Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1898-10-28
BY MUTUAL CONSENT


a great interest in them"
quite agree with her. l had once
met man who said she was born
meddler. did not go so far as that l
thought that she possessed a natural
gift for managing.
1t was a 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 it only kind to ask
Dora to accompany us"
A reflective look passed over Mrs.
Kenyons 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, "is by her fa-
theirs side"
Eyes, of course" l murmured.
Il have been thinking" she con-
tinued, after a pause, that Irene and
you will be settling down shortly"
Irene was Mrs. Kenyon's niece.
Some time ago the thought had oc-
Cured to her that we we're suited to
one another. She had devoted her at
tention to the matter with her usual
completeness of method, and the sub
sequent engagement was a matter of
course.
81 can't say that we have settled as
to the exact date" l said.
ut is two years since you were first
engaged"
looked around eagerly to see IL the
girls were coming.
do you know" she continued, II
have discovered the very place for a
young couple-an ideal residence"
Il must go and have look at it," l
said vaguely, with another glance to
the rear.
"It seems as if it were built for Irene.
There is a charm. lg study for her, a
room with splendid lights that will do
for her painting-a gem of bou-
doir-"
1T seems a gift from the fairies," l
broke in. What Is it called?"
''Hatton House-within a mile of
this. It's a chance which should on no
account be missed. The only thing is
you must decide wi hin three days"
mot much time" began.
She turned to me 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 hurrying across the lawn. |
put my finger on my lips, to enioin Sc
crecy.
What are you plotting?" cried Dora.
ooh, merely a little surprise for
somebody" l said, with a glance at
Irene.
l opened the gate and we wheeled
our machines through. We were about
to mount when another cycllst rode up.
1t was Herbert Grlerson, friend.
Il thought you might be riding this
morning." he began.
Very happy thought" l said cheer
fully; you will make a fourth, and !
shall not have to talk so much"
We mounted our machines and pro-
ceeded on our way. Presently Dora
and myself found ourselves tagging a
little behind.
This isn't at all right, you know"
she remarked.
What isn't?"
Naturally you should be with
Irene"
MY dear Miss Paget, we have the
rest Of our lives to be together. Irene
understands that"
"She is quite exceptional"
"she is very clever, and admire her
immensely"
Dora laughed.
"Is that why you became engaged to
herr"
'I didn't. Mrs. Kenyon arranged II
for us"
Dora opened her eyes wonderingly.
Mrs. Kenyon arranged it for your
she repeated.
"Yes," said l. "She is very thought.
fill. She decided 1t was time for Irene
to marry, and she thought was fitted
to become a husband. With admirable
tact she managed the whole affair
and we are both very grateful to her.
And you love one another% she
asked.
I'VE admire one another" replied
land that is an excellent substitute"
DC you think your tastes are simi.
lar?"
"Oh, they are not" replied frankly;
"but we shall make allowances. She Is
clever and Of a studious turn Of mind;
I am quite commonplace, and never
happy unless in the open air. We shall
each follow our own inelinations."
How about travelling? ] know you
are a wanderer."
Irene hates it; she detests rough
ing it in any form. AS said, we shall
each do as we think best; but perhaps
for the sake Of appearances. shall
postpone my trip to New Zealand for a
month or two"
New zealandl" cried Dora, "how
lovely! Are you going there7"
Il had thought OF It. but I'm afraid
shall have 10 marry hrst."
"Afraidf"