Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1910-12-01
AN INTERVIEW.

|
cal has been buzzing around her without
my knowing anything about il? Why,
she's nothing but a child. I'll take her
off to Europe, bury her-anything to get
her away from the puppy"
These words were spoken by Mr.
Charles Manning on receiving letter
from his daughter, aged twenty, who was
away on visit stating that she had be-
come engaged to one OF the-no, not one
of the finest, but the finest fellow in the
world. He was abundantly able to sup
port wife in good style. Every one
spoke we'll of him. Indeed, she had been
informed that she had got a treasure.
The letter also announced that the young
man had gone to the city TO "speak" to
her father and would call upon him that
| evening at their home in the suburbs for
the purpose. Mr.. Manning got into the
$40 afternoon train to 90 home, being the
only one of the family occupying the
house at the time. He pulled an evening
paper from his pocket and tried to read,
but his thoughts were upon the prospec-
tive loss of his daughter, whom he adored.
A Young man sat down on the vacant
seat beside him.
"Fine day, sir" remarked the young
man.
ayes, very" replied Mr.. Manning,
shortly.
"You don't remember me, Mr. Man
ming. once met you at the AveryS'."
Now, Mr.. Manning when he was him
self was a very genial man. He was get
ting to that age when he didn'tremember
people and names as well as he had, and
it troubled him. He looked up at the
young man and said.
eyes, do, perfectly. How do you
do? haven't met you for some time"
"How are Mrs. Manning and Miss
Katherine ?"
every well, very we'll indeed. They
are away just now, and am alone in
that deuced big house"
al expect to be alone myself this even
ing. wish you would help me through
it by dining with me-"
al? Oh, no! couldn't do that. |
have an engagement. But you might
dine with me. shall not have to spend
more than half an hour with the other
one
you're very kind. I'll dine with you
with pleasure"
Dreading the interview in which he
was expected to give away his own dear
little Kit, whom he had loved, honored
and obeyed since childhood, Mr.. Man.
ming was pleased that he would have an
excuse to cut the interview short. Be
fore reaching their station he had told OF
his daughters engagement-he couldn't
keep from speaking of subject that ab-
sorbed him-and informed his unknown
acquaintance that he had no doubt the
man she was TO marry would prove eS-
pecialIy dlSpleaSing to him.
AT dinner the young man was Sympa-
thetc and said he didn't really see how a
father could bear to part with his child,
especially so lovely girl as Katherine.
This touched the old mans heart, and 1t
went right straight out to the young one.
A bottle of wine at dinner cheered the
father bit, and he felt so much better
for il that he told the butler to bring an
other. The young man-Mr Manning
tried indirectly to tind out his name, but
failed-did everything in his power to
cheer his host, avowing that if any man
asked for his daughter he would kick him
out of the house.
By the time the second bottle had been
finished the old gentleman had become
quite mellow. Suddenly he looked at
the clock. "Half past g." he exclaimed,
"and the chump hasn't turned up yet! |
only hope he's been killed n the way y
"But think how hard that would be on
Miss Kittie."
Anhour passed, and the expected party
| had not arrived.
William" called Mr.. Manning, clock
the front door, and if any one calls say
I've gone TO bed"
That's a capital plan," suggested the
guest "lf you could keep him out long
enough you might get rid OF him forever.
Now that he can't get in tonight to inter
rupt me, I'll tell you secret. I've long
loved your daughter myself"
"You don't mean it.
al do, and that she should marry any
one else would kill me. That's the rea-
son sympathize so heartily with you"
al wish I'd known it; | might have
helped you along"
"As to the man she is 10 marry, ] as
sure you he's unworthy OF her."
care you sure of it?"
Perfectly"
ooh, good gracious, what shall do =
"Help me to beat him. It's long been
tie between us"
GLOW ?"
"Give me letter to her stating that II
she must marry any one you will only
consent that she marry me. She thinks
more of you than any lover and you Can
easily turn the scale"
"By Jove, I'll do it"
Half an hour later the young man len
with letter to Miss Manning from hel
father, stating that the bearer would be
his choice for her husband. In due time
a reply came:
Dearest Papa-I'm so glad you are
pleased with Archie. He tells me he me-
YOU on the train and dined with you
Your loving NIL
| ,sD,, tLu,darp, eyclained the old gen.