Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-08-10
NO. 1s9.

next morning, II wish you would do
something to improve your mind, and not
waste your time by looking out of the
window all day as you have lately done.
Come and read the Parliamentary debates
to me, if you have nothing else to do"
The worthy lady was red-hot politi-
clan, and for three mortal hours she kept
him at this delightful task at the expira-
ton of which time he succeeded in escap-
ing to his own room, where he wrote the
following note to Eva:
Dearest Eva: am over joyed at the
contents of your brief communication. If.
as you say, my features are not altogether
repulsive to you. may hope that you will
consent to be mine-mine onlyp
"WLLoUGHBY.n
Back came the reply next morning:
Dear Willoughby: Your reply has
made me feel very happy. 1t is very dull
here--no society except my father ard
mother. l long for more congenial COM
panionship. Thine. EVA"
In this delightful manner the days flew
on-halcyon days, too, they were for Will
loughby, and sweetened by the inter-
change of this and similar lover-like cor
respondence. On the following Monday
morning Mrs. Vane left town on visit to
some friends in Devonshire, leaving her
son to keep house at home. That same
afternoon one Of Captain Blacks servants
brought the following note for Willoughby
willie Have you any objection to my
telling my dear papa all Matters have
now gone SO far that it will be impossible
for either of us to retract what we have
written. Let us take papa into our conf
dence. l know his kind and generous
nature well, and have no fear that he will
oppose our union. Pray send me line
by bearer EVA"
The answer was as follows:
"My Own Eva: Do whatever you con-
slider best My fate is in your hands. If
your papa should refuse his consent l.
But will not think of anything so dread
tul Fear not that shall ever retract
Life without you would be "a desert, with
no oases to brighten it.
"Yours until death. WILLoUGHBY."
That evening Just as Willoughby had
finished dinner, he heard loud double
knock at the street door; and on its being
opened, strange voice enquired, in
loud tone:
"Is Mr.. Willoughby Vane at homepn
His heart beat Violently as Jane, enter
ing his room, said:
ga gentleman wishes to speak to you
IN the library, sir.
And she handed him a card, inscribed
Captain Choker Black, c. B. Fl. Ms
1,794th Foot"
IL will be with him in moment" said
Willoughby; and he swallowed a couple
of glasses of cherry, to nerve him for the
interview.
Captain Choker Black, / believe? ?"
he said as he entered the library.
Your servant, sir" said the gallant
Cap ain-who, glass in eye, was busily
engaged in scrutinizing an engraving of
the battle of Lavarino. "Your servant.
sir Have l the pleasure of addressing
Mr.. Willoughby Vane?"
Willoughby bowed.
Then, sir, of course. you know the
business that has brought me here P"
Terribly nervous, and scarcely knowing
what answer to make, our hero bowed
again.
Come, come, Sir, don't be afraid tn
speak out My daughter has made me
her confidant, so let there be no reserve
between us. Eva has told me all ~
Here poor Willoughby blushed up to
the roots of his hair.
You see, know all about it. You
have fallen desperately in love with the
poor girl and, although you have never
exchanged three words together, you are
already engaged to be married. Mighty
expeditions, upon my word! Ha ha. ha
Pray excuse me for laughing, but the IDEA
is somewhat comical Ha ha ha"
As the Captain appeared to be in a very
good humor, Willoughbys courage began
to rise.
Don't mention it Sir. You are her
father, and have right to do what you
please. But sineerly trust that you have
no objections to Offer"
"Ip None Believe me, shall be de-
lighted to see my Eva comfortably settled.
But harkye, Sir. Business is business.
am plain, blunt man, and fifteen years
soiourn with ones regiment in India
doesn't help to polish one. First of all,
what are your prospects," ?"
And the Captain drew notebook from
his pocket. and proceeded to examine our
hero, as if he were in court of justice.
"You are an only son, believer
II am"
Good" And down went the note in the
pocket book.
Your age?"
"Twenty-eight next birthday"
"Twenty-eight Good. Is your consti-
tuition healthyP"
II believe So have had the measles,
whooping-cough, and mumps."
Disorders peculiar to infancy. Good"
And the Captain scrabbled away again.
"And are you engaged in any business
or profession ?"
"None"
Then how on earth do you live?
"On my private income. Captain"
"Then all can say is you're an uncom-
monty lucky fellow to be able TO subsist
on that. l only wish l could. What is
yourincome P"
"About seven hundred year"
.Is it in house property, shares in linn
tied companies, or the funds9 II IN pubic
companies, should be sorry to give two
years purchase for the lot"
"In the new three per cent"
Good. l think may say very good!
What sort of a temper are you ?"
"Well, that's rather difficult question to
answer" said Willoughby smiling for the
| first time.
"Hanr it Sir; not at all !" returned the