Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1910-11-12

anything to get her away from the
puppy"
These words were spoken by Mr.
Charles Manning on receiving a letter
from his daughter, aged twenty. who
was away on a visit. stating that she
had become engaged to one Of the-no,
not one Of the finest. but the finest fell
low in the world. He was abundantly
able to support wife in good style.
Every one spoke well of him. Indeed.
she had been informed that she had
got treasure. The letter also an
nounced 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 pur-
pose. Mr.. Manning got into the $40
afternoon train to go home, being the
only one Of the family occupying the
house at the time. He pulled an even
ing paper from his pocket and tried to
read. but his thoughts were upon the
prospective 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.
Eyes. 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
getting TO that age when he didn't
remember people and names as well as
he had. and 1t 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
Katheriney'
VERY well, very we'll indeed. They
are away just now, and l am alone in
that deuced big house"
Il expect IN be alone myself this
evening. l wish you would help me
through it by dining with me-"
Il? Oh. no. / couldn't do that. 1
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.. Manning was pleased that he
would have an excuse to cut the in
terview short. Before reaching their
station he had told Of his daughters
engagement-he couldn't keep from
speaking Of a subject that absorbed
him-and informed his unknown ac-
quaintance that he had no doubt the
man she was to marry would prove
especially dlspleasing TO him.
At dinner the young man was sym.
pathetic and said he didn't really see
how a father could bear to part with
his child. especially so lovely a girl as
Katherine This touched the old mans
heart. and it 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 it that he told
the butler to bring another. The
young man-Afr. Manning tried indi-
rectly to find out his name. but failed
did everything in bis 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 o.
he exclaimed. land the chump hasn't
turned up yet. l only hope he's been
killed on the wayr'
But think how hard that would be
on Miss Kittie."
An hour passed. and the expected
party had not arrived.
william" called Mr.. Manning. lock
the front door and If any one calls say
I've gone to bed"
That's a capital plan" suggested
the guest III you could keep him out
long enough you might get rid Of him
forever Now that he can't get in to-
night to interrupt me. I'll tell you a
secret. I've long loved your daughter
myself"
"You don't mean it,"
81 do. and that she should marry
any one else would kill me. That's the
reason / sympathize so heartily with
you"
Il wish I'd known IL; might have
helped you along"
AS to the man she is to marry, /
assure you he's unworthy Of her"
Are you sure OF it?"
Perfectly"
"Oh. good gracious. what shall do?''
Help me TO beat him. It's long been
a tie between U.S."
"HowY'
give me n letter to her stating that
If she must marry any one you will
only consent that she marry me. She
links more Of you than any lover and
you can easily tarn the scale"
by Jove. I'll do IT,"
Half an hour later the young man
left With a letter 70 Miss Manning
from her Mther stating that the bearer
would be his choice for her husband.
IN due ttme a reply came:
Dearest Papa - I'm so glad you are
pleased with Archie. He tolls me he met
you on the train and dined with you.
Your loving KIT.
"By thunderr' reclaimed the old
gentleman. How he DID play 1t on
me!'