Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1910-01-20

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1t is not always we'll to allow oneself
too much intimacy &ith any-stranger
Remember. girls of your station are ex-
pec,ed 10 submit with all grace aud du-
tifulness 10 the arrangements which
have been made for them by their
guardians matrimonial particularly
Lei there be no fooiishness. Penelope"
But. father. am not twenty one
years of age"
twenty-five, to be more exact
young fellow. But remember also that
am forty-four and you are still in col
lege. Penelope is a mere baby. She
ought to be In school herself in short
frocks. Recollect that you have repu-
tation TO make in your profession; that
you cannot afford TO throw away your
opportunities Ia any such absurd fash
ion, SO don't fritter away your time
over sentimental nonsense"
Young Weyman was silent moment
trying TO down the vehement words
that struggled to his lips. His face
was flushed, and his eyes beiied the
calmness of the tone In which he re
, piled;
II have always respected your opin-
ion. father. in everything. but In this
case | fear that / cannot abide by 1t.
There In one thing which is every
mans privilege-the choice of his wife;
consequently l mean to offer myself
to Penelope this very evening"
And If she refuses--if she is already
betrothed TO some one else"
"lmpossible. That is
The colonel smiled broadly. But his
head was turned away. When he look
ed back again his face was decidedly
stern. ut isn't always safe TO be too
sure Of anything. my boy, especially
anything OF the feminine gender. Give
her half a chance-say a couple OF
years-to change her mind in. and I'm
certain you'll not regret IT,"
Jack bridled. obviously we need
not discuss the question further. sir
Good morning" With an angry jerk
OF his head he stalked out OF the room.
and a second later Colonel Weyman
was edited by hearing the front gate
slam TO with considerable force He
laughed heartily for minute or two:
then his face relapsed into sudden Sc
robustness. Upon nay word" he mused,
"a fellow ought to be proud to call
woman like Drusilla his wife. BY
love III write a note and ask her TO
walk with me to Lovers leap this
afternoon I've been blind man for
twenty years. but I'm blamed il / don't
believe see light"
Dearest Penelope-You must marry me
Immediately and we can take the D
O'Clock train for New York. II Is only
rushing things about twelve months, but
certain events have occurred which make
IL essential for us TO take this step at
once IL you love me enough and think
you can trust me to this extent write
back by messenger and don't fail to say
Eyes" Devotedly, JACK.
Dear. Dear Jack-It shall be Just as you
say. ! will marry you whenever and
wherever you wish / have been worried
to death all day. Aunt Drusilla has been
limiting about SONS sort of matrimonial
dreadful things all around. or course /
love you, Jack. and am willing to trust
you to the ends OF all creation. Your
own PENELOPE.
At breakfast the following morning
Miss Drusilla opened habby yellow
envelope and read:
We were married last night at my cous-
ms A message Of forgiveness and your
blessing will reach us at the Guests, New
York city. j. w.
A similar dispatch found Colonel
Weyman over his coffee and chops.
He chuckled as he thrust the envelope
into his pocket. and his thoughts bark
ed back TO Lovers leap.
That afternoon another telegram
flashed over the wires between Plain
field and New York city:
You are forgiven since people must be
fools. | know two more who are soon to
turn one. Accept our blessing.
Il s~ AUNT DRUSILLA. 4