The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-06
Queer
Mr.. Gunter
By F. A. MICHEL

never did anything in way any one
else would do it. He had about him
a grim humor that few persons under
stood. If he did one a favor he ac-
companied it with a slap; if he gave
a slap he accompanied it with favor.
The consequence was that the object
Of his favors and his slaps didn't know
whether to love or to hate him.
Possibly the only person who thor
oughly understood Mr.. Gunter was his
daughter. Clara. The reason Of her
understanding was that she was a
chip OF the old block. She was the
apple of his eye. Whatever she want
ed Of him she got; whatever he wanted
Of her be didn't get, though there was
nothing he wanted from her except a
demonstration of affection, and she
was SO much like him that the more
she loved him the more indifferently
she treated him.
Well, the time came-as 1t usually
does with girls-when she got lover.
She went into the country for the sum-
mer and came back engaged. On her
return she said to her father:
Papa, have met the man ! wish
to marry. He will come to see you to
ask you for me. That, Of course, Is a
mere form. I am too like you to be
thwarted in anything desire. There
fore you have only to give your con-
sent, though hope you will be
pleased"
Just So" remarked the parent.
Miss Gunter turned away, but paus-
ed, looking at her father with bit OF
anxiety in her expression.
"Papa," she said, 81 hope you won't
perpetrate any Of your peculiarities on
Mr.. Auchincloss. Please remember that
he is stranger to you, and even If
he had known you all his life he would
not understand you"
my dear, am too much like you to
refrain from whatever may occur to
me. shall doubtless do as you would
do If similarly placed. | am sorry to
have a daughter with so many Of my
own imperfections and am sorry to
have so many of my daughters imper-
fections."
That Miss Clara was uneasy was evil
dent. Nevertheless she said no more.
The same evening Mr.. Auchincloss call.
ed, asked for Mr.. Gunter and was In
troduced into that gentleman's study.
Possibly, Mr.. Gunter," he said. "your
daughter has informed you
"Oh, yes; she has told me all about
it You were to call for my consent to
her marriage with you, but since my
consent is a mere matter Of form you
may as well cut 1t short"
The young man looked much sur.
| prised.
II trust" he replied, that Clara will
have your hearty consent, for I am
sure that If she does not have 1t her
happiness will be greatly marred"
Don't you believe 1t. When Clara
makes up her mind to do thing Her.
cules himself isn't strong enough to
prevent her."
The young man, who by this time
showed considerable agitation, started
AS for doing you favor in giving
her to you" continued Mr.. Gunter. 1.-THE
boot Is on the other foot. She has
bossed me ever since she was born
and need rest. Have a cigarr
mo, thanks; don't smoke; at least
don't care to smoke just now. YOU
surprise me by the character you give
Clara. have found her model oil
amiability and not In the least disposed
to claim her own way"
"Just you wait till you're married.
perceive that you are ignorant of the
wiles Of these creatures. They ar,
honey till they get you In their toll.
and nitric acid after the knot Is tied"
"But-Clara-it can't be possible tina
one so childlike"-
''Childlikel Kittenish you SHOULD
say. It's that kittenish way she hal
with her that am speaking Of. Shell
tie you with rope OF flowers and ga,
you with a ripe, peach. Then shell
proceed to rife your pockets. On thi
account think 1t essential that
should provide the family pocketbool
with ample funds. | will at least TAX
away the necessity for her to rob 70,
by providing her with what she vii
need. Besides. feel under obligations
to you for taking on yourself a yok
that has always been mine. If yol
viii name your income It will enable
me to know what sum will be neces
sary to keep you from being ruined"
when my aunt dies | shall inheri
from her about $12,OOO'-
"She won't die Old women who ar
no use to themselves and whose prop
erty is needed by younger persons new
er die. Besides. the sum you expec
will not be-
, But my salary is $1,000"
What's $1,000 for a girl like Clara
No. l see that shall have to stan
} in the breach. l have $4,000 in frs
mortgage 6 per cent bonds that 1 wi
! give my daughter. and If she gets u
In the middle of the night and goes 70
your pOcketbook the more fool you 70
leaving it where she can get at it."
AT this juncture the object of thes
structures burst into the room, tire,
: her arms about her fathers neck an
I covered his face with kisses. The
q she took her lover by the arm and le
n him away.
isn't your father a bit queerT' asl
& ed Mr.. Auchincloss.
Queer? No. Why do you thin
d him queerg"
:, why he told me that you WERE
d "oh, yes, heard it all. Papa neet
e to be understood. So do l."
The young man looked bewildered.
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