Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-06-05
WON BY PROXY.
ny A. d. Y. M.

7.
"No, sir cannot consent to your marrying
my daughter"
"But why not, Mr.. Merrill, why not? Have
you any reasonable objection to my person or
my character 2"
'Your person2 o ono-exceptIng that you are
too COMPOUNDED good looking. If it had been
otherwise Eva might be little more docle
now.'
"But my character, Mr.. Merrill, have you any
fault to find with that ~
"No you seem honest enough do not sup
pose that you would steal-that is anything be-
side my daughter, and shall take pretty good
care that you do not steal her"
"Then what il it sir, may ask 7"
"Eva. MIR. Beldon, has been spoiled and PAM
pered and petted She does not know how to do
a useful thing. What kind of a wife would she
make poor man 7"
"But am not poor, have large salary. l
could not Of course give her carriage quite
yet, nor a box at the opera, but she wonld not
be obliged to exert herself at all. shall be
perfectly we'll able to keep servants and dress
her handsomely, even richly"
"But you may lose your fine salary at any
moment"
have the confidence of my employers, Mr..
Merrill and they are exceedingly kind"
well don't say anything more, am very de-
cided about this, and beg,that you will drop the
subject. wish you TO discontinue your visits
to my daughter at once shall be very glad to
hear that you arc prospering in this world, but l
cannot give you Eva. The comfort and happi-
ness of my daughters, are my first and last con-
siderations."
"But she loves me, SIR !"
''She will get over that; young girls are not re-
liable. Good morning, Mr.. Beldon, have told
you my wish-pray do not oppose IT.
The young man seized his hat and quickly
withdrew but as he was passing the parlor door,
little white hand was laid on his arm, and he
was drawn into the room and eagerly questioned
by the lovely owner of the aforesaid hand
sWhat did he say, Henry, what did he say p
'He forbade mo coming to the house at all,
Eva"
She laid her head on his arm and burst into
tears. Drawing her closely to him, he talked in
low, soothing tones, until suddenly raising her
eyes to his, she said, II cannot give You up,
Henry, will not give you up. If you cannot
come to sec me, shall go to see You"
90, my darling that will never do"
"Then are you willing to reinqush me 30
easily 7" she asked, drawing herself away from
him.
"No, dearest, never, never, but we shall be
obliged to resort to btratagem. and L have
friend who will assist mo. l must go now, for
if your father should find me with you, he would
be very angry" and after pressing his lips to
hers he tore himself away.
William Curtis was seated in his office, hat on,
feet resting upon the mante-pece in regular
bachelor fashion, when Henry Beldon entered,
looking eager and excited.
"Gad to sec you. old fellow" exclaimed the
former but sec here, what's the matter? You
look a little down in the mouth, it appears to
me-"
"Will, want your assistance"
''How, where and when?
~ want You to WOO and win lady for me-
"Whats thatW
"Just what said, exactly"
But supposing she should be like the fair
maiden OF olden times, and say, 'Why dost thou
not speak for thyself2" You know, Harry, am
not such bad looking fellow"
80, it's the fair Eva, is it? Why, what the
matter there, that you do not WOO and win her
yourself Z"
Her father has forbidden me the house be-
cause haven't money enough, but he will never
object to you, AZ you are one of fortunes favor
ties, you know. SO want you to devote yourself
to Eva, and give me a chance to meet her when
her father thinks she il with you"
swell, don't know Henry, it is putting me
in very dangerous place. Miss Eva ls II very
fascinating Young lady. However, if your heart
is set upon it, I'll run the risk. What shall do
first ?"
"Go and invite her to ride, then when yon
get to Meridan's lane, I'll relieve You for awhile
of your charge"
'iWhy, Harry, you are better at maneuyering
than magined; when shall it be Z"
+" Call upon her tonight, and invite her to
ride with you tomorrow afternoon, then will
meet you at the place mentioned"
"All right, but what am to expect for this
friendly service :"
"There is Younger sister coming on, Will"
"Wel that is according to your taste, you
know, Maude is a very pretty girl, and will soon
make her debut in society, 30 You had better
have your eyes wide open."
That evening the gentleman called, as reques-
ted npon Miss Merrill, and invited her to ride
the following day. At breakfast the next NOR
ming, her father said to her. "Eva, am quite
willing that you should encourage Mr.. CURTIS at
tentions, he is very promising man.
"And has plenty of money" she added, dry
ly; 'parents are always willing to encourage the
attention of young men that have fortune, or
the expectation of one. Money redeems null
titude of sins. They may drink, cheat or steal,
if they are only lich But il a man IL relying
upon his own exertlons to make his way ~ the
world, no matter how good and honorable ne
may be, he is treated like yagrant, or felon,
hate such injustice"
"Don't grow ill-naturod, Eva. it would soon
spoil your beauty.
II had rather be l-natured than mercenary,"
she retorted.
sI suppose you think your father a terrible,
old bear, because he won let you play at love
in cottage-scruDDing Hoois, WasuihB uishesi
cooking salt pork, &c"
~ think you are very cruel" she said, and
bursting into tears, she rose from her scat and
left the room. Her mothers eyes followed her,
full Of tenderness and sympathy, but MIR. Mer-
ril only laughed saying
g she will be in love with Curtis in week,
you see if she isn't"
/" o, no." said the mother 3" Eva is very cen
stapt in love and friendships she Will not
change, know"
q Mr. Curtis is not in love with Eva, nor she
with him" exclaimed Maude, beautiful girl of
seventeen.
/" Indeed, miss, and what do you know about
it?" 49,,
louohing a little. answered
Is / can see, papa as well as other people,"
- You had better attend to your books and not