Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-06-12
DEAR OLD Boy
How a Prosecuted Girl
Took His Advice.

| tiShty anu NlAah NOSs II hattttp any W oy
It's only little hop, and you don't
dance"
Major Sayres, retired, rather bald, his
mustache iron gray, grinned grimly at
Dill's reflection in the looking glass.
Then he glanced downward at waist
band Of comfortable dimensions and a
pair of neatly shod feet. Finally he
pirouetted with great agility and kicked
high at the electric light. The lieutenant
laughed loudly and clapped his hands.
"Bravow cried he, with boyish imper-
thence. Rather good for has been"
The toe of the majors right shoe wig
gled gently, as though it were tempted.
The major said simply:
(Which would you rather be called,
Dill, by Miss Bain-uncle or brother?"
"That's not fair, major" he said.
"When l asked your counsel, did not
think you would taunt me-"
"Pshaw, my lad" said the major pater-
nally. "You once told me yourself that |
was old enough to take the place of your
father. Accept the jest filially then. I
don't believe Miss Balm really cares for
Prince Paccadini."
"Of course she doesn'tr cried Dill.
"But-the title, and-she's ridiculously
obedient to her mother. As for loving
him, why, honestly, major, I think she
loves even you better"
"See if the carriage is ready" said the
major, slipping on light greatcoat.
1--WE good mind" the young lieuten-
ant unused as he obeyed his senior, ''to
ask old Sayres to put in a word for
me with Kitty. l guess he would. He's
such good old boy. and he says himself
| it's shame such wealth should leave the
country"
| He laughed again as he recalled the
pas seul of the retired warrior.
| High kicking, like colt, and he must
| be so. l shall make her laugh over that.
Poor old boy"
They drove together to the Balm cot
tage and found the music already play
ing. The popularity Of "old Sayres"
was very evident.
Dear old major-so obliging and I'M
selfish and so reliable!" said the chaper-
ons.
Dear old major. It's a pity he's so
poor and getting old. He's more fun
than half the younger men," said the
girls
"Good old boy! When a mans in doubt,
ask the major" said the young men.
The major managed to enjoy two
/ dances, the second with his little favor
! tie, the heress, Emily Balm. Then he
| handed her over to Dill with laugh and
an elaborate sigh.
ITS sad, when could dance all night.
However, yield you to good hands, Miss
| Balm. Dilrs my peculiar care. you know,
| and, though he's only an untitled Amer
lean officer, l beseech your goodness for
| hin, ppinnac r,rnvorbia IIu''-
Major" said the girl, "how often have
l told you that 1 would rather be, if
were man, an American officer than
anything else?"
| A young looking matron, who would
! hardly have been taken for Miss Bain's
mother, signed to the veteran with her
eyes to come to her. AS she did so, Prince
Paccadni moved from her side. The
man of age worn titles looked sullen.
Mrs. Balm looked annoyed.
Major" she said, Il think we had bet
ter do it tonight and put stop to Ems
caprices."
is she naughty again?" Sayres asked.
"She promised me to be good"
Good, The poor prince is furiously
jealous, and no wonder. Look at her!
Her eyes are simply beaming upon that
young pauper, Dill. You have such in
fuence over these young men l wonder
you do not tell him at once that he's max
ing IA fool of himself. Ems not going
to marry poor nobody. l wish you
would, major, like the dear old fellow
you always are"
"Old?" said the major.
81 am old. and you are immensely older
than l am; so don't be angry. At any
rate, you are old enough to trust"
"What is it you are going to do to-
night?" Sayres asked abruptly.
Announce Ems engagement to the
! prince and put a stop to all this nom
sense"
without Ems CONSENT"
"She's a good, sensible girl when she
takes time to think. She will see the
folly of throwing away such a chance"
"For happiness"
"Of course. For place and power, with
wealth. Is not that happiness"
The major smiled. Mothers are very
young sometimes and have not lost the
traditional selfshness of youth. The ma
ior fancied that Mrs. Balm realized very
well that place and power would accrue in
their Just measure to the still youthful
and handsome mother-in-law of prince.
$780," said the lady determinedly, "you
have my full authority to announce the
betrothal."
"Wouldn't you-ah-wait to speak TO
EN-? 1t might be something of shock"
"No. Take her by surprise. She'll
yield, the foolish child"
Sayres moved off into the crowd Of
guests and sought out Dill.
dill" he said, don't shy; don't
swear; don't give yourself away. I have
our hostess authority to announce Miss
Bain's engagement to Prince Paccadini."
Dill turned white, but never moved.
"Emil-Miss Bain-has just told me
that she was not engaged to the prince
or anybody else, and, and-in fact, l
hoped that-oh. da"-
Don't swear. The best thing Miss
Balm can do. If she won't be forced into
this marriage, is to assert herself boldly
and at once. Why don't you assist herT'