The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

was destined to have an interruption.
A cousin of Elsie's, named Mary
Trevor, came to visit her. Miss
Trevor was not what might be called
pretty, but she was passable, witty
and pleasant. She occupied SO
much of Elsie's time that l could no
longer monopolize it, and when
did see her, Miss Trevor was gener-
ally present.
But in submitting to the hardship
with the best grace l could assume,
l really began to find that Mary
Trevor was an invaluable compan-
ion, and rather an advantage than
otherwise to my aspirations for Miss
Walden's favor. Miss Trevor carly
detected the thoughts which occu-
pied my mind, and asked in such a
playful, half-seriOus way to be taken
into my confidence, that 1 granted
the request, and we very soon be,
came confidential friends. All this
time, however, nothing had passed
my LIPS to Elsie Walden but the most
studied courtesy; perhaps a little
imprisoned, but that was all. If I
loved her 1 wished her to discover it
herself, and that would save me the
trouble of informing her of the fact.
1 would have hesitated at declaring
my love for her, because her time
was not yielded to me, now that 1
was well and strong again, as it for
merly was, and l was selfish and
unreasonable enough to suppose 1
had right to the major portion of
it.
My reveries about this time were
disturbed by a summons which i'm
peratively demanded my presence in
the city, and l was forced to bid a
reluctant goodbye to Mr.. Walden
and household. But ere 1 departed
1 took a long stroll with Mary Ire
vor, in the course Of which 1 con-
fessed my growing attachment for
her cousin. She promised to assist
me all in her power, and as she pur-
posed returning to the city with Eli
sic, would inform me of her progress
when we met again.
81 can only give you my support" "
she said, Gin the event of the field
not being pre-occupied."
81 had no idea of that" l replied.
'Elsie is very beautiful, so beautiful
that she doubtless has scores of adj
mirers as ardent as myself; but for
all that, you know, she may never
have given away her heart. sup
pose l must be willing to take my
chances with the rest. But, serious
ly, have you ever heard any thing TO
justify such an opinion"
Certainly" replied Miss Trevor,
with a provoking laugh. 81 have a
very distinct recollection of a per-
son who admires her as much as you
can do, sir.
"Come, come," I said, "tell me
candidly, do you know her to be en-
gagged? If you do, say SO like q good
friend, and you will save me, per-
haps, a great deal of unhappiness."
$50 along" she replied, "T'll an
swer for it. Elsie is not engaged
unless it be to YOURSELF"
"You are dear good girl, Mary"
I said patting her on the shoulder.
"Well, since you say SO, I suppose
1 must believe you; but what if 1
fail as your ambassador, shall 1 not
share the fate of all meddlers in
other peoples affairs?"
"I'll never upbraid you, at any
rate" I replied.
'sNow you remember that" she
replied, "for 1 shall not forget it. !"
"Be it So, I answered.
When I arrived in the city, 1
found it was necessary to go West to
arrange some business. l was alb
sent nearly a month. During all
this time my thoughts were continu-
ally turned to Elsie Walden, and l
wondered what progress Mary Ire
vor was making in my behalf. If,
on my return, she gave me a favora-
bic report, I determined to make a
formal declaration of my feelings.
As I was returning, 1 had occasion
to stop at Cleveland, and as 1 was
signing my name on the hotel register
my old college friend, Dan Eldridge,
tapped me on the shoulder, after a
hearty shake of the hand 1 inquired
what he was doing there.
ooh, 1 came out on business for
our house; they usually detail me for
such purposes.
Chow long are you going to res
main?" 1 asked.
81 leave this afternoon" he re-
piled.
81 am sorry for that" said. 81
hoped we might return together. 1
shall be here for several days yet. l"
"I'll see you in your room in the
course of half hour" he said, as he
turned away.
At the appointed time Dan El~
bridge came in and threw himself in
to chair. His manner was very
detected.
whats the matter" I inquired.
Something that is hard to cure, "
he replied. "Im very unhappy my
dear fellow. There's no use con-
cealing the matter; for a month past
I've been in a wretched state of
mind. need money, but perhaps
l need advice MORE"
"Out with it, 1 said, as 1 stretch
ed myself in an easy position.
"Well, the truth is, I'm in love, "
he began.
"That's not an uncommon affair, "
l replied; "I'm affected that way