The Opelousas courier., 1898-06-25

V@fI=2A III us Iempleton
N|.kgkZNAA leaned back
very comfort.
%I8IS8SZSAA ably in his Grim:
(<78@43a.TMSAAA Sol leather,
HATSSsSyZ1 brass-nail stud.
lnGN@M@ ded library
- NeNS INV chair, rested his
elbows on the arms, brought his finger
tips together, and looked very benign
and important.
"a rich man, ell? Well, yes, I am q
rich man-what some people would
call a very rich man; and the beauty
of it is, [ made my fortune myself.
When I started out for myself, a lad
of ten-that's fifty years ago or more
4 had all my worldly good in a red
handkerchief, slung on a stick over
my shoulders. To-day I say it with
out boasting-there's not a finer line
Of steamships adoat than the 'Clyties,
and I own 'em ~all--every blessed bak-
er's dozen Of EN-"
Fred Warrington listened respect
fully--a handsome young fellow, with
a 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-
f%ectionate nature, you have used all
your life in accommodating riches. You
have never married-never had a real
true home," he observed.
"That's the rankest kind of non
sense, my boy. I never married be-
I never yet saw the woman I
wanted. But it's a good thing for a
young fellow to settle down. believe
that, 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 a
T. I think I shall marry early"
Mr. Templeton bestowed a satisfied
look on him.
Gall right, my dear boy! Marry
early, and marry to please me, and
I'll remember you handsomely. Til
give you a country house to live in in
summer time, and the town residence
for winter. I'll give you ten thousand
a 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 a little
graver as he bowed c~ourteously.
II know you are just as good and
generous as it is possible for man to
be, Uncle Phil, but"
Fred hesitated in his speech, and a
thoughtful frown gathered on his fore
head.
Mr.. Templeton looked the surprise
he felt.
"'Butr 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.
20, Of course-of course! But who
is she? What is her name?"
"She is Miss Rossie Fleming, and
she is a music teacher, and her eyes
are"
Mr.. Templeton looked sternly across
the library table.
II don'tc 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 &C.
quainted with came into his eyes, max
ing them deep andssdarkly blue.
Il beg your pardon, sir" he said
quietly, "but a fellow. prefers to pick
out his wi wife. I have chosen Miss
Fleming"
"The deuce you have! Well, then,
let's hear what you have to say when I
tell you the lady I 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-
Fred avowed serenely.
"What!" MI. Templeton said stern
". Erred, you're a-a-fool!"
And then Fred laughed, which had
q most exasperating effectupon the old
gentleman.
Il say you shall marry her, and 7
want You to put On your hat:.and go with
at once and be introduced to her!
She's staying at Mrs. Saxony's. Come
SIR"
Fred rose promptly.
Certainly; I'll 60 and be presented
to her, and I dare say there will be no
reason why 7 shall not admire her i'm
mensely. But IS for falling in love
with Miss Lovett-"
He laughed and shrugged his broad
shoulders, then put on his hat, and
went out with Mr.. Templeton to meet
the charming young lady intended for
his destiny.
It was q beautiful little villa, not far
from Mr. Templeton's stately mansion,