The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-11-30

When Clifford Ridley, millionaire's SOD
and in his own right richer even than his
father, went to ask Deacon Hrastow for
the hand Of his daughter in maria ge,
he felt consciousness of recttude that
was distinctly agreeable. lsidley'S at
tentions to Angela Brastow had excited
the gossips Of the little down east town,
but he was going to make that all right
on this THINK sGiving afternoon.
lie felt like the fairy prince whose
duty in the story is to make every one
happy. Poor old Deacon Brastow would
feel that he had sailed out of all his
lifelong worries. and for Angela it
would mean Il change from the little
frame house for which her father hadn't
been able to afford u coat of paint in 20
years to veritable palace and a time Of
Thanksgiving indeed.
The young New Yorker had an idea
that the first part of the interview
might not be altogether agreea bic, 50 lie
had prepared Il somewhat hasty Geclara-
ton Of his intentions, but the deacon's 8
UNEXPECTEDLY prompt and cordial How
de do?" Knocked it all out of his head.
Glad to see you locking well and
So thankful exclaimed the Deacon
"Santiago malaria cant stand this down
count of our climate when you get back
to New York"
Il shall" said Ridley, land of the
down east people as we'll"
~ guess we can return the c0mpli-
ment," rejoined Brastow. you've
made yourself pretty popular hereabouts,
except with some of the old ladies. They
regard you rs base deceiver."
I'm afraid my conduct has been open
to criticism" he said.
Yes, it has" replied the deacon. You
got well when all the old women in town
had said you We're going to die. They'll
never forgive you"
Indeed. said Ridley, much relieved.
'I'm afraid | must plead guilty to that.
But it doesn't worry me. You see, I'm
not interested in the old ladies, but in one
of the very young ladies'"
You don't say.' exclaimed the deacon
Nothing serious, l hope?"
1T is extremely Serious" said Ridley,
and then he paused. He did not know
just how to take the deacon, who was of
different type in conversation from
| what he seemed on Il casual view.
Ridley had rather avoided him up to
this time. Lounging upon the front steps
of the deacon's house with Angela and
other young people, he Eau frequently
seen Brastow come home to his dinner OF
supper, but ON such occasions the deacon
had always hurried by, with an apologet
ic manner, for the New England parent
never intrudes upon his children.
SO Mr.. Ridley of New York had made
| the mistake of supposing that Deacon
| Brastow was of Il timid nature and would
| be embarrassed in his presence. He haC
expected also that his prospective father
| in-law would have a magazine dialect
| whereas he pronounced the language witt
great accuracy, us became one who haC
| been a member of the school committee
| for many years.
Serious. is it?' said the deacon. "Yol
| don't mean to say that you're in love
| with AngelaE
Il mean just that" replied the young
man earnestly. Il have thought tina
| you might doubt the sincerity of my in
tentions, and So
'Oh. bless you, no." said the deacon
81 didn't know you had any; that's ALL"
Let me assure you, them said Rid
| ley, that my mind is thoroughly mad'
| up. | want her for my wife,
The deacon drummcd weird and SLOW
| little tune on the desk beside him.
''roo bad. too bad"' said he. Il gav'
| Angela just il bit of hint that she nigh