The Opelousas courier., 1901-01-12

boxes ana answered uniiL1lCeu Q.uSo-
lions; and the little baskets chased
one another along the wires to the
cashiers desk.
At a further counter, where pretty
toilet articles held sway, Annie Rogers
stood gazing at her own fair image
in a plate-glass hand-mirror with Rus
sia-leather back.
He'll be sure to like it." she said.
looking up at the young mar who
stood waiting at her side. III take
it." she added, turning to the girl be-
hind the counter and producing her
purse. Its his birthday, you know"
she went on, as the hand-glass went
flying down a wire. 1--WE always
make birthday presents to each other.
Dear old Uncle Dodson"
"Uncle Dodson'' he has always been
to her, though she was only an or
phaned relative of his dead wife.
adopted in her infancy.
Hes a lucky person. with you to
care for him." said Howard Candy,
taking charge Of the hand-mirror as
it %reappeared in its neat ~wrappings.
"You'll let me walk home with you?"
he went on, as they stepped out into
the crowded street.
More than one hurrying shopper
noted them admiringly as they walked
slowly down the avenue to~gether-the
graceful girl, in her soft, light dress,
her cheeks grown pink and her eyes
bright in the fresh air, and the tall
young man, not far behind her in per-
sonal advantages, bending to talk to
her.
But they were not ware Of these
approving glances: they were not con-
scious of anything beyond their W
absorbing conversation, a hint Of
which may be gathered from their
parting words. For, as they mounted
the broad steps of the big Dodson
house, Annie was murmuring:
"What will Uncle Dodson say?"
"He'H give us his consent and bless
ing, of course, my dear girl" said
Howard, cheerfully.
And he gave Mr.. Dodson's birthday
present into her possession, pressed
her hand with a whispered word, and
went down the steps reluctantly.
A large valise stood in the hall, and
an unfamiliar hat hung on the rack.
Annie looked at them sharply. Prob
ably it was some friend OF Uncle Dod-
son come to see him-he was some
thing Of an invalid.
But the hat-a smart, speckled
straw, with a blue hand-had an n
mistakably youthful air. She ran UP
the stairs ~wonderingly.
Mr.. Dodson was sitting in a large
armchair before the window, where
most of his time was spent. A young
man oftwo ~andtwenty, whereabouts,
for nothing unless for the
cheerfulness of his rather boyish face,
sat near him.
Mr.. Dodson looked up with a wei
coming smile, as Annie entered.
'My nephew, Dudley Howard, my
dear" he said.
The young man rose and bowed
rather constrainedly, Annie thought.
Mr.. Dodson regarded her anxiously.
"Sit down. he said.
Annie sat down at his side, feeling
that something unpleasant was COM
ing; and the young man quietly with
drew.
"He is my ~nephew-my only rela-
tive" Mr.. Dodson began. HE will
inherit my property, my dear"
"Well?" said Annie, cheerfully.
SWELL" MI. Dodson repeated, strok-
ing her hand, she will inherit my
property, but you must be provided
for, too. There seems to me but one
way. I have thought Of 1t much: but
the best way seems to me-that you
should marry. So I have sent for
him." said Mr.. Dodson, going on hur-
"And-we have been talking
Of II, my DEAR
Poor Annie had listened silently.
Was this kind-hearted Uncle Dodson
who was saying these dreadful
"a little too ~business-like to suit you,
said Mr.. Dodson, noting her dis
tressed face. Eyes, of course. I ex-
pected that. Young folks nowadays
have an idea that their elders shouldn't
have a word to say about these
things-not a word! But don't you
see, my DEAR" he went on, kindly,
''that it's all the same thing? Suppose
] had got Dudley here without mem
my little plan? Well, you'd
have been pretty sure to fall In love
with each ether. He's as nice q fell
low as you'll find, Annie, and he knows
o pretty girl when he sees one, !
imagine. Well, then, why should you
hold back. either of you, merely be-
cause ] give q little push to q sure
enough AFFAIR.""
The girl at his side turned her
troubled face away hastily.
1t was a very simple thing, surely,
to put an end to all this. The mere
mention or Howard Candy would do
il. she was sure, for Uncle Dodson
not an ogre.
And yet, how could she meet his
possible displeasure aud his certain
disappointment?
The words died away on her lips.
"a bashful pair of youngsters you
are, ] yowg said Mr.. Dodson, with a
IF Dudley didn't behave the
same wayl Oh, well, you'l get over
it!'