The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-05-10

me to express his regrets that the i'm
perative claims of business should OBJ.
lige him to postpone a few weeks the
pleasure he has so long anticipated"
Miss Vernon seemed to take this an
nouncement very coolly; but not so
| with her companion. whose eyes looked
still brighter from the scorn that she
made no effort to conceal
Mr. Armstrong seems to be entirely
devoted to the art of money getting" Z"
she said. with curling lip.
Mr. Armstrong is as devoted to his
business as his father was before him, !"
was the rather grave response.
Let us hope" he added, with an
other bow and smile, shat he will ere
long find more worthy object for his
devotion"
The terms in which the letter of in
PRODUCTION spoke of its bearer insured
him very cordial reception, while his
pleasing and gentlemanly manner soon
placed him on friendly footing with
both ladies'. But, though polite and at
tentive to his fair hostess, he seemed
from the first to be instinctiyely drawn
toward her cousin, Jane who on her
part, received his advances coyly in
deed, but with evident pleasure.
Some pleasant weeks passed-weeks
which flew all too swiftly to at least
two of the trio, and with whom admir-
alton ripened into friendship, and
friendship into love
One day, as the happy pair were
seated quietly by themselves-Aliss
Vernon having considerably with
drawn into the back parlor-they
caught glimpse Of Mr.. Bagstock de-
scending from a carriage at the door,
whose return had not been expected
until the week following; upon which
Jane manifested considerably more
agitation than her lover anticipated.
Don't be alarmed, dearest" he whis-
pered, pressing fondly the little trem-
bling hand in his; Il will make it all
right with your uncle"
'Yes, but, dear John" she said, hur-
riedly, do please step into the back
parlor, and let me explain matters to
him little before he sees you.p
Somewhat reluctantly John obeyed,
through the folding doors
into the adjoining room just as Mr..
Bagstock entered.
The customary greetings over, Mr..
Bagstock regarded his niece with both
a vexed and amused expression.
80 it seems it is you that has got
the mitten," he said. Il had a letter
from Mr.. John Armstrong, declining
the honor of your handn
IF he had waited few days he
would have been spared the trouble
said the young lady, with look of Of
Tended pride, ''as happen to have
chosen for myself. as every one ought
to have the privilege Of doing"
so has he, it seems. And of all
women that it should be your Cousin
Iane?" Il
cousin Janet Why, where could he
have seen berg
why. here, to be sure. Hasn't he
)een visiting here the last three or
our weeks:" returned Mr.. Bagstock, ,
staring.
NO, indeed, uncle. His high might
less didn't consider me of sufficient
Importance to warrant his taking SO
much trouble! He. sent one of his !,
Jerks, Mr. John Thomas, who, l do
Lssure you, uncle. is a most agreeable
md excellent young man"
WHO can speak for himself" said
he individual alluded to, walking out
rom the back parlor.
why, John, my dear boy, how do
on doT exclaimed Mr.. Bagstock,
baking him cordially by the hand. 81
idn't get your letter until yesterday"
Are you acquainted with Mr.. John 7
'homas?' said his niece, looking from :
nc to the other with a bewndered air.
Mr. Bagstock now began to have an
lkling Of the truth I
Il am, or ought to be, we'll acquaint- !.
d with John Thomas Armstrong; he =
aid, smiling. U
"Forgive me this deception, dear !,
emmy" whispered John. rs he drew !
he astonished girl to his side. Il .,
'anted to be sure that my wife loved i
le for myself alone" !,
There will have to be a mutual for .,
iveness,' responded the laughing and
lushing girl, as she raised her head
'om her lovers shoulder; my name
OF being Jenny, but Katel l, too Of
'anted to be sure Of your love" OF
Il hope you are both satisfied" said Ii
II. Bagstoek, as soon as his merri- z,
lent would allow him to speak. Il OF
m sure You ought to be-" RI
Neither John Or Kate made any YER z,
al response to this. but they looked Vi
arfectly contented. p,
Kate married the rich merchant. in
'hn Armstrong, and the happy years II,
iat followed proved the wisdom Of is
leir choice; but she often declares to
hat the dearest and sweetest name to til
II is the one by which she first began ne
know and love him. that of John le,
homas. New York Weekly. .at So