Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1898-04-15

AHluuVd y mDlltT IeHNtdeu me GU
riously. "Of course" said she, 81
that were the case, it would make I
difference
"But / don't really mean il"
cried, hastily. Why, the idea wa
absurd. Just when ] was in the mid
dle.of the book on the Cerebral Con
volutions," too.
"Then, said her mother, closing hel
hard, thin mouth with snap, "Aman
da will marry Mr. Plutus. There is
no one but you who has any right to {
voice in the matter"
"There is Amanda, | suggested.
"Amandal She is far too young tC
decide. | am the Judge for her.
Amanda shall do as | bid her and
marry Mr.. Plutus."
81 shall do my best to stop her. -
"She shall not see you" | knew
she would try to be as good as her
word, aud my heart went out in a
great pity for poor little Amanda, who
was so like her father and had been a
pet Of mine ever since she was child.
'If / weren't too old" said, hall
to mys IT,
Nonsense. Why, you're no older
than |" She is 43.
''Too much buried in my books and
il II bachelors recreations -
Marriage would soon alter that"
u could never make that child
happy" | sighed
"Nonsensel She's devoted to you.
'Not in in that way" | believe
l blushed
You'd soon make her"
"Do you really mean it?' |
couldn't let old Toms daughter he
married to that Plutus. 1t would de-
lay matters, anyhow, if she became en-
gagged to me. Meanwhile, | might
find some one else for her.
"Why not?' she asked, coolly.
Every we'll; will speak to Amanda
about it, l said, slowly. ''But there
must be no drawing back on your
part.
had sudden inspiration being
man Of quick thought. Il should
like to have your consent in writing.
To be candid, [ do not trust you.
"Very we'll" She sat down to her
escritoire. ''What shall write?''
81 consent to the marriage OF my
daughter to Mr.. Frank Austen" l
dictated. She wrote it accordingly
and signed it with a flourish.
Ny name is the same as my neph-
ew's. I'll have him up to town, and
if he doesn't fall in love with Amanda
he's fool That was my idea.
"Well, now I'll talk to Amanda, "
l said, feeling rather uncomfortable.
And l did.
Amanda is is and stands feet ?.
Amanda has golden brown hair that will
get loose and tumble about her cheeks
and forehead. Amanda has big, dark
eyes and long eyelashes and cherry
ripe lips aud the dearest little dimples
in the world. Amanda has soft, white
hands-she generally gives me both
and tiny feet whose rush | could rec
ognize blindfold She came in quiet
ly today, and there were dark marks
under her eyes.
ooh, Cousin Frank she cried
cousin is my brevet rank-''you won't
let her make me-marry that horrible
man.
NO." said I. "Mandy, my dear, I
won't" Then kissed her. If only
l were sure that she wouldn't disar-
range my study!
"You kind old Frank" She took
hold of my arm and squeezed it.
"But your mother insists upon your
getting engaged to some one, my
dear" said, ruefuIly; somebody
who is fairly well off. Are you in
love with anybody, Mandy? Tell me,
there's good little girl.
She opened her eyes wide and
looked at me honestly. "Oh, no,
Cousin Frank Only only-I think
perhaps | should like to be - some
day"
"But there isn't any one vet?
Truly?'
"Truly. No one at all"
"Well, look here, Mandy" said,
sheepishly; ''your mother insists that
you shall be engaged to some one, and
l can only find one person.
"Not Mr.. Plutus l WON'T" she
cried, vehemently.
"No,no Not any one who will an
noy you, dear, or whom you dislike.
'Whoever-" She looked up at
me quickly and half let go my arm.
'Just till You find some one you
like" apologized, turning as red as
poppy.
She held on to my arm again and
looked down ON the ground. Then
she laughed. "How very funny"
Would you mind, Maniy?'
''No-o," she laughed again. 81
think it would be rather-fun. You
would have to take me out lot,
wouldn't you? To pretend prop
erly-"
''Ye-es. Oh, yes, of course. j"
Whatever would become of the "Cere-
bral Convolutions?"
''But wouldn't it be rather bother
to you?"
"Not more than to you.
"Oh, it wouldn't be any bother to
mel she cried, excitedly. "We'd go
to the Tower and the stores and the
Crystal Palace and the Zoo and the
exhibition-and have tea in the gar
dens and the opera and"
She saw my face fall. II only
meant to some of them" she ex-
planned "You always do take me to
the academy and one or two places,
don't you?'
81 shall like to take you to some.
my dear" assured her. Il always
enjoy myself when | do But you
know am finishing my book just
now.
"Oh, yes! l won't worry You, Cousin
Frank. And and-I could help Won
with it, couldn't II" l almost groaued
aloud. Amanda on Cerebral Con
volutionsr