The Jennings daily record. [volume] (Jennings, La.) 1900-1903, 1902-06-11

have had everything you wanted?"
doubted Bluette. I suppose the other
is rich?
Yes, l know murmurcd Lettuce,
hastily, caressing Imp, who was grow
ing restless-"there comes mother"
The DREADED crisis could not long
be warded off. A handsome box of
flowers came memorlally during the
day and then a note-"May l have the
pleasure?" etc, which the queen-moth-
er brought up with her own hands and
stood to see answered.
The message sent through Bluette
had been, will you stand by me in
whatever l do regardless of conse-
quences?" What was he going to do?
And when? Would it be too late?
The parlors ha.i received an extra
touch from the queen mother. The
tete-a-tete chair was in the most invit-
ing position and lights turned down
to the lovers gauge. The folding doors
were closed to the slenderest thread.
Within the back parlor sat the father
with his paper and the mother with
her fancywork, Mrs. DuTan having
taken precious care to unfold upon the
DSu lASeDlCS LuoSl DSCoLulAS OiCSS anu
ribbons
The bell rings. Lettuce listens
breathlessly at the head of the stair
way
Mr. Duvall. please says clear,
manly voice.
He is ushered into the room where
the old people sit.
With stiff, repeilant establishment
Mr. Duvall locks at The intruder and,
recognizing him. the evident proviso
does not drop out {. the cool greet
ing So much the ress when Lettice
g1ides in and stanas in the shadow
behind the unwelcome visitor. Bat
James Mcdowell Reid is booted and
spurred for a bold adventure and is
nothing daunted oy his reception. He
holds out his hand which courtesy
compels his host to accept. and says
audacl ouSly:
IT fear it will .drprise you to know
my errand. | have come to ask the
hand of your uaighte- in marriage"
Imp rubs himself encouragingly
against his trousers.
"A modest request, truly exc1aims
Mr.. Duvall. with cutting sarcasm in
his tone and looking thunder and
blue-lightning. But the OLD gentle
mans prejudice is melting under a
resistless heat of admiration, though
he adds haughtily: And on what
ground. may l ask, do you rest your
assurance"
"on your justice. and our mutual
love- replies the young man conf
IDENTIFY. And turning toward Lettuce
drew her to his r.de.
The father had no need to ask her
confirmation of this statement. A look
at the girls beaming countenance
showed he: lover was not counting
without his host. The last vestige of
disapproval fed. abashed. Extending
his hand. with full cordially now. Mr..
Duvall said: Il admire your pluck,
young mani If you have not money.
you have something better. rejoice
that my daughter has been able to
secure a man of pluck. Take her with
my blessing, and take care of her, as
1 believe you will"
Il don't intend to wait for the winds
to change" whispered the successful
knight as he and Lettuce drifted happi-
~ into the parlor. Il am going for a
preacher and finish up this little bust
ness at once. Will return in a few
moments
Never had Miss Duvall met her
other lover so graciously. His elation
however, was brief.
az am so glad you happened in" she
said "Wili be delighted to have you
present at my marriage-ch, no, don't
leave! 1t will take place in little
while, and the dress suit IS entirely
immaterial, as there are no invited
guests"