The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-08-31
BY MUTUAL CONSENT.

Puck.
BY MUTUAL CONSENT
II like to have young people arount
me-" remarked Mrs. Kenyon. Il taxi
a great interest in them"
quite agree with her. I had ono,
met q man who said she was a borr
meddler. did not 60 so far as that
thought that she possessed natura
gift for managing.
It was bright morning in May, and
she had strolled with me to the garden
gate, against which three bicycles were
propped.
why" she exclaimed, "are not Irene
and you going by yourselves?"
mo, we thought 1t only kind to ask
Dora to accompany Vs."
A reflective look passed over Mrs.
Kenyon's face.
Dora is leaving tomorrow" she
remarked. Her father says he must
be in the hum Of things again."
But surely the hum does not claim
his daughter as well?"
| "A daughters place." said Mrs. Ken
yon, somewhat severely, us by her ia
TIERS side."
Eyes, Of course" murmured.
II have been thinking" she con-
tinued, after pa'ise, that Irene and
you will be settling down shortly"
Irene was Ms. Kenyon's niece.
Some time ago the thought had oc-
CURED to her that we were suited to
one another. She had devoted her at
tention to the matter with her usual
completeness of method, and the sub
sequent engagem ent was matter Of
course.
Il can't say taat we have settled as
to the exact date" said.
ut " two yeals since you were first
engaged"
looked around eagerly to see If tho
girls were coming.
"Do you know" she continued, II
have discovered the very place for a
young couple-as ideal residence"
II must go and have a look at It," I
said vaguely, with another glance to
the rear.
1T seems as IL Il were built for Irene.
There is charming study for her, a
room with splendid lights that will do
for her paintings gem of bou-
doir-"
IT seems a gilt from the fairies"
broke in. What Is 1t called?" =
'Ihatton Housv-.within a mile Of
this. It's chance which should on no
account be missed. The only thing Ia
you must decide within three dayA" o..
mot much tim0," began.
She turned to re with bright smile.
my proposal IS that you should
leave the whole affair in my hands.
What do you say"
At that moment Irene and Dora Pa
get came hurryiGg across the lawn.
put my finger on my lips, to enjoin Sc
crecy.
What are you plotting?" cried Dora.
"Oh, merely a little surprise for
somebody" l sail, with glance at
Irene.
opened the gate and we wheeled
our machines through. We were about
to mount when aLother cyclist rode up.
1t was Herbert Glerson, friend.
Il thought you might be riding this
morning." he besan.
very happy thought" said cheer
fully; you will make fourth, and I
shall not have to talk so much"
We mounted or machines and pro-
ceeded on our WY. Presently Dora
and myself found ourselves tagging a
little behind.
This isn't at oil right, you know"
she remarked.
What isn't?"
Naturally vol should be with
Irene."
MY dear Miss Paget, we have the
rest Of our lives 10 be together. Irene
understands that"
"She is quite exceptional"
"She is very clsver, and admire her
immensely"
Dora laughed.
us that why YOU became engaged to
herr"
Il didn't. MIRA Kenyon arranged It
for US"
Dora opened her eyes wonderingly.
MRS. Kenyon arranged 1t for your"
she repeated.
Eyes," said I. "She is very thought
full. She decided 1t was time for Irene
to marry, and shs thought l was fitted
to become husband. With admirable
tact she managed the whole affair
and we are both very grateful to her."
And you love one another?" she
asked.
1--WE admire orc another" I replied,
land that Is an excellent substitute"
do you think Jour tastes are SINH
lar?"
"Oh, they are nSS" I replied frankly;
''but we shall maks allowances. She is
clever and Of studious turn of mind;
I am quite commonplace. and never
happy unless in tie open dir. We shall
ach follow our own inclinations."
How about travelling? l know you
re wanderer."
Irene hates 1t; she detests rough
lg It in any form. As I said, we shall
ach do as we think best; but perhaps
" the sake of appearances, shall
'stpone my trip to New Zealand for .
onth or two."
New Zealand" cried Dora, "how
vely! Are you going there?"
Il had thought of it, but I'm afraid I {
lall have to marry first"
Afraid"
! laughed.
Mrs. Kenyon has been thinking that t
Ia time for us to settle down. As
~ know, when Mrs Kenyon thinks, J.
ere Is generally result. And what c
more, she has discovered a house t
hich an architect unconsciously de-
sned to meet Irene's requirements. d
How lucky!" said Dora.
''Tes-isn't 1t jolly7 l have to set
! within three days. This is the sur L
Use In store for Irene" p
Dnra 1ookod ahead NJ }ha ofhars'