The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1899-03-10

come famous-as you will-she might
share your fame. OF course. expect
you to pick out the woman you could
truly love. but in pleading the case ]
prefer to rely solely on material
things"
"l'm glad you'll permit me 10 love my
wife," said Duncan. smiling. but
where's the woman? Who would have
me?"
"There are cords Of EN-. ] haven't
got anybody picked out and do not pro
pose to do the choosing. You see / am
sincere when tell you that I am look
ing at the matter purely as a piece Of
business foresight"
"Oh, I'm not ready to marry. have
not seen half Of the world as yet"
Choose a good wife and take her
with you. You'll enjoy the journeying
more thoroughly. and think Of the
pleasure you might give her"
Possibly" said Duncan. as he. smi-
ing suggestively, looking steadily and
squarely into the eyes Of his business
adviser. do you think you are en-
tirely right in your position?'
"Unquestionably," was the answer.
"Supposing some young chap should
come along and, on a purely business
basis. seek the hand Of your daughter?"
80, that's absurd. Julia's nothing
but a child"
"How old is shc?"
"She won't be 20 until her next birth
day"
And how old were you when your
wedding took placer"
Nineteen! James, thisissimply ride
ulous. because it doesn't weaken my
position a particle. If a young man
who was in every way worthy should
ask me for the hand Of my daugh-
ter"
ION a purely business basis?'
Eyes. on a purely business basis; if /
he was worthy, l should give my con-
sent; because any man who deserved /
such a girl couldn't help loving her"
$50 you insist on Juggling in the mat
ter of love as an accessory
81 insist upon your becoming reason
able; upon realizing that bring up
this matter because Of my interest in
you. and because l know that if you
will only think over the situation, you
will agree with me. You owe ii to your
age and you owe it-every reputable
man owes it to some charming and
worthy woman-to some woman, TO
make her happy"
"All right" said DUNCAN, good-na-
urediy, Il promise you l will con-
slider this matter carefully"
That's right, that's manly" en-
husiastically responded Aunt Lucy,
and IL at any time ! can be Of service
u the matter come to me as you would
O your mother"
Duncan arose as though to take his
departure. at which Aunt Lucy also
rose with: "Now don't put this think
ng off, but begin at once; for"
What she might have said in explana-
ion is immaterial, because justthen her
aughter, with Betty in her arms, en-
cred the room as though ignorant OF
he presence Of the visitor. Then,
uickly apologizing, she turned as
Rough to withdraw, at which Duncan
aid: Don't go, Miss Munroe. beg
( you"
Thank you, Mr.. Duncan" said the
irl, with very apparent mock modesty
| have no wish to leave. but thought
lat mamma had business matters up
IT discussion"
"And so did" interrupted the moth.
p, as she looked suggestiyely at the
1ung man, "and some day we'll tell
n, won't we, James what the busi-
.ss was"
Permit me. Miss Munroe, said Dun
n. as he stepped TO her side-at which
unit Lucy appeared to have been
ricken by a shock Of electricity-"to
ost respectfully and with the utmost
devotion, to ask you to become my g
fe." I,
Certainly, proceed, said the maiden, "
she very carefully placed the cat n
ION the floor and stood erect with her Il
re set in a fashion calculated to be-
ken courage. fe
Aunt Lucy was speechless. and as o.
e attempted to take a step toward n
mean she staggered weakly and only 70
lght the back Of her chair in time TO ke
event falling. of
Then it was that the daughter held co
{ her hand and Duncan. taking il in th
own, together they came to the
ther smiling, while the bachelor an
d: Forgive US. Mrs. Munroe. but Mi
la has been my afianced wife for m.
.r a month" wi
And you kept the fact from your Re
iher| said Aunt Lucy. looking pa
1eiessly at her daughter ba
Yes; you see your reputation as a
i-bIooded woman Of business" said fol
mean. made towards Of u.s." he
nd as Aunt Lucy found her way 10 fla
chair. the cat walked demurely out it
the room. saying plainly as a cat pal
Id say in pantomime: 81 knew of
) long ago. Detroit Free Press. wit