Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1867-11-01

and quite forgot his appetite until called tt
his senses by the supper bell. At the table
Dick looked for Mary, but much to his chag-
rim, she did not make her appearance, 50 he
contented himself with playing the agreeable
to Mrs. Stewart. After the meal had been
dispatched, Dick returned to the parlor, where
he found Mary lying on the sofa the same as
in the afternoon.
"Wcll upon my word" said Dick, "she is
either very lazy or else suffering from Sc
we're headache"
The evening was beautiful, the moon she'd
ding brilliant light on all around, making
second day. Dick sat gazing on the beauty
Of the night and allowing the cool evening
breeze to watt across his brow. He thought
. walk in the garden would be agreeable to
the fair Mary, so he asked.
''You seem i'll, Miss Stewart"
"Oh, no; ! am as we'll as usual
'Your health, then, infer, is generally
poor
"Not at all; l am very healthy"
"A slight headache, perhaps" said Dick.
'Far from it, SIR
"Then perhaps a stroll in the garden would
be agreeable"
II am very sorry to be forced TO refuse your
kind offer, but-but an unfortunate lameness,
contracted in childhood, prevents me from en-
jeying such beautiful nights"
"What." thought Dick, ''such q creature
lame! All! now know the secret Of her not
rising"
That night strange dreams haunted Dick 8
couch. A beautiful being, the likeness, in
form and feature, of Mary Stewart, came to
him, and as he was about to embrace il, it ran
limping away.
On waking the next morning, Dick resolved
that on the succeeding day he would return to
New York. But, alas! for the resolves OF
the youth who has once felt Loves magical
power.
The next day and the next slipped away,
and still found Dick Meade at Mary's side
The days heightened into weeks, and yet
Dick remained in B.
Poor Dick! He was perfectly miserable
The fact of the business was, he was in love
with Mary Stewart, and yet her unfortunate
lameness seemed an insurmountable barrier.
Twenty times had he resolved to throw him
self ct Mary's feet, and offer her his heart and
hand, and as often would he restrain him>
SELF
What queried Dick, Ego through life with
limping toddy! No never. And yet she is
beautiful. Bat what would her beauty avail
if brought her in contact with my city
friends. The handsome dashing Dick Meade
would be the butt of thousand gibes and
jeers. No; will return tomorrow
There vas fierce battle raging in Dick $
breast between love aad pride. first love
would seem about TO win the conflict and then
pride would make fresh attack and put love,
for while, to high; but love at last proved
| victorious.
The next day Dick did not return to town,
but threw himself at Mary's feet, and offered
her his heart, hand and fortune. Yes. the
dashing Dick Meadeswas conquered at last
after having stood fierce siege of mammas
and fascinating daughters, and by lame
girl.
Il love you Mary, and would make you
my wife
"No, Mr.. Meade, it cannot be. would not
expose you to ridicule.'
"Lct any one, by look or deed, dare to in
suit YOU and will have his life."
"But you, Richard, are young rich and
handsome, and could not long love poor
cripple. For while perhaps it would be
we'll enough, but the world, with its gay al-
lurements would soon draw you off You must
look further and find one who can join
with you in all the pleasures Of fashionable
life
"Oh, do not talk thus. Give me the right
to guard you and will watch over you night
and day, nor for moment allow myself to
mingle in the follies of life.'
Il would not keep you from them, nor
would wish to be the means Of restraining
you from all pleasures. Therefore, Richard,
must refuse your OFFER"
"Mary. you must be mine. You are the
first woman who had ever awoke such holy
feelings within my heart. You do not love
me-"
81 do love you, Richard, very dearly; and
it is that love that prevents my making you
an object of scorn and ridicule. cannot be-
come your wife,
Still Dick believed in the old motto-"Faint
heart never won fair lady" so he commenced
q vigorous attack on Marys heart which end
ed, after considerable debate, in Mary's
promising to become Mrs. Meade
"You will never regret your decision"
said Dick, .for l will prove . good hus>
band"
II fondly hope so," answered Mary.
.You speak as though you doubted my
constancy."
II must confess my heart is filled with
doubts; but it may prove as you say"
Dick returned to New York to make prepar-
ations for the wedding. The story was circu-
lated among his acquaintances and friends
that he was about to marry country girl,
and worse than all, lame one; and many .
laugh was enjoyed At his expense. Some in
sisted that the intended Mrs. Meade had but
one extremity, while others insisted that she
had cork leg. But they were very careful
in Dicks presence, for they knew his passion
ate nature. Still Dick heard all through con-