The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-12-25
there we're two Young ladies staying there


Next day saw him speeding in hand
some carriage from Paddington to his
fathers house in Brock street, intent to
destroying that worthy old gentleman g
peace of mind by the announcement of
his determination to give up Miss Leigh
and Hillingdon.
Is my father in, Simsi' he asked of
the butler, when that functionary ap-
peard to attend his young master.
No, 81. Mr.. Luttrell went out with
Mr.. Leigh just after lunch.
Mr.. Leigh-is he here?'
Yes. sir; Mr.. and Mrs. Leigh arrived
this morning from the country.
The deuce 7 said Tom, they seem to
haunt me wherever go. and lie retired
precipitately into bis own den.
Bring me something TO eat here,
Simms and don't let Miss Leigh know
that am in the house.
By the time he had finished his lunch
his mind was made up. Selecting huge
ly-crested sheet Of stiff note paper, so as
to give the document an official charac-
ter. he sat down. squared his elbow, and
prepared to write. The following epistle
was the result of his efforts:
My DEAR Miss LEIGH: For the first
time 1 address, you personally, though
you must doubtless have been for some
time aware of the link which In some way
connects us The time has now arrived
when our decision must be made as to
or future-whether We shall go through
life together, or separate at once and
forever. | will not conceal from you, my
dear Miss Leigh, that for many years
have looked upon you as my destined
bride. and have considered myself fortu-
nate in the prospect of an alliance with
one of whose beauty and goodness | have
heard so much. 1t is but quite recently
| have discovered that my heart is no
longer mine to dispose of. and L now feel
that to urge you to fulfill our engage
mept would be to insure life of misery
for both of US. Let US, then, separate
without personal interview, which
would only cause unnecessary embarrass
ment. AS to Hilingdon. | resign it to
you willingly. feeling sure that you will
make better mistress there than ever i
should master
Trusting, then, some day to meet you
as the bride of one more worthy to pos
sess you than myself. | am, dear Miss
Leigh, your sincere friend.
THOMAS CURZoN LUTTRELL.
That do, 1 think. hope it won
smell of tobacco, Simm, as that worthy
answered the bell, take this to Mis-.
Leigh, with my compliments.
Simms was too well trained to show
surprise at anything; he bowed and went
In ten minutes he returned.
Miss Leigh's compliments, sir, AND
would you speak to her in the drawing.
room?
oh, hang her I said Tom; but there
was no escape. The drawing-room was
darkened to exclude the afternoon sun,
but Tom discovered white figure at the
far end, which rose and bowed as he ad
vanced.
L am delighted, Miss Leigh he
began. to have the pleasure-Hulloa
Miss Harding You here2
Miss who?' said the laughing voice
of his Settlebourn friend, I am not Miss
Harding
Then who in the name ofgoodness are
your he demanded, eagerly.
She looked down demurely.
I'm the horrid Miss Leigh, as you
called me the other day.
Tom sat down and stared at her; pres
emily he broke into a great laugh.
oh, its all very well to laugh. she
said in an injured tone.
In a moment more he was kneeling by
her chair, looking up into her eyes.
Miss Leigh-Nellie-'
Il told you not to call me Nellie, yester.
1ay,' she said tartly.
Yes, but yesterday isn't to-day, we're
engaged now
Engaged, sir? What, after this p
oh, hang the letter You know ]
love you to distraction. You are your
only rival in my love, aud you will marry
me. dear, won't your
Certainly not. You said l was fast
and slangy, and that Hillindon would be
a cheap price to pay to be rid of me. And
then this letter! Let go Iay hand
how dare you, sir Be quiet, Mr.. Lutt-
rell Tom don'tr
But Tom was not to be denied. After
this spirited resistance Miss Leigh sur
rendered ANONYMOUSLY.
Tom, she whispered, as her hoad lay
on his shoulder, do you really care for
me? Kisses and protestationsl.
And do you really want to marry me ?
More kisses and protestations).
Then, and her voice sank lower yet,
then take down the card, for I'm let to
a single gentleman. '-I0vp and Count,u.
THOSE who 90 around with the con-