The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-02-12


But I'm justified In being proud. He
graduates from c. university-no lit
tie college, mind you-with the honors
OF his class. Why, with my money be
hind him he might be anything he chose
anywhere. And what does he do but
deliberately kick over his own pros.
poets. Here I've been planning all sorts
of things for him when he gets through
travel, where and as long as he pleases;
marriage with the best when he's ready
for 1T, and the young jackanapes has
gone and engaged himself to a milk
maid"
"a milkmaid," she repeated family.
Farmers daughter, he said, but
they're all milkmaids. 1 suppose her
dad raked up little money and sent
her to the university to take on some
polish and take in some young idiot
hke Maurice. He's the star, and she
couldn't do better, though she might
find some with more money"
"Have you seen her?'
"No, nor want to either. I know how
she looks; overgrown and coarse, with
big red cheeks that he, the simpleton,
\ calls roses of nature" he quoted con-
tcmptuously. "He can go to the farm
with her and make field hand for the
old man, and III try to crawl out from
the ruins. Jings, I wish I'd trained
him in the business back there in Chi
cago! He struck the seat excitedly
and went on: i'He kept it from me till
his last letter I've been boiling ever
since-11O In the shade. / came pretty
near not going to the graduating fan
dango, and I've looked to it for years"
"Then you are to be there tonight"
she said.
That's what I'm on the road for.
He spoke Of my coming day or SO
earlier, but don't want to see him till
aftcrward. 1t might not be good for his
nerves, and l naturally want him to do
his best before the public"
Naturally" she assentcd, adding:
"I'm going there too. 1 have friends in
the class"
"Why, that's all right" he exclaimed
Were strangers, and we'd probably
each be alone. Why not sit togetherT
"Tliank You, we will. 1t is kind Of
you to suggest it," she replied, hiding
an amused smile.
By exchange of cards they introduced
themselves and had become very good
friends by the time they reached their
destination.
'Shall call for your" he asked at
parting.
"Oh, no, thank you. We will meet in
the hail." she returned, with a fash Of
reprcsscd mcrriment.
every good, young lady, but not quite
so perfect us you suppose" he NUT
tered, watching the slender figure fit
away.
When in unaccustomed and uncom-
Portable evening dress he was conduct
ed to his seat he scarcely recognized
her in the rcsplcndent creature the CEN
ter OF an incense Offering throng, but
when he did he breathed an "ah, hal"
OF satisfaction, adding, with chuckle:
II sec, see. But think the little joke
will boomerang"
She detached herself presently and
made her way to him, murmuring an
apology for omitting to mention that
she had attended the university the
previous year.
To his eager question she admitted
that she had met Maurice. To his
equally eager question concerning the
milkmaid she hesltated uncertainty.
Which was not strange, seeing that
Mr.. SanbOrn had no name for her, the
young blockhcad having alluded to her
merely as "a farmers daughter, the girl
Of my choice"
81 am sure that short, thick, homely
girl is the one-the third from the end"
Mr.. Sanborn groancd.
ooh, perhaps not" she comforted, sub
DUNG n smile.
"She's the one" he assented as posi-
lively and aggressively as he had pro-
claimed the state of the weather. The
opening exercises prevented further dis
course.
In spite of his heated resentment Mr..
Sanborn swelled with pride at the over
whelming success of his nephew and
Joined in the applause that called him
out again and again.
"He's pulled them off, as I told you
he would" he boosted to the girl, who,
with flushed cheeks and wet eyes, had
burst her glove in expressing her ap-
probation. ut would be glorious but
for that beefy. Great ture he's talking to-"