The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-02-25
Just an E pieode,
Fron Chambers Journal. In Four Parts.)
PART /.

Fron Chambers Journal. In Four Parts)
PART /.
/ tried not to show it, but I certainly
was irritated; my breakfast lost its flavor,
and 1 could not endure to see Mimsy. just
outside the dining-room window, revealing
in the sunshine which Tapped her around
as though it loved her. while she fed
the pigeons and coo-coed to them in
their own soft tones.
And there was my sister Priscilla, seated
opposite me, stabbing me again and again,
pitiIessIy, mercilessly, though uncon-
sciously, until it was a relief TO hear the
crunch of horses hoOfs on the gravel, and
know that 1 could have home vexatiOns
behind for a time as l few along TO visit
my patients.
On one point I was absolutely deter
mined: l would not marry Aiimsy. That
is to say 1 would not ask her to marry
me. That should at least be settled beyond
alteration. had been working up to this
conclusion for a long time. Since 1 be-
came her guardian, when she came to
me twelve years ago, dainty little maid
en- of six, the young monkey had woven
herself into my life until she was part
Of it. And as she grew from childhood
into womanhood, tall and slim and fair,
and making every one love her 1 became
conscious that some day, perhaps before
long, she would assuredly be wooed and
won.
And now the blows that I anticipated
were beginning to fall. This was the first;
there would be series. And I-under
v hose care she lived, who loved every
tone of her happy voice, every touch of
her soft hand, loved her as I felt sure
no other man, however worthy and ar
dent, could love her-would not even try
to win her love in return. And why?
Well, the long string of letters after my
name represented many years OF hard
work. and made me realize that | was
fortv-iust to think of it!-while Mimsy
was only eighteen. Then 1 stood in the
relation of father to her. 1t could not
be otherwise, in spite of all the little ten
der caresses of which she was so prodigal
They meant nothing more than chlld's
gratitude and appreciation Of kindnesses
received.
And now, what was it that Priscilla
said that took the flavor from my coffee
and made eating pretence? Her WORDS
rang in my ears as 1 was borne along.
yes; Mimsy is certainly very attract
i've and sweet, and no wonder Harry has
lost his heart to her. Do you know,
John. the boy came to me last night in a
very difident way and asked me to speak
to your
knowing me to be man of few words
Priscilla did not appear TO expect any
comment. If she could have seen the big
thump that my heart gave at that mo-
ment. she might not have continued so
placidly:
you see, John, Harry has confded 10
me that he loves Mimsy. He said: 'Aun-
tie, / believe l have always loved her. L
can not remember the time since she
lived with you, when it was not pleas
ure to be with her, to run and fetch and
carry for her, and to be her slave. No
other woman has ever for one moment
come before her. 1 think she cares for
me, too. Will you speak to uncle? L feel
just a little afraid that he will not think
me worthy of her. And yet, if he would
give his consent TO an engagement, L
would prove myself worthy. 1 would
work, and rise in my profession, and
make a name that you should all be proud
to hear Harry has the greatest admira-
ton for you, john"
1t was at this precise moment of Pris-
elias discourse that formed a desperate
and sudden resolution. I would not only
allow, but would help on this affair. If
Mimsy cared for Harry, she should marry
him if she would. l got up from the ta-
BILE and composed myself sufficiently to
say:
Harry is a fine young fellow, Priscilla;
tell him he may try his luck"
In came Mimsy through the open win
dow, and, seeing that l was just going,
darted across the room and linked her
hands over my arm:
What! Going already, Guardy? Bother
the patients; they are always taking you
away from US.
And then she put her soft lips to my
hand and gave it a series of little kisses.
l demonstrated;
MY dear child, you are getting too old
for this sort of thing. You really must
not behave so foolishly."
But she only laughed.
You dear, sweet, good man; there is
no one like you in the whole world.
I'll see you into the carriage" Which
she did. standing on the step to have
parting word. Il want to consult you,
darling, particularly" Then she jumped
lightly to the ground and waved her hand
as 1 disappeared.