The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-11-23
AUNT ELLEN'S MATCHMAKING

ar course. and now that NJ. Graves
was going to ask for her heart anu
hand, and was sure to get them, II
was only. common decency that Ar.
SPINNER should make himself scarce,
II was quite n little time het"fe lie
called again, as he had TO 90 ON q
tourney. but the evening came ~
last. Aunt Ellen was on the M@t1h
for the love light. but She iatie@ 70
detect it. Her sister and husbaild
went off 10 bed at an early hour. anu
she pretended to follow them. hut : ne
was a deceiver. She went out to wait
at the gate instead.
IL was "a long, long wait. but Aunt
Ellen remained. Whenever she had
anything to- say she waited until sne
could get it of her mind. IL was II
o'clock and past before she could say
to the Young man who came blinking
down the path:
"Mr. SPINNER, / should like few
words with YOU"
Won, Lord, but / thought You were
n cowt't he exclaimed in reply,
NO, Mr.. spinner, ! am not. i am
only a plain woman | say what
think.
4 see
Though ! don't want to nurt any
ones feelings.
That's kind of you"
Mr.. Spinner. you have been calling
here oft and on for about two years
YES. about two years
While my niece has enjoyed your
company, you must be aware that she
has arrived at the age when-~when---
Well. she has arrived at the age when
the average young woman is looking
forward to marriage and a home OF
her own
L think | understand"
And as Mr.. Graves has confessed
his love for Minnie to me, and as ]
know that she loves him. and as he
will most surely ask her to be his
wife next time he calls
That's rather funny" said MT.
Graves as she hesitated.
II don't see where the levity comes
in. sir. Love Is very solemn thing,
and marriage is still more solemn.
Granted. What you were going
to suggest. l presume. was that l
cease to call here?"
You are sure about their loving
each other7'
Sir"
Because 1t is news to me. you
know. / thought that Mr.. Graves"
Sir, | took you for 81 gentleman.
Yes, yes~-ail right-all right
see things your way. and this shall
be my last call"
Now, you are the gentleman !
thought you. You can call. you
know. but 1t must be as a brother.
Eyes. as brother--a real nice
brother Gracious, but why didn't I
catch on before? thank you from
the bottom of my heart and wish you
goodnight"
With that he was gone. and as she
| ran into the house to get to bed Aunt
Ellen fetched q long sigh and NUT
tered:
THANK heaven, but that Is off my
mind. and my thirty-tirst match Is az
good as clinched. Minnie Taylor can
never be thankful enough to me-"
A week passed. Neither Mr. Graves
nor Mr.. Spinner called 1t was seen
that Minnie was at least uneasy. Fin
+, lily she made bold u ask Of the aunt;
| Ibid you say Anything to MIR.
! Graves at the gate that night >"
| Il told him he ought to propose, for
was sure You loved him.
My gracious, but it's Nancy Bush
! that loves him, and he went right off
and asked her. and they are engaged.
| You haven't said anything to MIR.
| Spinner. l hope?"
| II told him he ought to propose, for
| j was sure you loved him.
Il told him that If he was gen.
| tlernan he would keep away"
But we have been engaged for two
| months"
| IT took two weeks to straighten
| things out and then, as she departed
| for home. Aunt Ellen turned her re-
| proachful ewes on the girl and said:
| Mime Taylor III never try to
| maIe another match while l live
never. None OF them have the least
bit Of gratitude