The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-04-30


case, it would make difference
''But don't really mean it," | cried
hastily. Why, the idea was absurd! Just
when l was in the middle of the book on
the Cerebral Convolutions' too!
''Then," said her mother, closing her
hard, thin mouth with a snap, amanda
will marry Mr.. Plutus. There is no one
but you who has any right to voice in the
matter"
'"rhere is Amanda" l suggested.
amanda! She is far too young to de-
eide. am the Judge for her. Amanda
shall do as bid her and marry Mr.. Plu-
tus."
81 shall do my best to stop her.
''She shall not see you" l knew she
would try to be as good as her word, and
nv heart went out in great pity for poor
little Amanday, who was so like her father
and had been pet OF mine ever since she
was child.
"If weren't too old'-I said, half to
myself.
"Nonscnse! Why, you're no older than
l." She is 10.
"Nonsense! She's devoted to you"
every well, l will speak to Amanda
about it," said slowly, "but there must
be no drawing back on your part"
had sudden inspiration, being man
of quick thought. 81 should like to have
your consent in writing, To be candid, !
do not trust you"
Every well.' She sat down to her es-
oritoire. "What shall write?"
81 consent to the marriage of my daugh-
ter to Mr.. Frank Austen,' dictated She
wrote it accordingly and signed it with a
flourish.
My name is the same as my nephew'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"
said, feeling rather uncomfortable. And
did.
Amanda is Is and stands feet 2
Amanda has golden brown hair that will
get loose and tumble about her cheeks and
fore head.
sob, Cousin Frank" she cried cousin
is my brevet rank you won't let her
make me-marry that horrible man."
'No," said l, MANDY, my dear, l
won't" Then kissed her If only were
sure that she wouldn't disarrange 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 ruefully; somebody who is fairly
we'll of. 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.
"Well, look here, Mandy" said sheep
ishly, your mother insists that you shall
be engaged to some one, and | can only
find one person.
''Not Mr.. Putus. | WON'T" she cried
vehemently.
"No no! Not any one who will annoy
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"
l apologizsd, turning as red as poppy.
She held on to my arm again and looked
down on the ground. Then she laughed.
GLOW very funnyn'
''Would you mind, Mandy"
'No-o' she laughed again 81 think it
would be rather fun. You would have to
to take me out lot, would't you? To
pretend properly"-
'Ic-es. Oh, yes, of course!' Whatever
would become of the Cerebral Convolu.
tions?"
"But wouldn't it be rather a bother to
you?"
No more than to you"
ION, it wouldn't be any bother to mel"
she cried excitedly. WED 90 to the
Tower, and the stores, and the CRYSTAL
palace, and the zoo, and the exhibition and
have tea in gardens, and the opera, and"
She saw my face fall. 81 only meant to
some of them," she explained. "You
always do take me to the academy and one
or two places, don't your"
Il shall like to take you to some, nv
DEAR" assured 81 always enjoy myself
when do"
Wees" said she, thoughtfully, "but-
u Cousin Frank suppose | do not find
any one else?''
Then | shall have to marry you myself
IL would be better than old Putus,
wouldn't it,"
on, yes, but shouldn't like-I could
not pear to think that you had sacrificed
yourself to me! should he such bother
shouldn't I?'
/ looked down affectionatelv on the
rumpled bar and inquiring eyes II tbink
I think, Mandy" said gently .I conld
put up with you very well, hut wa have
hppu ,,qal IN In