Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-05-12

ln(YNWSNS ded library
~ I~sNS INV chair, rested his
elbows on the arms, brought his finger
tips together, and looked very benign
and important.
"A rich man, eh? Well, yes, I am q
rich man-what some people would
call very rich man; and the beauty
OF it is, L made my fortune myself.
When started out for myself, a lad
OF ten-that's fifty years ago or more
I had all my worldly goods in red
handkerchief, slung on a stick over
my shoulders. To-day I say it with
out boasting-there's not finer line
of steamships afoat than the 'Clyties,
and I own 'em all--every blessed bak-
sr's dozen of EN-"
Fred Warrington listened respect
fully-a handsome young fellow, with
wide-awake, frank look in his blue
eyes, and general manly bearing about
him that recommended him wherever
he went, very especially to ladies'.
"And yet, with all your wealth,
your beautiful home, your kindly, af-
fectionate nature, you have used all
your life in accumulating riches. You
have never married--never had real
true home" he observed.
"That's the rankest kind of nom
sense, my boy. 1 never married be-
cause l never yet saw the woman I
wanted. But it's a good thing for q
young fellow to settle down. believe
thnt, if I didn't practice it. I hope
you'll marry early, Fred"
A little twinkling look was in War
rington's handsome face.
II agree with you there, sir, to q
T. I think I shall marry early"
Mr.. Templeton bestowed satisfied
look on him.
"All right, my dear boyl Marry
early, and marry to please me, and
III remember you handsomely. I'll
give you a country house to live in in
summer time, and the town residence
for winter. I'll give you ten thousand
year income, and your wife shall
have the handsomest diamonds Streets
can collect"
Anyone in the world would have
thought Fred Warrington was trans
ported to the seventh heaven of rapture
at the bewildering prospect held out
to him; but he merely looked little
graver as he bowed courteously.
II know you are just as good and
generous as it is possible for man to
be, Uncls Phil, but"
Fred hesitated in his speech, and a
lhohghtful frown gathered on his fore
bend.
MIR. Templcton looked the surprise
he felt.
'B1ltp Where can the but be to
such an offer as that? You've only to
marry to please me. By Jupiter,
Frederick! it isn't possible you're al
ready in love?"
Already; and engaged to the sweet
est and dearest little dar-"
Mr.. Templeton remorselessly cut
short the lover-like enthusiasm.
80, of course-of course! But who
is she? What is her name?"
"She is Miss Rossie Fleming, and
she is music teacher, and her eyes
are"
Mr.. Templeton tooked sternly across
the library table.
81 don't care whether they are black
or green, you can't marry her. I've
picked out a wife for you, and the
quicker you get clear of your music
teacher the better"
Fred colored-then the look of wild.
eyed defiance Uncle Phil was ac-
quainted with came into his eyes, max
ing them deep and'darkly blue.
II beg your pardon, sir" he said
quietly, "but fellow prefers to pick
out his own wife. have chosen Miss
Fleming"
The deuce you havel Well, then,
let IS hear what you have to say when |
tell you the lady have in my eye for
my future niece is the most beautiful.
cultured, refined girl who ever flashed
into West End society. She's rich,
too, and just the very daisy for you. A
music teacher indeed, when Beatrice
Lovett is to be had for the asking!"
(Which doesn't raise her in my es
timation," Fred avowed serenely.
"Whatw Mr.. Templeton said stern.
ly. Fired, you're a-a-fool"
And then Fred laughed, which hat
most exasperating effect upon the ole
gentleman.
81 say you shall marry her, and ]
want you to put ON your t.and go witt
me at once and be introduced to her