The Detroit times., 1909-02-15
BY M. THOMPSON.

IL is generally accepted that, II there
! IL one thing the father OF grown-up
girls desires more than another. 1t is
to get them off his hands at the
earliest possible moment. One does
not care TO say that this is true. but
granted II is, then some fathers GER
tainly adopt an eccentric method of
bringing about the desired end. with
the result that many a young woman
has her father to blame, and no other.
III she ultimately develops into an old
maid.
A father. you see, is liable to talk
and, what's more. talk foolishly, added
to 'Yhich he may be depended upon
to do many stupid things. His indis
cretion is sometimes quite remark
able. but no one gets TO know much
about ii, least OF all his daughters at
home. II they did, things might be
made trifle uncomfortable for father.
Probably you have known the uP-
in-years married man who would not
consort with men of his own age, bur
regularly went about in the company
OF young men? He is somewhat
conlalon type, and he is positive
menace to his girls-that Is, IL they
desire to marry.
The point les in this He will chat
ter 10 the young men with whom he
consorts. and who in all likelihood are
acquainted with his daughters. The
old rascal will tell tales out of school
not. perhaps, damaging tales. yet
tales which are certain to prejudice
his daughters chances OF getting nus
bands.
Thus he thinks nothing OF telling
few of them that Gtrtie keeps him
down dreadfully-he can hardly pur'
chase a CHAR on account OF her dress
makers bills. He could have a happy
time: but, there--the girls make him
pay up. and, really. he does not know
what is to happen TO the unfortunate
young fellows who may marry them,
Added to this, he won't hesitate to
ST Alto that Jane has a dreadful temper.
end express pity for the man who may
be called upon to live out his life with
her.
Besides. he, in a senseless way. NAV
tell his youthful chums that Jack
Smart, a young man OF their acquaint-
ance. has been coming about the house
n lot CT late He feels sure he Is after
Mabel but time will tell; in any case.
ne won't oppose the match. IL anything
is likely to come of IL.
Now. Jack Smart may really mean
nothing. but one OF the young men in
whom the silly father confides may
have had serious thoughts of making
Mabel his sweetheart. Well. tale Of
this kind may easily discourage him,
IL he Is a trifle backward, and In that
way Mabel may lose lover-a real
one. too.
Then, such a father praises his
daughters on occasional least he
thinks 1t is praise. He will say, Mel
lie is a cunning little one. Talk about
flirting, Why. Fred Jones was w
last night. and the little monkey had
time with him, I'm sure. OF course.
he's my sons chum. so has n lot OF
liberty about the house
The worst OF II is that Fred Jones.
being a brothers chum. might never
dream OF marrying Nellie. No. but
one of the young men in whom the
father confides might have been think
ing of Nellie as possible wife.
Naturally. a tale Of the kind would
cause a sensitive fellow 10 hang back
perhaps prevent him from ever coma
ing forward. Thus Nellie loses
chance OF marrying. because her
father allows his tongue 10 run when
II had no right To move at all.
Personally ! know two girls who
have been shut ont from marriage just
by their fathers foolishness Their
father is addicted TO the use OF liquors.
and when he takes refreshment to any
considerable extent he becomes vOlu-
BILE, and gives away secrets right and
left. secrets. too. which cause his girls
10 be Stunned by the eligible men be
confides in.
There is. as you know, an old say.
ing that when the liquor is In. the wits
are out. and the truth Is revealed
! Perhaps toe men concerned pin their