The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-03-13
THE EAVESDROPPER
forIgInall

It was all settled between Tom bax- ter and myself and nothing remained except for hm to ask papa. l did not expect that any opposition would be raised to our marriage, because Tom and papa were the best of friends. If Tom was about to engage In any busl' 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 I 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 to 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. l would have been content to watch and hear the result from Tom had 1t not been for the ridiculous dread that he would talk me over as he would any article which he was about to purchase and upon which ne wanted hls 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 window. only the blinds or which were closed. could overhoc every word spoken. The first sentence uttered by my lover convinced me that his habit had led him to net as Tear cd. He and papa were both smoking Tom. taking his cigar from his mouth deliberately. asked, with provoking coolness:
 DO you consider her prettyT
 "Not cxac,ly." was the reply, but you know that for what you want her she doesn't need 10 be showy."
 "Neycr sick. Is sheT
 "Neyer-at least not to my knowl' edge. You know have been abroad n great deal during the past ten years and at such times have not kept in' formed about her"
 rom Baxter" muttered, shaking my fist at hlm. you may drop that conversation for all me. will never be the wife of man with so little sen tlmcnt."
 Doubtless more of his business meth ods would appear In this affair or the heart. | must know the worst
 "The most important matter Of an' Tom continued. "ls her disposition Knowing. as you do. what want her for. an quite sure you would never advise me 10 take her unless she Is kind and gentle. I'm going 10 rely ID this entirely upon your testimony. II she has any temper whatever. l don want her.
 Upon my word, What impudence! fl have any temper whatever he doesn want me. ! should like to see hlm get me. He Is Co rave and swear and smash the furniture. while 1. poor girl am to be meek and lowly. | shall show my temper whenever l choose. but not to him To him am suprgmely lndii' Cercut. the lmpudeut self assuming overhearIng creature!
 "Oh as Co that" said papa, you'll have L.. drive wlih tight rein. She frets occasionally. but she's very easily sept mdrr
 Oh. papa. ,o ,hink that you should sreak 50 about your own daughter! | ave heard that men always stand 10 -.thcr against woman. but l never bc lrvrd my faih,r and my lover would ..ik l,,c hls.
 "Cu t,c ,,nolr. you think she'll do;" What do you link yuursvlfE
 .Ii Oh. there are several thlng' tout hcr dout likV at all
 'Sucu aS"
 "ln the first place. her gait Is yer .l" Ch. you villain, "lu the second .rr ears are altogether too large to in a,a,v good hrcclIH@." You scoundrci Then that large head at the end Of 9 odg nc,E"-
 | t.rrw open the shutter with 9 #nr nul stool confronting NIT Thom > raxtrr with lnshing eyes rapa's lack wgS turned. or should nave an affiliated him too
 "If you want Co know. sir whether ! nave temper. you may apply to mo u,rsoually will show you my dispo illon ai first hand"
 He Sai looking at me. stupeUed Pa pa turned and also surveyed me with D troubled countenauce
 Daughter. are you lllT''
 "IllY 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 might have been tied for life!'
 Happy escapew muttered Tom.
 What's the matter, KltT' asked papa.
 "Mattcr? Matter enough! And you tapa"-my voice trembled- "how could you describe your own Kate as you would a horse|
 "I have described horse Tom wished 10 know whether he had better buy Martins bay lilly for you tO irlve