The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1905-04-08
II TANNING OF
MRS. O'TOOLE D
By T. G. DOWIING.MAITLAND
- FORGE WILMOT was in a particu-
II larry bad temper that sunny norm

FORGE WILMOT was in a particu-
II larry bad temper that sunny morn
ing as, sitting on the edge of the weir,
he argled for a jack, which he knew lay
in hiding somewhere around the roots of
the reeds in the backwater.
"Irritating is not the word for it, re-
marked Wilmot, s~avagely, after close on
an hours angry contemplation of his
quill float. Mrs. O"TOole is a fool! A
blind, insensate fool! If Kathleen were
not the darling girl she is, I'd tell her SO
to her face"
Having thus delivered himself of the
above u~tterance. he proceeded to wind
in his line, which was rapidly drifting
down the race of the backwater, quite
obliyious to the fact that the lady to
whom he alluded was Immediately in his
rear.
S you think I am a fool, Ell, MI. Will
mot? Why"
His surprise was so great at hearing
the unexpected voice that the rod near
~ fell from his nervous grasp.
Turning, he noted his interlocutor's
smiling proximity, coloring awkwardly
as his eyes fell on the daintily-clad fig
ure StanulnS before MIN.
Well, Mr.. Wilmot, won't you tell me
Why"
II didn't know that you were so
near Mrs. O'ToOle," he said, helplessly.
e"
Il give you credit for that amount of
politeness," she interjected, pleasantly.
you are. I am sure too civil to bluntly
tell me to my face that I am a fool,
whatever you may think on the subject.
Since have. however, heard what your
opinion of my mental capacity is, you
will perhaps tell me what has caused
YOU to arrive at our conclusion
4 was thinking of Kathleen he re-
piled, emboldened by her pleasant man
ner.
90"
You know that you said three days
ago that you did not consider me eligible
where Kathleen was concerned" he re-
marked, affixing a minnow to his hook.
We'll. And now. because that CHANGED
to be my opinion. you think that l am
imbecile. Is that not SOP"
Mrs. O"Toole.' he remarked. smiling
back at his companion. when | was so
misguided as to give utterance to a
thought which was conceived in anger.
! was wrong. I humbly apologize for so
doing. but, frankly. l do not see why
you should object to my marrying your
daughter. I am we'll off, respectable,
as I love her"
1t sounds quite idyllic."
Yes. Does it not?' he replied. en-
couraged by the observation. Then
why should you, Mrs. O'Toole, desire to
disturb our little Eden?'
Because kathleen is an Irish girl and
you are-English."
Don't you think that-that is an in
sensate reason. if ever there was one?"
NO! | can't say that do" she re-
piled. flushing slightly. Since I dis
like the English as l do, why should /
not rather favor the cause of an Irish
lad. who possesses all you recommended
tions? He is every whit as we'll Off IS
you are, m of as old a stock. and
is heir to a fine property. Also. he is
head over ears in love with Kathleen"
Are those the only reasons which
you can put forward for refusing my
suite' he asked, bluntly.
"All. save one" she replied.
(Which is?"
THAT | prefer Denis Moore to George
WiImot, sir she answered, mockingly.
TT is needless to speak further" he
said, sharply. Kathleen is, | believe.
90"
"She is
"And next year she will consequently
be 21."
AN age in which. though mistress OF
her actions. she will nevertheless be
guided by her mothers ADVICE replied
Mrs. O'Toole, coolly. 81 should not base
my hopes of marriage with Kathleen on
her attaining her majority, if l were
you, Mr.. Wilmot."
Mrs. O'Toole, l trust that you will
forgive me it l say that a parents au-
thority is at q heavy discount when it
finds itself pitteo against true love-" he