Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-19

obeyed. she proceeded Now, Mr. Nell
SON
Melton. if you please" corrected the
Young man. producing a business card
that he had rescued.
OH exclaimed the aunts exchanging
wondering glanC"s
we understood that il was Nelson"
murmured Aunt Matilda. Ii seemed that
the hands had not been So tightly clasped
over the ears as he had thought
Aunt Sarah gravely adjusted her glasses
John Melton. jr she read Rep
resenting Melton 4 Melton adminstra-
tors and real estate dealers Gen John \.
Melton. John Melton. jr.'"
There was suppressed autter Of ex-
element and again the three auuts OK
changed surprised ClanCcs.
Il think i may safely say NAV 7 not
Sisters Ann and Matilda. that this quite
alters the case was Aunt Sarahs
strange query.
Quite 81. indeed" agreed Aunt NATL.
tia. comp'acently smoothing her apron.
Very much So" added Aunt Ann.
Decidedly. resumed Aunt Sarah.
Your father. Young man. handled the es-
tate of our deceased Uncle Peter in a
most upright and satisfactory fashion
for a man. So far. much is I'm your favor.
since our unfortunate niece will not b~
contented without some sort of a hus
oand. Your personal qualifications have
Yet 10 be proved however. We presume
that you can offer documentary evidence
as To your own worth. sir?"
Not for day or So unfortunately
confessed the young man. The dogs de-
stroyed all my papers. The only thing
could find was portion of brief note
from my mother"
The three aunts. by one electr-1 i'm
pu Sc. bent forward with shining e,~.
From your motherr' hungrify repeat-
ed Aunt Sarah. Let us see IL if Won
will. please
He produced it reluctantly. It was not
exactly the sort of letter young man
cares to parade.
My beloved SON" Aunt Sarah read
aloud. pauSing To bestow a softened glance
upon MN. cannot wait for your re-
turn To say how proud I am of YOU
your noble and generous action I'm regard
10 the aged widow Cranes property has
Just come TO my ears. through a Laughing
complaint of your father about your UNI
buslness-like methods in dealing with
those who have been unfortunate In
spite OF his whimsically expressed disap-
proval. he feels that you are an honor to
him Your sister Nellie cried i'm her pride
and love of you when she heard
Inc rest of the letter had been lost but
this was enough
Adnah had gradually hitched closer 70
MN. and now her hand. unreproved. stole
affectionately to his shoulder Aunt Ma
tllda was wipins her eyes. Aunt Ann
openly shifted. Aunt Sarah cleared her
throat most violently
Your references are all that We could
wish. young man. she presently admit
ted IN business-like tone. I'VE shall
waive. in your favor our objections 10
men IN general If We must have one i'm
the family We are to be congratulated
upon having one whose mother is proud
of him.
Coming from Aunt Sarah this was a
marvellous concession. The young man
bowed his head in pleased acknowledge
ment and. by and by, crossed his legs in
comfort as home-like feeling began to
settle down upon him. Suddenly observ-
ing thelr bioomered exposure. however, he
tried to poke his legs under the couch,
and twiddled his thumbs instead.
And when do our young people expect
TO be married." meek Sister Ann pres
emily ventured to, inquire.
AS quickly as possible" promptly an
swered the young man. smiling triumph
antly down at the girl by his side. He
was. astonissed, and rather pleased too.
to find her suddenly embarrassed and
blushing prettily.
II belieye. then" announced Aunt Sa-
rah. after due deliberation. that you may
now kiss our niece; may he not Sisters
Ann and Matilda -
He may! eagerly assented the others
Very WELL then proceed. commanded
Aunt Sarah, folding her arms.
The young man hastily braced himself
at the girl again. She was still blushing
in her newly-found self-conscious femi-
nnity. but she trustingly held I'D her
pretty lips to him. looking full into his
eyes with the steady flame of her love
burning unveied-and he kissed her
Ah-h-h. sighed the three man-hatiuR
spinsters in ecstatic unison.