo
? recognized Jacks little acquaintance
? Mile Lee went everywhere with he
} friend, and as she was always sweet
t empered and happy, the major present
. tempered and happy, the major present
= ly grew quite fond Of her, in a fatherl.
, sort of way, and looked forward to ar
: ranging a suitable marriage for her a
> soon as Jack should be off his mind
: In the meantime he told her all abou
his plans for Jack, and talked SO freel
himself on his pet project that he neve
, noticed how she dropped into silence a
soon as he alluded to it, especially a
her silence evidently did not rise from
any lack of interest. She was stayin!
at boarding house, and but for Nellie
kindness would have had but a dull
5 time of it.