The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-05
take. I'm afraid. thought I should see little

take. I'm afraid. I thought I should see little
But a glad light had come into Kitty's
eyes. and she dropped her book and for-s
ward.
why, it's jack" she cried Il hardly knew
you for a moment. Didn't you know me?''
Tit can't be Kitty the young man said,
in surprise as the girl seized his hand. Il
thought you were some stranger Little Kitty
grown up! l can scarcely believe it."
why, you silly fellow she cried; did
you expect me to stand still for four years?
It's four years since another.
was at school last time you were here you
know. Sit down, Jack, and tell me all the
news. l didn't know your people were here
Ihey re not, Jack returned, seating him
self beside her. Il only came tonight, and
thought I'd come over here at once: but
Phillips said everyone was out but Miss Kitty,
SO I thought I'd see Miss Kitty, expecting
you understand, to see the little tomboy I
left last time, and not such an altogether
splendid young lady as"
Don't be stupid" Kitty said, tapping him
on the head with the paper knife She held.
Ah! Jack said, rubbing the place with
affected ruefulness; that's more natural I
begin to realize that you really are Kitty
We'll come now. Tell me the news What
are you doing down here all alone?" Kitty
asked, not at all affected by his plaintive
tone.
Fact is I'm in disgrace" said Jack, throw
ing himself back on the couch, and regarding
his compa MON seriously. <i.t
What have you been doing?" inquired
Kitty, with interest Getting into debt like
Norman?'
No, oh, no. Nothing so commonplace I
can tell you my crime in a few words My
dad wants me to get married, and I'm still
single, SO he's cut short the supplies till 1
obey I'm the only son, you see and he
wants me to settle down."
How FUNNY" remarked Kitty, naively.
'And who is it he wants you to marry. Jack?''
'Oh, he leaves that To m
"Entirely?"
Yes. with the one stipulation that she must
be lady-of good birth, 1 mean.''
We'll, where's the difficulty?" Kitty said
much amused. sas.
Why" Jack returned, with a lift of his
eyeoTows; I'm not in love with anyone and
you know girls expect to be made love to.
L hate all that sort of thing"
Yes, it's awfully silly agreed Kitty.
Still, you know, I'm in an awkward fix
hate to vex the good old dad, and of course
I'm twenty-five and ought to be thinking of
settling
Would you mind Young wife2" Kitty
asked.
,at I'D prefer fer young one to an elderly one"
have someone-and quickly
Look here, Jack" Kitty said, slowly.
Would 1 do. We were always friends YOU
know, and, if you don't like the idea,
you're willing-I am
kitty! the young man cried in amaze
ment. "Why-why--' 9a
You don't like me?' she inquired, calmly.
"Of course 1 like you-immensely!" he cried
But you are too young"
I'm seventeen Of course, haven't any
money
"That doesn't matter. I've heaps-at least
my dad has"
And I think my birth is good enough"
SAID Kitty, with tilt Of her aristocratic lit
tie chin.
II should thing so. We are only mushroom
fOlk, YOU know NV fat1h no
IF you really mean it, Kitty"
VI course do. I'm sick of life here They
call me grown up, and they won't let me
climb trees or do anything I like, and yet
I'm not allowed to go to a dance or on ont
at all.'
Jasck looked sympathetic in reply to her
indignant tone, but in his heart he was far
from sorry that this innocent little beauty
ciety.
You see,'' Kitty went on; 'the arrange,
ment would suit us BOTH We neither of us
want any love-makng. and you want a wife,
Whlle L. or course" she broke off, in an ex-
pianatory tone, Il shouldn't think of saying
yes to any ordinary man, but with you it's
quite different. We are such good friends.
you know, and you're not in love with me, so
it's a good idea, isn't it ?"
"A splendid idea Jack agreed warmly
Then we are formally engaged, are we,
Kitty?"
Il suppose So" she answered smiling
III run up to town and get you ring to-
morrow" he said land tell the dad my news
at the same time. Won't he be pleased, But
what VIII your folks say, Kitty?"
hity broke out into peals of laughter
the girls say? Oh, Jack, it will be worth
something to see their faces when they hear
this newsstand her merry laugh rang out
again.
= say, Kitty"
"Shall you expect me to give I'D nv club