The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1875-04-09

4 Ia -
that Lucia would not be fool, and
would remember how far Mr.. Coleman
burkes pocket-book ortweighed his
nephew s; also, that an old man g dar-
i ing was far more apt to have every
4 Mnlm grahhed than young mans slave.
Aav1ng delivered this maternal lecture,
| the widow dilated upon the expenses of
the Saratoga trip, and was rather marked
IN N her emphasis upon speedy subjuga-
ton of her elderly adorer.
And Miss Lucia shrugged her fair
.sioping shoulders, threw over them a
ctoud of black lace, and descended to
the porch where Mr. Burke waited to
eSeorts her for drive. His manner of
I wooang was certainly more business ike
than sentimental. Where Frank had
grown eloquent over the beauty of the
nquld, dark eyes, his uncle dilated upon
the suitability of diamonds for brunette
beauty. Where Frank tenderly quoted
| poetry descriptive of the slender grace
OF the willowy figure, his uncle thought
| velvet was the most becoming wear for
i slight figures. AS they drove, the fat
Old gentleman asked her opinion of his
| horses, also obtained her description of
the most suitable carriage for lady's
exclusive use. Likewise he expressed
contempt for an India shawl folded upon
/ seat near the lake, as one far below the
/ quality he would purchase to deck n
/ lady's shoulders.
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia Informed
her atfectlonate parent, s'he was q little
4 spoony, pressing her hand and rolling
up his pale, blue eyes over the rims of
his spectacles, like a fat old porpoise."
/ But, as a rule, he was Amply devoted
! IN constant attention. A bououet of
rare flowers in the morning. followed by
call; drive in the afternoon: a walk
IN the evening, or an offer of escort duty
at a ball, became the usual daily routine.
but the elderly wOoer was an energetic
and persistent one, and even Lucia, vain
or her conquest, was bewildered by the
fap1dlty OF the counting. Only fort
night ago she had but bowing acouaint
ance with Mr.. Burke, and now he had
+ positively offered q parure of expensive
s;aIneos for her acceptance.
a l.tter from Frank! Coming TO-
day mused Mr.. Coleman Burke, read
1ng an epistle handed III at his door.
Surprlsed to find me away from home.
Hopes l have seen his dear Lucia in a
kinder light than the one L had pre-
v1ously had. -yes-wen.' -
and SO Mr.. Burke mused and muttered
as ne donned his most exquisite suit, his
most dazzling necktie, and fastened
bouquet in his 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, sis
she well9''
:" She was perfectly well last evening.
when took her for II drive
stYou?'
Certainly. You do not suppose I
nave failed in attention to my future
niece, do youi'
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. &c I have q bargain
to make with you. If, within an hour
prove Lucia false, mercenarv. and q
traitor to her promise to you, viii Won
gave her upa Stopi If she is true, foy-.
1ng and faithful, I will withdraw NV
harsh words, and viii give her the love /
Always hoped to give your wife. - /
But how can you find out 20 said the
young man, astonished at his nncle's en-
erGetic proposal.
= 1t Is you who are to find out. am
already satisfied You are to go to the
center window of the small drawing-roonl |
OF the east porch, and listen to a CONVEX |
satlon [ am to have, by appointment,
with Miss Frothinghatn %
8 Eavesdropping. |
Never mind that grand air of con |
tempt L am to have my way for just |
one hour, and you can take her after /
"'afd u II for a lifetime; Will you gos"
Ii you say So" /
Go, them
lust little later, Miss Frothingharn.
all sm1les and white muslin, sailed into
the east draw1ng-roOm to greet her elderly
lamIrer With an air of deepest deyo-
non, he raised her hand to his lips and
her with fiowery compliment
presume" he said, in a low tender
Ione' you are at no loss to guess Why I
nave Ventured to summon you here You
must have understood the meaning of |
my attention. Need tell YOU how dear
you have become to me?l Need I speak
ot the love you have inspired 2''
1ou are SO kind :" she murmured.
am contemplating a speedy return
20 the city, and wish to arrange for the
Wedding, If can obtain any expression
# your wishes. Do not object to any
'arly day.
Any day will be supreme1y bIest,"
he said, softly, 50 that makes me your
=, Ny wife Bless my soul, my nephew
't Oh Mr.. Burke, you do not imagine
have seheouraged that boyt'' with ain
ccent of most magnificent scorn. aHe
) an amiable young fellow, and I have T.
'een kind to him. But love between nv
elf and boy of that age is simply pre- ]
'osterous.
Il am aware the 1isparit syears-''
My dear Mr.. Burke, do not speak of !
hat To me there is adignity and no.
lhty about q man who has passed mid
le life that can never be attained with
ut the experience Of years Believe me. 4
our having slight advantage of me in | t
ge VIII but increase my affection. !" e
st*You are only too kind. Then Z may 3
I'll Frank that you :
Why talk of Frank? Surely Won 3
lay choose wife without your nephew,s /,
Interference. y I
g I choose wifeI Ny dear Young
dy, what are you talking about t have
o intention of seeking wife. n
g No-intention-of seeking a wife
ave you not just made me an offer of
arriage21 YF7
6 Not at al, ? was the cool reply. i4.I
as under the impression that YOU were Q
1gaged to my nephews sAs Frank is nv P
earest relative and my heir, I was anx- !, =
us to win the atfectian of his. promised Il
ife. But since there is no engagement d
49. ESN "a