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

5 ham into Mrs. Mackintosh-Mrs. Jack
Macintosh. All, what a 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
"ape to an end.
Pfe little expeditions, however. did
not come to an end; on the contrary,
Maj. Macintosh redoubled his exer-
lions, 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,
it 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 hack to their
hotel.
What about? You've said a good
deal at different times
ooh, about settling, you know
'To be sure I have! There's a lot
in it." This was distinctly encouraging,
yet the major felt his heart sink IN
accountably. I'm fact, I think I shall
act on it,
you're thinking seriously of settling,
my boy?'
Most seriously, to tell the TRUTH"
and there was a twinkle in Jacks eye
as he spoke. ftI 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 a moments silence Then
the major pulled himself together and
wrung Jacks hand.
'I congratulate you with all my heart
my boyi'' 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, I quite understand" The
major felt this was a little too much.
II think she must know how I've set
my heart on it," he added
mot a bit of it! She feared you had
quite other views for me. Indeed, it
was all Miss Bloxham and I could do
! to persuade her"
"Her? Whom?"
t'Why, Mile, of course. She fears
you'll play the cruel uncle and object
to my marrying her
"Milliet Marrying Millie?"
Eyes. Surely you must have seen"
"And what does Miss Bloxham say to
this?"
ooh, she's delighted We are all such
friends, you know"
Friends! Marry [MiIlie! And but
! for that little marplot you might have
married Miss BlOXham-"
f'Not a bit of it. You are mistakn
there. Even had I ever wished it, she
wouldn't have had me-"
"Who told you SOP
Nobody; but I'm not quite a fool
any more than you are quite hundred,
because uncle, Mile is not the mar
plot, but-quite another person." sig
nifcantly.
BY Jove!" exclaimed the major. "Do
you think I've any chance, JACKIE"
Jack laughed, not unkindly.
GO and see," he said.
And the major went.
So, after all, he made an excellent
match for Miss Bloxham, and Mrs.
Macintosh never regretted that Jack
was not the bridegroom.-H Household
Words.