How Donald Bane Got His Wife.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2379, 8 October 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

How Donald Bane Got His Wife.

Tut: Dane family, in its later years, consisted of Mrs Banc, the widow of the late Mr Bane, and an only son, Donald. They had large means and had large domestic cares, necessitating the employment of numerous help, though the family was small. Donald iiad been brought up in ease and affluence, and though a little wild and spoiled in his younger days, as most only sons are, grew up to be a good, sensible young man, always attentive to the wishes and cares of bis mother, and the administration of his f ithcr's estate. Katie Glynn, a pretty young maid, had been housekeeper in the family fora number of years, and Annie Dec had been the chamber-maid.

‘‘ Donald, dear," said Mrs Dine one morning as lie was taking his case after breakfast on the sofa in Ids stylish slippers and smoking jacket, “ don’t yon know that Katie is to he married next week, and we must hare some one else ready to take her place." “Tut, mother,’ said Donald, with surprise, “ that cannot he true, fori did not hear a word about it, nr see anything lately that would lead me to suspect it. Yon must surely be mistaken.” “ Oh, no, dear,” said Mrs Bane, “’tis true, it’s true. It was all very quietly arranged, and the girl is making a good match, but not any better, however, than her fortunate intended is making, for she is a good girl. Yon had better see Mrs Parkington, through whose employment agency we obtained Katie, and see if she can get us as good a girl again.” Donald was finally convinced of bis mother’s story respecting Katie’s marriage, Mrs Bane having been corroborated by Annie Dee, and off ho wont towards Mrs Parkiugton’s in search of a new housekeeper. He, however, had not seen Mrs Parkington for some years, during which he became so changed that he was sure she would not recognise him, and knowing some of her oddities and peculiarities he resolved to have a prolonged and pleasant engagement with her. Donald was exceedingly ripe in his ways and keen in observation, ami, being also of good address, was just the man that could play a joke when he wanted to. Upon reaching Mrs Parkiugtou’s he was quickly ushered into the private oflire, which had been an addition to the main office since his last visit to the scene. Here was Mrs Parkington seated before a handsome walnut desk, placed between two windows at the far end of the office. To her right was a sofa, upon which sat an elderly-looking lady and a dashing young one. The floor was nice'y carpeted, while several pictures and paintings were suspended on the walls. A center table and s;ve al easy chairs made up the remainder of the office furniture. As Donald expected, Mrs Parkington did not recognise him, and neither himself nor the ladles on the sofa knew each other. Donald sat on a chair by the table, and almost directly behind Mrs Parkington’s desk. Mrs Parkington then wheeled her chair around and opened an engagement with Donald by the following stereotyped query : “ Well, sir, what is it? ’’

“ I am in want of a housekeeper/’ said Donald, “and I came in to see if yon had any on hand that would suit me, and if not, to sec whether or not you could get me one.” “ We have them,” said Mrs Parkington. “ Where do you live, sir 1 ” “ On California street.” “ What number.” This stunned Donald somewhat for a moment, but he was soon relieved by the next question from Airs Parkington, who now seemed rather suspicious and out of mood. The question was ; “ How many of a family have you got ?” “Oh, no, madam,” replied Donald, stoically, “ I have no family at all.” “ Where is your wife ? ” “ I have none.” Mrs Parkington turned away as if she thought she bad been imposed upon and said : “Well, I guess wc cannot suit yon, sir. We haven’t any.” “You said a moment ago you had,” said Donald. “ Yes,” said Mrs Parkington, turning toward him again, “ but they don’t like to go to places like yours. It is not good for their character.” “ Don’t 1 lo»k like a jolly, good fellow, madam,” he said smilingly. “ Yes,” said Mrs Parkington, “ bat we don’t know.” In the meantime Donald was paying his attentions to the young lady on tbs sofa, with whom he had fallen dead in love at the first sight, and his nods and smiles were reciprocated by the young lady “I'll tell you,’’ said Mrs Parkington, “sometimes wc furnish aged women to places like yours.” “ Aged women, indeed,” said Donald indignantly; “ If that is all you can furnish me, you can keep them. lam not after old or aged women, but young ones.” This was a signal for a titter on tne sofa, which was joined in by Mrs Parkimrton herself.

Mrs Parkington, with all her repugnance to young bachelors, still evidently had an eye to business, and asked next: “ What wages do you want to pay:’’ 11 1 will pay good wages,” said Donald. “Of course I am not fully posted as to what housekeepers ask now, but I wil he liberal in lids i;a<e, anyhow.” The time, now being opportune. Donald disclosed his identity by referring Mrs Parkington to his mother’s name, and reminding her of the young man with his mother when they employed Katie Glinn. “ What!” said Mrs Parkington, who was greatly surprised, “you are not Donnie Bane, are yon “ I am Donnie Bane,” said Donald. “ Well, I declare,” said Mrs Parkington. ‘‘l thought there was something strange about your inquiries, and your face did look familiar to me, though I could not recall you to mind. The scene was completely changed, and Donald, to his heart’s delight, was introduced to the ladies on the sofa by Mrs Parkiuglon. Donald drew his chair close to the young lady, who was Miss Chirrington, an heiress who had just made her debut in society, and the subject of housekeeper was dropped by Donald until he made Miss Chirringlon a happy Mrs Bane, Jr., a few weeks later, and himself the husof a charming ami aceoinpli.shed wife. —J. C. M., in’Frisco News Letter.