The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1907-03-07

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clet, I venture to trespass a little
only 23-"
Thaddeus Field smiled when he
came to the statement just quoted.
He had never in the whole course OF
his experience as matrimonial agent
met a would-be bride who owned to
more than 80 summers. Hardly had
the smile dawned upon his lips than
it vanished; the letter had become in
teresting.
And have inherited some money
from an aunt. with whom | had lived
since childhood. and who has just
died Thanks to her, have been
fairly well-educated. and ] believe |
am naturally neither stupid nor awk-
ward Yet I am now altogether alone,
and am very, very unhappy. II you
could see me, you would know why;
! am just the ugliest woman in the
world Yet ! think If some one
could know me as / am, he would love
me. Can you help me? / enclose
s25 / am sure il would never be
worth your while TO attend to my
case at your ordinary rates. I am SO
very, very ugly. Believe me to be,
yours very truly, Stella Garner
A few days after Thaddeus Fields
receipt Of Stella Gamers letter he
received an important visit. The
tall footman opened the double doors,
and bowed in a handsome man Of
middle age-a man with blue eyes.
crisp. iron-gray hair and beard. and
dazzling white teeth. Thaddeus Field
was impressed, and rose graciously
as Pierre, the footman, retired.
The newcomer held out his hand.
"Mr Thaddeus Field?" he said.
Il am Mr. Thaddeus Field" an
swered that gentleman, assuming his
official dignity
His visitor bowed.
Il am Stephen Osborne" he ex-
planned. Stephen Montgomery Os-
borne, at your service"
Pray be seated" said Thaddeus,
offering a chair
Mr.. Osborne sat down, and crossed
his legs.
In what way" demanded Thad-
deus, can l have the pleasure of
serving you?"
Stephen Osborne laughed out
/ heartily.
/ Il want a wife" he answered.
What kind of a wife do you want,
| Mr.. Osborne?" Thaddeus asked
Stephen Osborne seemed embarras-
/ sed.
ITO be quite honest, Mr.-Mr.
Field" he replied, "it isn't so much
the kind of wife / want. as the kind
/ of wife I've got to have"
! Indeed" said Thaddeus, puzzled.
Yes" said his client, irritably; Il
haven't a great deal of time. You see,
I when | was bit younger | was fool
! enough to tell my papa, who had mar
! ried again. was the only child of
/ the first marriage-that | would never
! marry if l couldn't get some one a
! little better looking than my new
! step-ma So we quarreled and parted,
I and when the old boy died last win.
ter-there were no more children, and
step-ma died some years ago-he left
me his money on condition that
married a girl uglier than step-ma
/ and gave me II months to make up
my mind, didn't expect ever to need
! the money, and SO took it easy, but
some of my speculatiCns have done
( deucedly bad, and | must have some
/ cash before long or go bust That's
| why I'm here"
Thaddeus Fields eyes shone-it
was Just the kind of case be liked
IF you will call tomorrow about
this time, Mr.. Osborne" he said, 81
think l shall have something to say
| Good-day."
With this comforting assurance he
rang the bell, and Mr.. Osborne de
parted
That afternoon Mrs. Christina
Field left for Boston Her instruc
tions were not TO return without Miss
Stella Garner"
On the succeeding morning Chris
'tian. accompanied by a closeIy-veiled
lady, entered the anteroom. Chris
tina left her charge and went into her
husbands sanctum. Thaddeus was
standing on the hearth-rug, chewing
his nustaches with impatience.
Will she do?' he asked.
Christian grinned.
AS ugly as sin" she said; "bu
smart"
That's all right" concluded Thad
deus; bring her in"
Christina opened the door and
called. The yelled lady rose and en-
tered
Miss Garner. | understand" said
Thaddeus, rapidly; pleased to meet
you. Miss Garner. want you &c. see
gentleman; If you can like him,
think he can like you. II you take Z
fancy to him / shall be happy to ash
you to meet him at my house some
evening soon. ] can't stop to explain
You must just step in there with my
wife, and leave yourself in her hands
You'll be able TO see all right; oul
mans almost due"