Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1869-02-19
Il thought Charley had taken box at

II thought Charley had taken box al
the opera for you"
Il promised Colonel Randolph first, y
said Tessora, languidly playing with her
fan.
"And how about tomorrow night?
suppose Charley could get his tickets
transferred"
Il am sorry, sir, but l am engaged for
tomorrow night"
Mr.. Terryn rose and walked restlessly
up and down the room. He was a man
much guided by the opinions of his fellow
men. Tessora must be treasure, else
why this competition among the young
millionaircs for her society.
Look here, Tess. Charley will be so
disappointed"
Il can't help it. Let me see" and
she glanced at her tablets; Friday is the
only evening I have disengaged.''
.Fiddlesticks! muttered the old gen.
man, uneasily 1T seems to me you are
getting to be great belle, Miss
"Am I, papa ?" said Tess laughing
I"But you see, ! am your own little girl
still"
And she gave him a little coaxing kiss.
my own little girl, yes. but what will
you become when Colonel Randolph or
Dayton L'Estrange, or some other of these
scamps take you away from me?''
Tessora blushed until the rose on her
cheek was like carnation.,
''They will not papa"
Wont they, am not altogether SO
sure of that"
But the next afternoon he came home
from his Office with a puzzled face.
''They have come. Tess"
"What have Gomez
1.-The offers Of marriage-two of them
by Jupiter! Colonel Randolph and Mr..
Dupinier What do you say, Tess?"
IL must think Of it, Papa"
Every gentlemanly. must say; both
we'll off, substantial fellows. and profess
to be desperately in love with my girl
But, Tess
'Well. sirp'
You won't leave us dear. Think how
desolate the old home will be without
you"
Tessora was silent. her head dropped.
Father said Mrs. Terryn gently ;
''let the girl decide for herself. We have
no right to stand betEeen her and home
and q husband u her osFn: = '-41
''But she might have home and a
husband of her own here" burst in Mr.
Terryn. ''That isl mean Charley"
Il have refused Charley to-day" said
Tessora, calmly.
Refused Charley! And why?'
because had reason to believe that
his suit was pressed without the approval
of his father. Oh, sir, could you think
that after all your kindness I could steal
your sons duty away from you. I would
rather die"
"Spoken like yourself, Tess. said Mrs.
Terryn. going to her and kissing her.
"Tess. ,fdo you love him p eagerly
questioned the father.
That has nothing to do with the ques-
tion. sir she answered reservedly.
But want to know" be insisted.
Il do love him, sir, then"
land you have refused him only be-
cause [ didn't approve"
Eyes, sir"
but I do approve, Tess. 1t would
make me the happiest old father in the
world, if I could call you both children in
real truth"
Charles Terryn rose from his seat and
came eagerly forward.
''Tessora. dearest, you hear him
Once more [ ask you to be my wife D
And Tessora hid her face on his should
|er, weeping; but Tessora was very happy.
nevertheless.
But, my love-" said Mrs. Terryn.
softly. :what has wrought such change
in your sentiments?' sao
IL don't know" said the old gen.
tleman, evasively. ri say Tess, what
shall I tell the Colonel and Mr.. Dupi-
nier 2"
''Tell them sir" spoke up Charley,
"that she has previous engagement"
And so the mothers management pre-
vailed, and little Tess first home was her
last.