Des Arc weekly citizen., 1867-06-15

was about to break one of the seals, when servant informed him that a la dy was below who requested an inter- view.
 This was most annoying at such moment, and he had at first harbored serious intentions of turning her off without an audience, but his gallantry |. came to his aid before he had given the order, and he accordingly told him to show her up. With sigh he sank in- to a seat, laying the unopened letters on the table. Presently the servant re- turned, ushering in lady closely veil ed. Singleton offered her seat, and politely inquired the object of her visit.
 q believe" she said in tone of sin gular sweetness, "you are the gentle man who advcrtises for wife ?"
 q am," he replied
 "May inquire if you have selected one"
 have not, but have just received number of communications in reply to the advertisement" and he pointed at the pile of letters before him.
 ''Then have arrived in time. came to offer myself"
 Edward Singleton trembled violently at the announcement He had not an- ticipatcd such a summary mode opera ton, and consequently he became great | ly embarrassed.
 The form of his fair visitor struck him as graceful and faultless, and when moment after she raised her veil, he was literally struck dumb by her ex- ceeding beauty.
 A pair of the brightest azure eyes bcamed on him from beneath their long delicate lashes, and few stray curls of silkcn hair fell upon either cheek as she leaned forward, giving bewitch ing appearance to her countenance, while the perfect beauty of her face, upon which he gazed with look of open admiration, sent thrill to his l heart that he had never before experi- enced. For a moment he seemed as fl eutranced but the truth gradually broke upon him--he was in love.
 And have you really come to offer yourself" he exclaimed; "are you in very earnest! :"
 "Why should you doubt it?" she said with captivating smile.
 T know not, but indeed had not expected to have so lovely"
 'Stop, stop, sir. No flattcry if you please"
 "But do not natter. speak the truth when I say you are the most beau tiful of your sex"
 Enough" she said with another smile which translated Ned into the seventh heaven; "do l suit you?"
 "Perfectly. and you will not hesitate to marry me"
 "Not for moment; otherwise should not have come"
 Ned Singleton sprang from his seat, took the pile of unopened letters and cast them into tnu iisaeS, Then he caught her in his arms and give her a hearty kiss, and as she seemed inclined to favor the proceeding, he repeated it several times, till finally, out of breath, he rc-rcsumed his seat.
 II presume you have desire to learn my name," she remarked as she hand ed him card.
 ''The idea had not entered my mind, owing to the matter of greater conse- quence," replied Ned, laughing. How ever he took the card and read:
 Mrs. Grace Elwood."
 He turned pale and looked from the card to the lady.
 "What is the matter? Are you i'll ?'' she asked, half rising.
 sNo, not ill but what means this ?" and he pointed to the word Mrs.
 ''Pardon me for not explaining be- fore" she said hastily. ''I had quite forgotten to inform you that I was widow"
 ''Is that all ?" cried Ned, immediate ly relieved then all is right; abso- lutcly adore widows. And now, per- haps, you would also like 10 acquaint yourself with my name in full. IL is
 Edward Singleton she interrupt cd, smiling. "You see am acquaint- ed with that already"
 "Indced !" he exclaimed in surprise, ''and yet am not aware that we have met before"
 "Still, you see, yo are not entirely unknown to me. first saw you about a month ago, while in company with q friend at the opera, and being favorably impressed with your appearance, to say the least, made inquiries respecting you, and determined, if possible, to make your acquaintance. This failed to accomplish, and happening to notice an advertisement in one of yesterdays papers, signed E. S., Crescent Place, became convinced the advertiser could be none other than yourself. lat once determined to make bold attempt to sec and secure you, and am happy to find my effort crowned with such com plete success
 Ned saluted the charming widow with renewed fervor. "The only thing that now remains" he remarked. ''is to name the day that sees us united"
 "That vii. leave for you to decide, she said, while blush overspread her fair features.
 No, indeed; that shall certainly be