Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1874-12-19
BRADFORD, VERMONT, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 49, 1874.

of the slender grace of the willow
figure, his uncle thought velvet wa
the most becoming wear for sligh
figures. AS they drove, the fatR Rol'
gentleman asking her opinion Q
his horses, also obtained her de
scription of the most suitable Cal
riage for q lady's exclusive use
Likewise he expressed contemp
for an India shawl folded upon ,
seat near the lake, as far below tn,
quality he would purchase to deck ;
lady's shoulders. .tt
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia in
formed her affectionate parent, she
WAS u iittio sponnay. pressing hel
hand, and rolling up his pale blut
eyes over the rims of his spectacles
like fat old porpoise."
But as a rule, he was simply de-
voted in a constant attention. A
bouquet of rare flowers in the morn
ing, followed by a call; drive in
the afternoon a walk in the even.
ing, or an offer of escOrt,duty at
ball, became the usual daily routine
But the elderly wooer was An ener-
getic and persistent one, aud even
Lucia, vain of her conquest, was be
wildered by the rapidly of the court
ing. Only fortnight ago, she had
but a bowing acquaintance with Mr..
Burke, and now he had positively
offered a parure of expensive cam
eos for her acceptance.
"a letter from Frank! Coming
to-day!" mused Mr.. Coleman Burke,
reading an epistle handed in at his
door. "Surprised to find me away
from home. Hopes have seen his
dear Lncia in u kinder light than
the one had previously had. Hem
-yes-well."
And so Mr.. Burke mused and
muttered as he donned his most ex-
quisite suit, his most dazzling neck.
tie, and fastened a bouquet in bis
button hole.
"Bless my soul, Uncle Coleman,
what swell you are~
And then Frank was in the room,
and the two exchanged cordial
greetings.
"And Lucia - Frank questioned,
''is she well y
"She WAS perfectly we'll last even.
ing when l took her for drive ew
"You?"
"Ccrtainly. You do not suppose
l have failed in attention to my flu
ture niece, 90 you !"
"You like her better than you
did, continued Frank, pleadingly.
"See, here, Frank" the old man
said, suddenly wheeling round from
the glass to face his nephew, 81
have bargain to make with you.
If, within one hour, l prove Lucia
false, mercenary, and a traitor to
her promise to you, will you give her
up3 Stop! If she is true, loving
and faithful 1 withdraw my harsh
words, and will give her the love l
always hoped to give your witc."
"But how can you find out9" said
the young man, astonished at his
lncle's energetic proposal.
''It is you who are to find out. l
Am already satisfied You are to go
to the center window of the small
lrawing. room, on the east porch,
md listen to conversation l am to
nave, by appointment, with Miss
Frothin gham."
"Eavesdropping."
"Never mind that grand air of
l am to have my way
or just one hour, and you can take
yours afterwards for a lifetime.
Will you gof"
eff you say So"
3 "Go, then"
Just little later Miss FrOthing
lam, all smiles and white muslin,
ailed into the east drawing.roOm to
,reet her elderly admirer. With an
Iir of deepest devotion he raised her
land to his lips and greeted her
With flowery compliment. %"
81 presume" he said, in a low,
ender tone, "yOu are at no loss to
,uess why have ventured to sum-
non you here. You must have un.
erstood the meaning of my atten-
rOns. Need 1 tell you how dear
ou have become to mei Need l
peak of the love you have inspir-
d."
"You are so kind" she murmured.
81 am contemplating speedy re-
urn to the city, and l wish to ar