Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1901-09-19

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Jack Manning, as We sat over the fire
in my modest chambers discussing the
pros aHd cons Of life in double hAr-
ness. 1T is simply impossible to COM
bine the two. Marriage is a prosaic,
practical condition, make the court
ship what you will. There should be
no silly love-malling i'll the business at
ALL
I've heard all that sort OF thing be-
fore said Jack quietly, putting rings
OF smoke scientifically into the air.
And you, like the rest, only want q
smile from pair OF bright eyes to
bowl you over and set you by the ears
It's fate. my boy, that's what it is.''
"6osh' said I contemptuously.
when [ marry it will be woman
VINO Goes not expect any nonsense OF
that kind. We shall conduct our part
nershlp on q business-like basis-I to
provide the money, she to take care of
the home"
Left alone took down a photograph
and regarded it intently.
Here's the wife for me-a nice. SEN
sible, intelligent girl, with no non
sense about her at all. I'm tired of a
bachelor life; it's wretchedly dull.
Yes, I'll go and see her tomorrow and
get it over
Miss Sylvester did not blush. cast
down her eyes or tremble or appear
agltated IN any manner. She looked
thoughtfully out Of the window for
some seconds, then she looked I'D and
regarded me soberly.
Would you mind telling me what
your annual income is?'' she asked.
Ihls staggered me bit, but I told
her $500 without any hesitation.
Its not great amount" she mused
But still we might manage on it with
prudence. l haven't very expensive
tastes, and you-''
murmured that was most unpre-
1entlous in my way of living, and
asked whether she would consider
smoking an unnecessary luxury.
Not at ALL she answered promptly.
nope l am not so foolish as that.
you see l am practical woman. and
you will quite understand that in ac-
ceptlng your offer sentiment is not
brought to bear upon me at all, and l
'nink l may depend upon you not to
subject me to any foolish demon stra-
tlons Of Affection
Certainly" 1 returned. "You have
but echoed my sentiments. I trust T
shall be able to make you happy, and
mat you will not regret your decision
to-day"
ana then we talked over matters in
very satisfactory manner. There
WAS no need to delay the marriage she
asreed-a couple of months would he
4uite sufficient to make all necessary
Arransements-and after cup of tea
anu the congratulations of mamma. a
s""ky sister and rather handsome
young brother, returned home to NV
o'ssings in the dignified character of
1ormally engaged young man.
wary would not allow me to buv hc,.
"n engagement ring; it was quite un-
-ec1ssafy, she said, and we should
, "n' all the money we had. In the
",'ef it.a OF house furnishing she exhib-
u practical, matter-of-fact inter-
1' winch was most commendable. and
1ne ;s determinedly discountenanced anv
'oea OF a honeymoon.
3, we snail get tired of one another
oaa. week. she said II shall be quite
haa" h.ent TO remain at home, and per-
o, CPS 80 to concert or lecture in tho
evening"" '-e
cu,. wne memorable day something oc-
rp,, winch opened my eyes to the
in t1a s."'e OF things. surprised Mary
smant ne act OF saying goodbye to her
mt =, young brother at the door. She
kissoa ao,n arms around his neck and
Iha, him with warmth of affection
N neVer deemed her capable OF. A