The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-04-08

vanity, vet the old man smiled well
pleased. ~,
eff can only carry 1t out, IL WILL De
proof positive" he thought.
Short, fat. nearly bald, with specta-
Giles. and cane, Co eman Burke WAS
certainly strong contrast to the tall,
handsome young fellow who had won
Lucia for his promised bride, yet he SAID
aloud:
ssI'll cut him out -
ga week later all the fashionables at
the c. Hotel, at Saratoga, kne" tna1
Coleman Burke intended to take vie
What bird first bore the news upon the
scented air, no one could have told you,
but there was no lack of information
about the elderly bridegroom IN pro-
spective. Everybody Chat was any
body) knew that Coleman Burke mad re-
tired from business years before, worth
half a million of money, and mad mace
fortunate investments since. That he
was decked In fashions latest styles,
wore diamond studs and ring, carried a
switch cane, drove fine team, ana oc,
cupied expensive rooms at the hoIei' all
could see for themselves.
Very soon after he came, another fact
was patent to all observers-that he was
very attentive to Miss rockingham, the
belle of many seasons.
Mrs. rockingham hoped in her heart
that Lucia would not be fool, and
would remember how far Mr.. Coleman
| Burke's pocket-book outweighed his
nephew's; also that an old mans dar-
| ling was far more apt to have every
whim gratiied than a young mans
slave. Having delivered this maternal
lecture, the widow dilated upon the ex-
penses of the Saratoga trip, and was
rather marked in her emphasis upon
speedy subjugation OF her elderly
adorer.
And Miss Lucia shrugged her fair
sloping shoulders, threw over them a
cloud of black lace, and descended to
the porch where Mr. Burke waited to
escort her for a drive. His manner of
wooing was certainly more business like
than sentimental. Where Frank had
grown eloquent over the beauty of the
liquid 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
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 a 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 a
lady's shoulders.
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia informed
her affectiOnate parent, ''he was little
spoony, pressing her hand and rolling
up his pale, blue eyes over the rims OF
his spectacles, like fat old porpoise. :"
But as rule, he was simply devoted
in constant attention. A bouquet of
rare flowers in the morning, followed by
a call; drive in the afternoon; walk
in the evening, or an offer of escort duty
at bail, became the usual daily routine.
But the elderly wooer was an energetic
and persistent one, and even Lucia,
vain of her conqest, was bewildered by
the rapidity of the counting. Only a
fortnight ago, she had but a bowlng
acquaintance with Mr.. Burke, and now
he had positively offered parure of ex-
pensive canoes for her acceptance.
"a letter from Frank Coming to-
day 20 unused Mr.. Coleman Burke, read
ing an epistle handed in at the door.
s'Surprised to find me away from
home. Hopes [ have seen his dear
Lucia in kinder light than the one L
had previously had. Hem-yes- yes
we'll
And SO Mr.. Burke unused and NUT
tered as he donned his most exquisite
suit, his most dazzling necktie, and
fastened a beautiful bouquet in his but
ton-hole.
And then Frank was in the room
and the two exchanged cordial greet
ings.
s'And Lucia2" Frank questioned, sis
she well?'
s'She was perfectly well last evening,
when took her for a drive
''You?"
Certainly. You do not suppose [
have failed in attention to my future
| niece, do 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. Il have bargain
to make with you. If within an hour, L
prove Lucia false, mercenary, and a
| traitor to her promise to you, will you
| give her up? Stop! 1t she is true,
| loving. and faithful, Will Withdraw my
harsh words, and will give her the
love always hoped to give your wife. %
''But how can you find out." said the
| young man, astonished at his uncle's
energetic proposal.
| cit is you who are to find out. I am
already satisfied You are to go to the
centre window of the small drawing
room, on the east porch, and listen to a
conversation am TO have, by appoint
ment, with Miss rockingham.
housekeeping.
'sNever MUD that grand air of con-
tempt. L am to have my way for just
one hour, and you can take yours after
ward for a lifetime. Will you go?"
IF you say so.'
''Go, then"
just little later Miss rockingham,
all smiles and white muslin, sailed into
! the east drawing-room to greet her