The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1910-03-03

the parents compared notes. Thew A.
cided that there was only one thine
be done-interyiew the four togetbor
and insist on less public devotion or an
announcements Of engagements,
The young people knew of this and
the evening the council was to. occIr
at Sallie's home they promptly absent.
ed themselves. The meeting began
and after much polite sparring # was
decided to make the best OF the Tom
andsSailie and Rob-and-Mary ARRANGE
ments. The Old folks showed a touch-
Ing resignation. All they would insist
on vas a knowledge of the facts.
At this juncture Tom and SalIia
stroIled In. followed by the other two
all showing delightful surprise at the
parental presence.
ut looks like a council of war"
commented Tom, while his father glow.
cred, and then began the attack. fol-
lowed by Sallie's father and the inter
polations Of the others.
IF you r engaged" Mrs. Trevor
finished, 1--WE insist on having it prom
eriy announced. If you are not-well,
you ought to be. / hope you under
stand our point of view"
Al silence followed, broken only by a
nervous little giggle-the giggle Mrs,
Martin would not like in a daughter
in-law. Finally it was Bob who spoke
as the four stood under the chandelier
In the usual couples.
We are sorry-not for ourselves, but
Tor you-that we are not engaged. We
fully appreciate your assembled wishes.
But we don't see how we can be en-
gagged. It is, in fact, impossible" He
looked at Tom to finish, and that
young mar rose to the occasion. He
was even a bit dramatic as he faced
the four fathers, the four mothers, sit
ting In stern conclave, but visibly sof-
tened by the well bred. beautiful young
quartet before them. young people
charming and. after all, old enough to
know their w minds. Thomas spoke
to his own mother.
ssThe fact Is, we all hate nonsense.
We hate planned matches, and being
engaged to- order with diamond rings
to advertise the fact, and the society
pussies purring and fashionable we'd
dings preceded by showers Of stuff
that only a fire or some other special
d~ispensation OF Providence can rid you
of. And ~then"-he took a lawyer-like
tone betting the Junior partner Of the
firm Of Tracy & Tracy, I'VE cannot be
engaged b~ecause"-he paused for eff
feet and got It, for a sudden suspicion
sent the parents as one to their feet
we are already married"
he finished leisurely, "a month ago at
he finished leisurely. "a month ago at
by Roberts uncle, John who
alse. hates fuss and feathers" With a
movement Tom moyed-past Sal
took Mary by the hand, lead
Ing hertto his mothers and Bob, had
Salie by both hands. looking at her
only, forgetting the others.
And when It finally became evident
10 the bewtldered families that the
dght children were together, that Sal
ta had married Robert that Tom had
married Mary, the relief went faro
:hes way 10 forgiveness Tor the eiope-
nentt $500 A@ z
elepew saIHeaa1athes dnaE
y asked. 'I5thtpk Emayssay for M.
fiends that these marriages will make
IS ultimately happy-that theyaM
'aets Just what Wadeatred Whatawas
iheareal trouble2 We were all quite
TiiiRg4s But q ehofusret laughter
,teeted him-happy young laughter.
ssThat was just the trouble. You
refe too wiling" It wasEEallie who.
lad spoken from the shelter Of her
.oung husbands arm. Then every
Dody laughed. ..ssse M4-