Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1907-01-05
THE INTERVIEW.

OF leisure ne QlQ not KNOW WfldI lie would
do without his garden. But this morning
his mien was anxious, his interest slight
What had happened to disturb the Sc
renity of ordinarily so placid gentle
man?
In his pocket, almost burning the lin
ing, was this letter:
40 Chiswick Mansions. London, S. w.
april %, 1906.
Dear Mr.. Appleton-You will be sur
prised to receive this letter from one who
up to the present, is perfect stranger to
you. During her visit to London l have
seen much of your daughter, Milly, and
to be perfectly candid with you. have
fallen deeply in love with her. / believe
that my love is reciprocated by the dear
girl, but, as | am personally unknown to
you, think it is only right that should
ask your consent before seeking her hand
in marriage.
CAS- under the circumstances person
Ial interview is the most satisfactory
thing, / propose to take the train down
to Little Byfield tomorrow and to see you
on the matter Yours very truly,
CARL HILLYARD..
When the above letter arrived at
breakfast time, it was as though bomb
she'll had burst at Mr.. Appleton's feet.
All! if only his dear, departed wife
were here to help him deal with the crisis
that had arisen in the usually placid life
of THE Limes!"
Never a hint had come to him that
lanything of this nature was likely to oc-
cur. Three weeks previously AIilly had
gone on a visit to an aunt in London and
the date of her return was still unfixed.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps fell on
Mr.. Appleton's ears. He looked up-and
trembled from head to foot A young
man was carefully closing the garden
gate. The moment for the dread inter
view had come.
The young man politely raised his hat
Good morning. sir! Have the honor
of addressing Mr.. Appleton?"
That's mel" replied the former mayor,
too nervous to be regardful of grammar.
Il hope have not come too early, sir 2"
Not at all! Not at all! Let's 90 into
the housed"
But / don't like to take you away
from your gardening"
Not at ALL"
Il would have come by later train,
but, to use a gardening metaphor, the
early bird catches the worm,' you know"
A shadow of displeasure crossed Mr..
Appleton's face. Such a quotation from
the lips of prospective sonin-law was
hardly in the best taste. Milly-a
worm?'
we'll 60 into the drawing room. This
is trying situation, my young FRIEND"
he said, rehectively.
The "young friend" raised his eyebrows
inquiringly. BY this time Mr.. Appleton
had decided that he was plain to look at.
yours ?"
"No-Oursi / mean-you must know
that to a father the bare thought of be-
ing separated from ones daughter"
Separated, Mr.. Appleton? Is that
quite the word?'
NO, perhaps not But you under
stand my feelings on the point. Milly
and | have rarely been parted for an
hour The man to whose care l give her
must necessarily be of the highest char
acter."
I'm sure I can satisfy you on that
matter, MIR. Appleton. took the liberty
of bringing some of my references and
certificates with me-"
He fumbled in his pocket.
That's all right" exclaimed the for
mer mayor, hastily, motioning him to put
the documents back into his pocket. EPIl
take ,Aem as read. Your words-er-are
quite sufficient"
Very good of You, I'm sure. Then I've
matriculated."
OH" This interesting piece of infor-
nation hardly seemed to affect AIilly's
welfare. Il see, Studious in your habits,
eh?"
Very! As a small boy 1 was never
without book in my hands. passed
the College of Preceptors when was 1O.o
Quite so, my young friend, quite so!
Now let me ask you question: deli
cate question! Are you in every wav a
nit and proper person to assume the
charge of Milly?"
i assure you that am, sir"
You have never had an attachment
in your life?"
The young man colored. He looked
as though he was disposed to resent the
question.
Never l have had too little money
ever to contemplate marriage. and so love
was best let alone. But this UNEXPECTED
chance
| Ohahee Ihen the man had suddenly
stepped into a fortune and had offered
Mlly his hand and heart on the strength
OF It, Mr.. Appleton's manner perceptiblv
warmed. This just showed that one
should not judge by appearances.
An, we are coming to essentials now.
Wen, don't mind telling you that Pm
not rich. You see, I'm retired: and
haven't the opportunity of adding fur
Their to my little pile"
Oh l shouldn't expect you to give me
very much" my
I beg your pardon
Il repeat l should be content with
quite moderate sum-"
Mr. ,Appleton's few remaining hairs
went almost straight on end.
What. sir?"
oh, | shouldn't like to name the 6o-
ure. If you would just let me have
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