The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-07
THE BACHELOR.

was neither wise, useful or agreeable and
had lived 30 years alone when he might
have been blessed with Goods best gift to
man-woman.
Still. as Clark was decidedly a wealthy
man, his friend Arthur Gould thought he
would make an excellent husband for his
sister, who was slightly on the shady side
of 80. So one evening, finding him in his
solitary apartments, looking doWncast and
miserable, Gould said:
''Clark, know what ails you"
s'What makes you think anything ais
me?" gruff1y inquired Clark.
Because you are not lively and happy.
You are lonely and want society. No one
can enjoy life without companionship. In
short, you need a wife.
'sI've got along all these years without
one, and guess can finish the same
way
because you have been a fool all these
years is no reason why you should con-
tinue one
'True, . said Clark. ''Had taken a
wife 20 years ago, should have been hap
pier today. But who would marry an old
fellow like me now?"
"Many nice girl would jump at the
chance.''
81 don't want an old maid, said this
particular old bachelor. ''Some pretty,
bright girl might tempt me. But, then,
this counting business 1 know nothing
about, you see, and, taking it on the whole,
might pay too dearly in advance -
''Well,' said Gould impatiently, ''on
the whole, if the tSuth was known, think
you are a trile too lazy to live.''
"Why, I'm all ready for a bargain.
Show me some of these nice girls you seem
to think are so plenty
eff you please to visit my family you
viii have an opportunity of meeting many
ladies. I will introduce you to my sister
for one. She will introduce you to others,
and"-
''Goodi III spend tomorrow evening
with you.''
''Weu be glad to see you"
They parted, and Clark's thick head
was full of new ideas. At O'Clock the
next night he sto0d before his mirror try
ing necktie after necktie and carefully
parting what remained of his hair At
last he was fully equipped and started.
On his arrival he found none but the
family present, and, being introduced to
the ladies, passed pleasant evening. He
watched every movement of the younger
lady and before leaving had concluded to
seek no further for a wife providing the
charming Miss Gould could be persuaded
to become Mrs. Clark. She was attractive,
pleasing in conversation and graceful in
manner.
''She is the woman for me-" thought
to call soon again.
He went home from his second visit
happier than from the first, for, in addi-
ton to his increasing admiration for the
lady, he felt assured, by her evident exer-
tions to entertain him, that his feelings
were refrigerated.
One unfortunate circumstance must be
explained before proceeding. Owing part
~ to Mr.. Gould's carelessness in present.
ing the ladies as his wife and sister merely
and partly Clark's confusion in confront
ing two women at once, he had mistaken
one for the other and fallen in love with
Mrs. Gould, decidedly the prettier of the
two, and who, perfectly Innocent of his
error, strove to make matters pleasant In
behalf of her sister-in-l law. She noticed
once or twice that he addressed her as Miss
Gould; but, knowing him to be a some
what illiterate man, let it pass for slip
of the tongue.
Time passed, and Harris determined to
speak. One evening he found Mrs. Gould
alone and was informed that Arthur and
sister" had gone to make call, but would
soon return. Harris expressed little sor-
row at their absence. Now was his time,
he thought, so, summOning all his cour-
age, he commenced:
My dear lady, forgive me for speaking
my mind frankly when I assure you that
the happiest hours of my life have been
passed in your society,"
''Why, thank you for the compliment"
said Mrs. Gould. ''It gives me great
pleasure to welcome you here and you
will enjoy life better than in the solitary
existence you have hitherto led. Arthur
has deep interest in you, and I shall al
ways be pleased to entertain you to the
best of my abilities.
"Thank you," said Clark. ''I feel that
a single life is an unhappy one, and if not
too late propose to amend
''1ndeedI Then you think of marrying?
I congratulate you. May ask who is to
be the honored lady9''
"That depends upon you. I have never
net with one who inspired me with such
such love, as yourself. All have
I lay at your feet. viii you be my wife9''
He paused and wiped the perspiration
from his forehead. Mrs. Gould, utterly
COMPOUNDED, sprang to her feet, exclaim-
ing:
me your wifeI Why, Mr.. Clark, ex-
plain yourselfP'
Her husband, just entering, caught the
last words.
''What is the matter?'' asked he, gazing
from his wife to Clark.
1.-THE matterl'' replied the astonished
sutton. "You know as well as I do. Your
sister appears to have taken fright at
something's don't understand what. "
''My sister, Why, that is my wifel''
Your Wifel' screamed Clark why
have you deceived me in this matter?''
''NO one has deceived you, my dear fell
low. You must have deceived yourself.
That is my wife. This is my sister,
pointing to the other lady now entering
the room.
Poor Harris was struck dumb. He rose,
seized his hat, made a low bow and ami
hilated space between the Cages and his
own bachelors hall, " where in a short
time he was seated before fire built of
fancy neckties, sachet bags, light gloves
and other superhuous articles of an old
bachelors toilet.
- As to what he thought, said or did after
that time there is no account, but Mrs.