The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-02-16
526G ID
| A VICTIM OF STRATEGY.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
VXT THY, papa, I thought Fanny
wv Ives was a great favorite of
yOurS?"

! ny, papa, tnOugnt Fanny |
wv Ives was great favorite of
yours?"
"Clara, I really believe you are trying
to raise my temper. You would try the
patience of Job. It's a pretty how do
you do If a man of my time of life must
be catechised by his own children. I've
told you before that 1 have no fault to
find with Fanny. I've known her from
childhood, and think her a sweet, gen.
tie girl; but that doesn't help the case
any. Alfred can never marry Fanny,
for George Wilbur and promised years
ago that Alfred and Belle should marry
when they became of proper age. Now,
my dear, its no use of your saying any
thing else about it. Hush, that will do"
said Mrs. Austin, as Clara was about to
speak. Run along now, and see that
supper is served a little earlier this
evening, as l wish to go out on bust
ness
Clara rose to obey her fathers COM
mand with a pout.
Come back here this instant! What
are you pouting about? Now, Clara,
l wish to give you a final warning.
There Is to be none of this pouting or
acting like hoyden, as you usually do,
before Belle. Remember, she has spent
the last year and half in Europe, and
1 wish you to mark how she conducts
herself and try and follow her example" I"
Poor Clara Austin was a hoyden in
! her fathers eyes, although a more gen.
| tie, lady-like girl could not be found.
The whole trouble was, Mr.. Austin
was little irritable, excitable old gem
tleman, who always imagined all in his
household were doing their best to an
noy him.
| Alfred" said Clara to her brother
next day, Belle has answered my let
| ter, and it is just as / expected. She is
| in love with Allen Brinton and he with
her. Allen accompanied them to Eu-
rope, you know, and stands in high IA
| Vor with her mother, but she says she
must humor her fathers whim and ac-
cept papa's invitation. She says also
for me to tell you and Fanny not to be
alarmed, that with a little assistance
from you she can manage it so thai
papa will be very glad to get rid of hel
before fortnight is at an end"
"Clara, you're an angel. 1 wonder how
Belle is going to manage it? Does sh,
mention how she wishes me to assis
herr"
Yes; she says Alfred must pretend
to be satisfied with the arrangement
made by our far-seeing parents, age
} ago, and he must be all attention to me
even in the presence of his beloved
Fanny"
"Clara, Clara, say! Where are you
: Come here. Do hurry! The carriag
is coming up the road" shouted Nj
Austin, as he stood on the followin
day, gazing out of the parlor window.
"Why, what's the matter, papa?
: said Clara, hurrying in from the hall.
"Now, my dear, Belle is coming, an
don't disgrace me by rushing at her a
i If you were a wild animal and ready I
e devour her. Wait and see how NIGEL
and quietly she does everything. Ths
, is one thing admire about New Yor
= girls; they take everything as a matte
of course. and never set one nerVou
h by getting excited over trifies," said M
n Austin, who was all excitement hin
:, self.
The carriage stopped before the gate
: Alfred Austin stepped out and assiste
y a young lady to alight.
us Papa Austin in herc?" said voic
|
'' young girl, with sloe-blaCk eyes an
3 cheeks and lips of coral tint, burst int
y the room. and before Mr.. Austin Wa
aware of it threw her arms around h
neck and kissed him.
"Why, bless me. Isabelle, you've take
my breath away" cried Mr.. Austi
struggling to regain composure.
"Taken your breath away? b6
81, 4 a.. INft 10 q
"a it,"
Poor child! she's very glad to 81
y me-" thought Mr.. Austin.
% "Sit down here, my child, and j
# me look at you," said the old gentl
man.
:, Belle opened her English walkir
:. jacket, sat down, sidewise, on Il
y chair indicated, threw one arm over Il
y back of it, and with the other har
J. pushed back her jaunty hat, with Il
,e scarlet wing, and revealed her jet bla'
:, hair, parted on the side and combed
4" waves low over her forehead.
l. "Why, Isabelle, what a woman YOU
1t grown in the last two years! i wou
v. scarcely know you. How are all Il
:, folks at home, my dear?"
- "Oh, there all lovely. Clara, "
l. little angel, just run up stairs and s
that my trunks are unpacked, will you
ir Mr.. Austin's red face grew a sha
- redder as Clara rose to obey Belle.
~ "Wait a moment. Clara, l thing
e. go with you: 1 wish to select DIRE
ar to wear this evening. Am l to ha
nj my dear old room once more?'
as Certainly, dear" said Clara.
- "By-bye, for a while. Papa Austin
OF cried Belle. hurrying after Clara.