Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-04-28
Playing at Sweethearts.

|
the academy and one or Two places,
don't you?"
II shall like to take you to some,
my DEAR" assured her. 81 always
enjoy myself when I do. But you
know l am finishing my book just
now."
"Oh, yes! I won't worry you, Cousin
Frank. And-and-I could help you
with it, couldn't ~" 1 almost groaned
aloud. Amanda on Cerebral Con-
volutions!''
'I'm afraid it's rather too dry for
that"
81 might learn the typewriter and
copy it,, she pleaded, anxiously. A
man is only fool, after all, however
much he studies and learns. Do you
know 1 suddenly bent down and
kissed her. and she blushed like a
carnation.
L won't let you blunt your finger
tips with a typewriter, 1 said, gal
lantly. "But you shall copy some
pieces for me-till you find some nice
young man and your engagement
ends. 1t was best to have clear
understanding, 1 thought.
"Ye-es," said she, thoughtfully;
"but-oh, Cousin Frank-suppose 1
didn't find any one else?''
"Then l shall have to marry you
myself. 1t would be better than old
Plutus, wouldn't it?"
"Oh, yes. But shouldn't like-I
couldn't bear to think that you had
sacrificed yourself to me. 1 should be
such a bother, shouldn't I?''
looked down affectionately on the
rumpled hair and inquiring eyes. 81
think think, Mandy" 1 said, gem
tly, 81 could put up with you very
well. But we have been so used to
look upon one another in different
light that it's rather late to change.
You see, dear, have grown into a
tidgety old bachelor.
You're not really old, and you're
never fidgety with me, and owe you
so much.
I'd merely paid for her schooling
and pocket money and so on l prom
ised old Tom-poor old Tom!-that
I'd take care of his girl.
That's nothing to do with it,
Mandy" / said, slowly. ''You see,
I've lot of interests which you could
never share" =" She shook her head,
doubtfully. "And like to rush off,
when I'm not working, to mems rec
reations-to play cricket, to watch
football Or
81 like watching football" she OBJ
served, eagerly.
I'm used to having meals when /
please and going out when l like and
coming in when [ like. OF course, L
couldn't do that If l had wife. 1t
wouldn't be fair. -
'It would he little lonely for her,"
said Amanda, wistfully.
$50" L continued, resolutely, re-
sisting an absurd impulse to kiss her
again, though think you the incest
little woman in the world, dear'-she
smiled iust like the sun coming out
sit would be better for you to find
some one younger and less crotchety"
She tapped the ground rapidly with
one little foot. Meanwhile, we're
engaged, you know, and we must live
mp to it. Where shall l take You to-
morrow
"Oh, no! You must do lot of your
book tomorrow and give me some
copying to do-about brains and spines
and things"
Nonsense, child! Don't always
take you ont when / come to town.
Shall we go to the academy?" She
laughed her old childish laugh.
And lunch at restaurant?" she
inquired, delightedly. ''And 60 to
the Crystal Palace afterwards and
have tea in the gardens and see the
variety show and dine on the terrace
like we did last year?" She squeezed
my arm in her old way. 'sWon't it be
iolly?"
The next day took her to the Zoo
and smiled to see her laugh at the
monkeys. The day after l took her
to the exhibition and up the big
wheel aud put my arm round her be-
cause she was frightened. or pretended
to be. ( squeezed twice for good
night. Then [ began to see that it
would be bad for the Cerebral Con-
volutions" if this sort of thing went
on. So sent for Nephew Frank to
come up to town at once. That light
hearted young gentleman held his
sides with laughter when I explained
the situation.
so I'm to court your fiancee-she
used to be pretty little girl--and
take her off your hands for an allow
ance of $500 year?" he said, wiping
his eyes; "f500 and $500 make $500
-f400 apiece"
EXACTLY" said, approvingly.
You always were smart at figures,
Frank.
"But, my dear uncle. suppose she
won't have me? Besides, I'm not
sure, but I think I'm just little
gone on Nellie Marchant? Suppose
l don't care for your Amanda?"
"She's awfully nice, Frank; you
couldn't help it," I was surprised at
my doleful tone.
| s"Hhen - said bo ssvhvayar Ior,@