Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-01-21
q Sixteen. day before Yesterday"

II Is true, my Gear, s'iu MS WIG
are getting to be old people, now"
/ wonder what will become of Tesora," san
Mr.. Terryn, musingly. "Shc would make
capital governess, her education has been $
thorough, or"
Father" said Charles Terryn, resolutely
as he walked up in front of his father anc
stood with folded arms. "I can tell you what
| is 90 become Of Tesora Shei to be my wife.
Nonsense p CALCULATED Mr.. Terryu.
"Charley," said his mother, when the indig'
nsnt father had jerked himself ont Of the room
don't waste your breath in arguing with your
father. Argument never conquered yet, IN
such case as this"
"But what am to do?'
"Have you spoken 10 Tess yet :"
mo"
await, then-let matters rest. ! will man
ageit
So Mrs. Terryn gave little dinner parties
and select soirees, and brought out Tesora
according to the regular programme. She
made a sensation. Mrs. Terryn had known
that she would. Tesora was bolle-a queen
of fashion. Suitors congregated around her.
"Well, Tess" said Mr. Terryn, one night
he was getting wondrously proud of his
adopted daughters success in the world Of So
ciety,-" are you going out tonight ?"
Yes, papa"
"Whom with ?"
"Col. Randolph
al thought Charley had taken box at the
opera for you"
al promised Colonel Randolph first" said
Tesora, languidly playing with her fan.
"And how about tomorrow night? ]
suppose Charley could get his tickets trans
ferred"
at am sorry, sir, but am engaged for to-
morrow night"
Mr. Tcrryn rose and walked restlessly up
and down the room. He was man much
guided by the opinion Of his fellow men. Tes-
ora must be a treasure, else why this competi-
ton among the young millionaries for her So
ciety.
"Look here, Tess, Charley will be so dsap-
pointed"
al can't help It. Let me sec"-and she
glanced at her tablets, Friday is the only
evening I am disengagcd."
Fiddesticks" !" muttcred The old gentleman,
uneasily. at seems to me you're getting to
be a great belle, Miss"
"Am I, papa?" said Tess, laughing. But
you see am your little girl still"
And she gave him little coaxing kiss.
"My own little girl; yes, twbat will you
become when Colonel Randolph or Dayton
LEstrange, or some other Of these scamps
takes you away from mel'
Tesora bushed until the rose on her check
was like a carnation.
"Thcy will not, papa"
won't they7 I'm not altogether sure Of
that"
But the next afternoon he came home from
his office with puzzled face.
"They have come, Tess"
"What have Gomez
"The offers of marriage two OF them, by
Jupiter" Colonel Randolph and Mr.. Duplnler
What do you say, Tess p
"I-I must think Of it, papa
every gentlemanly, | must say; both well
off. substantial fellows, and profess to be des-
peratoy in love with my girl. But, Tess
DWELL, sir?"
"You won't leave us, dear? Think how
desolate the old house will be without you"
Tesora was silent; her head dropped.
"Father." said Mrs. Terryn, gently, " LET
the girl decide for herself We have no right
to stand between her and home and hus-
band Of her own"
al But she might have home and husband
of her own here, burst in Mr. Terryn. "That
isl mean, Charley"
al have refused Charley to-day" said Tes-
ora, calmly.
"Refuscd Charley! And why"
Because had reason to believe that his
suit was pressed without the approval Of bis
father. Oh, sir, could you think that after all
your kindness, l could steal your sons duty
away from you. would rather die"
"Spokcn like yourself, Tess, snid Mrs Ter
ryu, going to her aud kissing her.
"Tess, do you love him ?" eagerly questioned
the father.
"That has nothing to do with the question
sir" she answered, reservedly.
"But l want to know" he insisted.
al do love him, sir, then
"And you have refused him only because
didn't approve p
"Yes, sir"
"But 1 do approve, Tess. It would make
me the happiest old father in the world, if
could call you both children in real truth"
Charles Terryu rose from his seat and came
eagerly forward.
Tesora, dearest, you hear him. Once moro
I ask you to be my wife
And Tesora hid her face on bis shoulder
weeping but Tesora was very happy, never
theless.
But. my love-" said Mrs. Terryn, softly
what has wrought such change IN you
1 at