Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-04-06

1t might be. too. that the last month
had shown him more Of his better nature
than he ever knew before; that love was
as necessary to his happiness - gold and
that future yet lay before him, far holier
and truer than wealthy marriage could
give. Phil Kerr was changed and bet
ter man.
A year has passed before we see him
again, and now it is in the capital Of the
world-Rome q saloon in the Hotel Coz
tanzi, scent of orange blossoms, and
lady and gentleman breaking the seals Of
their English letters-Philip and his bride
the Rosebud.
A sad and fatal boat accident had ended
the lives of his two elder brothers, his
father had died of a broken heart for the
loss OF "his bonny boys" and Philip Lord
fastened to Florence, where Rosie Am.
herst lived with heribraye old soldier-fath-
er and her gentle mother.
He wooed and won the Rosebud of his
dreams, and there was no complaint this
time of want of love-like ardor; and
now they sat side by side, in an attitude
good Mrs. Russell would have highly ap-
proved of, reading their letters
"By Jove!' exclaimed Phil, Rosie,
look here. You know told you that
was always getting anonymous presents
after that foolish affair was broken off,
You know what affair. don't you. dear ?"
Phil here twisted his mustache, after the
fashion of embarrassed Englishmen In
| general who possess such an appendage.
81 know all about it. You were . very
naughty boy to think of selling yourself
for gold. only wonder you did not 60
behind the counter to qualify yourself for
a junior partner-Richley. Alpaca, Kerr.
& Co. How very distinguished 1t would
have sounded" t
Rosie met her justly-merited punish
ment for this bit of sarcasm, and recon.
ciliation having been established, which
included sundry pulls of Phi's chestnut
locks, that nuch-tried individual con.
tinued - sa
"Well, then. Rosebud, after that sad
accident, l had a letter from old Mrs.
Richley, asking me to stay there when ]
returned 10 England. came off 80 hur- ,
riedly that l never answered; and then
you see started for Florence"
II know all about that" replied Rosie,
nodding her head a Ia Burleigh.
Now, you see, pet," Phil went on,
1.-THE paragraph in the Times and Morning
Post cannot be published in England till
to-day; but it is moro than . fortnight
since wrote to my agent, giving him my
address here, and he has forwarded the
letter. Read it, Rosie, will you?"
Rosie took the letter. The perfume Of
patchouli clung about it yet, and the mono
gram was gorgeous in green and mauve
and gold. An irresistible smile broke over
her bright young face as she read it.
''MY DEAR PMLIP,-or rather, sup
pose must forget the past and cali you
Lord Kerr,-I do indeed congratulate you
on your new honors, and they could fall
to no one more worthily. Your extended
views of life, your liberal ideas on every
point. render you peculiarly fitted to hold
high place in this age Of progress.
My father too has met with unexampled
success since We parted, and nearly
doubled his fortune. But what is wealth
to me? 1t is intellect look for, and that
l found in you.
After you left, refused Sir M'Gregor
M'Gregor. He had persevered for
some months, but in vain. Could
bury myself in that Highland castle, with
his dreadful sisters (three confirmed spin
sters). and his dogs and horsesP No.
Though he offered magnificent settlements
what were they to mep Nothing to what
my father could have given me, less than
nothing compared with one memory OF
the past! You know me. l could not live
without intellectual society-intellectual
and devoid of bigo.ry; society in which
you would shine. 1t was my parents that
parted us; yielded to their will. For
give me, and at least let US be friends,
even if we are never to be more than
friendsl to each other. Write to me that
you are well and happy. All, would
that your happiness still depended upon
me It would be the hourly study Of your
devoted THEODOCL.'
Rosie fairly laughed aloud.
Poor old thing:' she said; "what .
queer jumble of strong-mindedness and
sentimentality But, Phil, you never loved
her ?"
"Never, darling, never; and / should
have given the same answer Much
Obliged, but otherwised disposed or
even if this precious epistle had not come
too late She would have bought me with
gold little sorceress you bought me with
smiles and bushes and priceless love.
Heaven be praised for that Scotch baronet
for really believe he came to the rescue
lust In time; and thanks to him, have
| lost an heiress and won rosebud"
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