The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1898-04-27
THE NATIONS VOICE.
Playing at Sweethearts.

meant to some of them," she ex-
planned. "You always do take me to
the academy and one or two places,
don't you2"
81 shall like to take you to some,
my DEAR" | assured her. 81 always
enjoy myself when l do. But you
know 1 am finishing my book just
now."
"Oh, yesl I won't worry you, Cousin
Frank. And-and-I could help you
with it, couldn't II" almost groaned
aloud. Amanda on Cerebral Con-
volutions!"
"T'm afraid it's rather too dry for
that"
II might learn the typewriter and
copy it," she pleaded, anxiously. A
man is only fool, after all, however
much he studies and learns. Do You
know 1 suddenly bent down and
kissed her, and she blushed like a
carnation.
81 won't let you blunt your finger
tips with typewriter" 1 said, gal
lantly. ''But you shall copy some
pieces for me-till you find some nice
young man and your engagement
ends" 1t was best to have a clear
understanding, thought.
"Ye-es," said she, thoughtfully;
"but-oh, Cousin Frank-suppose l
didn't find any one elseP"
'"Then shall have to marry you
myself. 1t would be better than old
Plutus, wouldn't it?'
"Oh, yes. But shouldn't LIKE
couldn't bear to think that you had
sacrificed yourself to me. should be
such bother, shouldn't II"
1 looked down affectionately on the
rumpled hair and inquiring eyes. 81
think-I think, Mandy" I said, gen.
tly, 81 could put up with You very
well. But we have been so used to
look upon one another in a different
light that it's rather late to change.
You see, dear, I have grown into a
| fdgety old bachelor"
''You're not really old, and you're
never fidgety with me, and owe you
30 much"
I'd merely paid for her schooling
and pocket money and so on. prom
ised old Tom-pOor old Tom!-that
I'd take care of his girl.
"That's nothing to do with it,
Mandy" said, slowly. "You see,
I've lot of interests which you could
never share" She shook her head,
doubtfully. "And like to rush of,
when I'm not working, to mems rec
reations-to play cricket, to watch
football Or"
81 like watching football" she OBJ.
served, eagerly.
'Pm used to having meals when
please and going ont when l like and
coming in when like. OF course, 1
couldn't do that if had wife. 1t
wouldn't be fair"
cit would be little lonely for her, :"
said Amanda, wistfully.
49," continued, resolutely, re-
sisting an absurd impulse to kiss her
again, though think you the incest
little woman in the world, dear"-she
smiled Just like the sun coming out
sit would be better for you to find
some one younger and less crotchety." t"
She tapped the ground rapidly with
one little foot. Meanwhile, we're
engaged, you know, and we must live
up to it. Where shall I take you to-
morrowY'
'Oh, mol You must do lot of your
book tomorrow and give me some
copying to do-about brains aud spines
and things"
Nonsense, childl Don't I always
take you out when come to town.
Shall We go to the academy?" She
laughed her old childish laugh.
"And lunch at restaurant" she
inquired, delightedly. "And 60 to
the Crystal Palace afterwards and
have tea in the gardens and see the
variety show and dine on the terrace
like we did last year?' She squeezed
my arm in her old way. "Won't it be
jolly?"
The next day took her to the Zoo
and smiled to see her laugh at the
monkeys. The day after took her
to the exhibition and up the big
wheel and put my arm round her be.
cause she was frightened. or pretended
to be. l squeezed twice for good
night. Then began to see that il
| WouAu 10 Duu lor tu0 Oer6Dr0l Con
volutions" If this sort OF thing went
on. So l sent for Nephew Frank to
come up to town at once. That light.
hearted young gentleman held his
; sides with laughter when I explained
the situation.
$50 I'm to court your fancee--she
used to be q pretty little girl-and
take her of your hands for an allow
ance Of $500 year?" he said, wipine
his eyes; "f500 and $500 make Es0(
-f400 apiece"
'Exactly!" i said. approvingly
''You always were smart at figures,
Frank"
"But, my dear uncle, suppose sh.
: won't have me? Besides, I'm mo-
sure, but ! think I'm just . little
gone on Nellie Marchant? Suppos,
! don't care for your Amanda?"
"She's awfully nice, Frank; yor
! couldn't help it," I was surprised .
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