Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-01-27
THE NAN ON THE BOX.

was transferred to the department. He
was a widower. II my recollection of
him is correct; and had a lovely
daughter"
"Ah," There was great satisfac-
ton evident in this syllable. do you
know where the colonel is now"
mot the fainte%~ idea. He lived
somewhere in Virginia. But he's been
on the travel for several years
Robert stirred his coffee and took
spoonful-and dropped the spoon.
"Pahl I must have put in a quart OF
sugar. Can you spare me another
eup?"
"Annesley ?" Nancy's face bright
ened. Col Annesley? Why. know
Betty Annesley. She was my room
mate at Smith one year She was in
my graduating class I'll show you
her picture later She was the dear
est girl, How she loved horses, But
why are You so interested ?"-slyly.
Il ran across them coming home"
Then you met Betty Isn't she just
the loveliest girl you ever saw
TN for her. one and indivisible. But
hang my luck. never came within a
mile OF an introduction"
What? You, and on shipboard
where she couldn't get away?" John
threw up his hands as a sign that this
Information had overcome him.
Even the captain SHE'D when I
approached him." said Robert. gloom
lily.
Il begin to see" said the brother.
''See what?"
Have a match; your cigar has gone
out"
Robert relighted his cigar and pulled
like neutrality-suspicious. engine
John leaned toward Nancy. Shall
tell him. Nan?"
Nancy blushed Il suppose he'll
have 20 know sooner or later"
Know what?" asked the third per
son singular.
Your charming sister is about TO
bring you a brother-in-law."
What" You could have heard this
across the street
Yes. Bobby dear. And don't look
80 hurt. You don't want me TO be-
come an old maid. do you?"
when did Il peng'-helplessly
How the thought Of his sisters mar
rying horrifies a brotherl believe I
can tell you why Every brother
knows that no man is good enough for
n good woman. When did il hap
penn" Mr.. Robert repeated. with a
look at his brother. which said that
he should be held responsible.
last week"
Robert took in a long breath. as one
does who expects to receive a blow OF
some sort which can not be warded
of, and asked: "Who is ftp" Nancy
married. What was the world coming
90. anyhow?
Charlie Henderson, "-timidly.
Then Robert, who had been expect
ing nothing less than an English duke.
let loose the flaming ions OF his
righteous wrath.
"Chuck Henderson?-that duffer?"
ooh. Mr.. Robert. Mr.. Robert; and af-
ter all I've done for you'll
He's not duTeri" demonstrated
Nancy, with a flare In her mild eyes.
Glow | wish l might have sees her
as she defended nell He's the dear
est fellow in the world, and love him
with all my heart!" (How do you like
that, Mr.. Robert? Bravo. Nancy
may be a duffer, true enough. but
rather object to its being called out
from the housetops) And Nancy
added: II want you to understand
distinctly. Robert, that in my selection
OF husband you are not to be con-
suited"
This was moving him around some.
Hold on, Mani Drat 1t, don't look
like thati I meant nothing. dearie;
only I'm a heap surprised. Chuck Is a
good fellow. I'll admit; but I've been
dreaming OF your marrying a prince
or an ambassador and Henderson
comes Ike a jolt Besides, Chuck
Will never be anything but q first-rate
politician. You'll have to get used
TO cheap cigars and four-ply whisky.
When is Il going TO happen?"
In June. I have always loved him,
Bob. And he wants you to be his best
man"
Robert appeared a be Modified at
this knowledge. but what shall do
after that?" he walled. You're the
only person can order about, aud
NV -ON 10 SUNK Nlt )A0tE sue Vi
the range"
Bob. why don't You get married
yourself?" asked Mrs. Warburton.
With your looks you won't have TO go
far nor begging for a wife"
There's the rub, sister mine by law
and the admirable foresight OF my only,
brother. What am good for but or
dering rockies about2 I've no busfness
head And it's my belief that an army
man ought never to we'd"
Marry. my boy. and I'll see what
can be done for you In the dipIomaticl
way. The new administration viii
doubtless be republican, and my infiu-,
ence will have some weight
John smiled affectionately across the
table. He loved this gay lad opposite,
loved him for his own self and be-
cause he could always see the mothers