The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-03-02
THE EAYESDROPPER
forlrinnl.


 raised to our marriage, because Tom and papa were the best of friends. IT Tom was about to engage in any busi' ness venture. he would not do so until papa had expressed his opinion. If Tom proposed to buy an automobile, papa must recommend the carriage be- fore the bargain was closed. And as for horses. neither would put one into his stable without consulting the other Therefore felt no concern as to the result of an interview with respect to an alliance which would draw the two only the closer. One thing troubled me Tom was so prone to consult my ia ther about everything that 1t occurred 10 me he would scarcely scruple to ask him whether would make a good wife. Of course this was silly notion that had got into my head, but once there could not get 1t out.
 On the morning appointed Tor the momentous conference espied papa and Tom on the piazza engaged doubt less in discussing the matter so near my heart. would have been content 10 watch and hear the result from Tom had it not been for the ridiculous dread that he would talk me over as be would any article which he was about to purchase and upon which be wanted his friends opinion. My pride told me to keep out of earshot My woman's (call 1t curiosity desire to be sure drove me into the parlor. where. through a window. only the blinds or which were closed. could overhear every word spoken. The first sentence uttered by my lover convinced me that his habit had led him to act as l Tear ed. He and papa were both smoking Tom. taking his cigar from his mouth deliberately. asked. with provoking coolness:
 DO you consider her prettyr
 Not exactly" was the reply, but YOU know that for what you want her she doesn't need to be showy."
 Never sick. Is sheT
 "Neyer-at least not to my knowl' edge. You know have been abroad a great deal during the past ten years and at such times have not Kept ln' formed about her"
 .sTom Baxter" I muttered. shaking my fist at hlm. you may drop that conversation for all me. will never be the wife of a man with so little sen timent."
 Doubtless more of'hls business meth ods would appear in this affair Of the heart. must know the worst.
 'srhe most important matter of aI' Tom continued, "ls her disposition. Knowing. as you do. what l want her for. l am quite sure you would never advise me to take her unless she Is kind and gentle. I'm going to rely ID thls entirely upon your testimony. IT she has any temper whatever. l don't want her"
 Upon my word! What impudence! IT I have any temper whatever he doesn't want me! should like to see hlm get me. He Is to rave and swear and smash the furniture. while l. poor girl am to be meek and lowly. l shall show my temper whenever choose, but not to him. To him am supremely indif ferent. the impudent. self assuming overbearing creature!
 "Oh, as to that" said papa, you'll have to drive with a tight rein. She frcts occasionally, but she's very easily kept under"
 Oh. papa. to think that you should speak so about your own daughter! l have heard that men always stand to- gether against women, but l never be- lleved my father and my lover would talk like this.
 "on the whole, you think she'll doi' "what do you think yourselfT
 "T2 Oh. there are several things about her don't like at all"
 Such as"-
 "In the first place. her gait Is very bad" Oh, you villain! "In the second her ears are altogether too large to in' dlcate good breeding" You scoundrel. "Then that large head at the end of long neck"-
 threw open the shutter with bang and stood confronting Mir. Thom' as Baxter with flashing eyes. Papa's back was turned. or I should have an initiated him too.
 If you want to know, sir. whether have a temper. you may apply to me personally. will show you my dlspo sition at first hand"
 He sat looking at me. stupehed. Pa pa turned and also surveyed me with troubled countenance.
 Daughter. are you ill?"
 I'll? No-lnsulted. every feeling out ragged. Temper! Bad gait! Big head at the end of a long neck! And you" turning to Tom. "are the man to whom but for this revelation I might have been tied for life!'
 Happy escapew muttered Tom.
 Whats the matter. KitT' asked papa.
 "Matterl Matter enough! And you, papa"-my voice trembled-"how could you describe your own Kate as you would a horseT"
 q have described horse. Tom wished to know whether he had better buy Martins bay Ally for you to drive after you are married"
 | collapsed. The first thing did was to cover my burning cheeks with my hands. the second to rush up stairs to