The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-01-30


When he came up to her she was sit
ting on stile and looking dreamily
upon the ground. She raised her eyes
as he approached.
"Mr. Luttrell, want to speak to you
seriously"
Tom deposited his burden on the
ground, sat himself on log facing her,
and waited solemnly.
81 want to know if you are quite de-
termined not to marry Miss Leigh ?"
am very quietly.
"Since when?" He hesitated.
"Since when ?" she repeated, impe-
riously.
Tom began to dig little holes in the
ground with his stick.
"Well, within the last few days" he
said at last.
If he had been looking at her he
might have seen the smile and blush of
pleasure which lit up her face as he
spoke.
"You see," he continued, "it's my
fathers marriage, not mine and man
likes to choose his own wife. L dare say
there's no real harm in the young per-
son. If she's your friend it speaks well
Tor her, but still
but still what ?" You've never seen
her; how can you tell that you won't
like her ?"
Tom became more than ever absorbed
in his excavations.
"The truth is" he blurted out be-
tween the digs, "the truth is, that
lately, very lately, think I've seen the
only girl | shall ever care to ask to be
my wife" and he looked suddenly up at
her.
She rose confused, and began to con-
suit her watch earnestly.
Il must go, really, please give me
my things. This is the park boundary,
so l won't trouble you any more. :"
She sprang over the stile as she spoke,
interposing it between them rs they
said adieu.
"When shall L see you again?" he
asked, as he held her hand at parting
She allowed it to linger in his as she
answered
ooh, soon, dare say perhaps when
you least expect it. And gently re-
turning the pressure of his hand she
turned away. After few steps she
looked back.
"Any message to Miss Leigh % she
asked, mockingly.
"Oh, confound Miss Leigh" growled
Tom 81 wish she was in Otaheite "
Then, seating himself on the stile, he
lit cigar and watched her graceful
figure till he could see it no longer
Suddenly he smote his thigh. g By
Jove | never got her name after all, "
he said.
Immediately on arriving at his inn he
commence. a discrimination of his
hostess, by which he learned two facts.
Firstly, that Newlands was the property
of Sir John Trumbull, and secoddly,
that there were two young ladies stay
ing there. Miss Leigh and Miss Hard
ing.
Next day saw him speeding in han
som from Paddington to his fathers
house in Brook street. intent on destroy
ing that worthy old gentleman's peace
of mind by the announcement of his
determination to give up Miss Leigh
and Hillingdon.
Is my father in Simms ?" he asked
of the butler, when that functionary APP
peared to attend his young master.
"No, sir Mr.. Luttrell went out with
Mr.. Leigh just after lunch.
Mr.. Leigh Is he here p
eyes, sir; Mr.. and Miss Leigh ar
rived this morning from the country"
1.-The deuce - said Tom; they
haunt me wherever L CO." And he re-
tired precipitately to his own den.
Bring me something to eat here,
Simms, and don't let Miss Leigh know
that L am in the house."
BY the time he had finished his lunch
his mind was made up. Selecting a
hugely crested sheet of stiff note-paper,
so as to give the document Oh official
character, he sat down, squared his
elbows, and commenced to write.
The following epistle was the result
of his efforts
MY DEAR Miss LEIGH: For the first time
/ address you personally, though you doubt
less must 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 in regard to our future-whether we
shall go through life together or separate al
once and forever. i will not conceal from
you, my dear Miss Leigh that for some year,
l have looked on you as my destined bride
and have considered myself fortunate in the
prospect of an alliance with one of whose
| beauty and goodness A have heard so much
| 1t il but quite recently that have discovered
that my heart is no longer mine to dispose Of
and L now feel that to urge you to fulfill on
! engagement would be to insure a life of miser'
for both of us. Let us, then, separate with
out a personal interview, which would onl,
cause unnecessary embarrassment. As &
Hillingden, resign it to you willingly feeling
sure That you would make better mistres
than should master
Trusting, then, some day to meet you a
the bride of some one more worthy to posses
you than myself, am, dear Miss Leigh, you
sincere friend,
THOMAS CURSOR LUTTRELL."
"That'n do, l think. L hope it won
smell of tobacco, Simms," as tina
worthy answered the bell take thi
to Miss Leigh, with my compliments.
Simms was too well trained to sho'
surprise at anything he bowed an
went. In ten minutes he returned.
"Miss Leigh's compliments, sir, an
would you speak to her in the drawing
room p
ooh, hang her, said Tom but ther
was no escape. The drawing-room wa
darkened to exclude the afternoon sur
but Tom discovered figure in white q
the far end, which rose and bowed as b
advanced.
81 am delighted, Miss Leigh" h
began. "to have the pleasure HUI