The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1875-02-25

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beauty. Where Frank tenderly quoted
poetry descriptive of the tender grace O.
the willowy figure his uncle thought vel
vet was the most becoming wear fol
slight figures. AS they drove, the fat ole
gentleman asked her opinion of hi.
horses, also obtained her description o1
the most suitable carriage for lady'i
exclusive use. Likewise he expressed
contempt for an India shawl folded upor
seat near the lake, as one far below
the quality he would purchase to deck 9
lady's shoulders.
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia informed
her affectionate parent, "he was little
spooney, 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 a 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 ball became the usual daily routine.
But the elderly wooer was an energetic
| and persistent one, and even Lucia, vain
of her conquest, was bewildered by the
rapidity of the ceurting. Only fsrt'
night ago she had but bowling acquaint
ance with Mr.. Burke, and now he had
positively offered parure of expensive
canoes for her acceptance.
"a letter from Frank! Coming to-
dayr mused Mr.. Coleman Burke, read
ing an epistle handed in at his door
Surprised to find me away from home
Hopes / have seen his dear Lucia in q
kinder light than the one had previous
ly had. Hem-yes-well."
And so Mr.. Burke mused and muttered
as he donned his most exquisite suit, his
most dazzling necktie, and fastened a
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, "is
she we!l?"
"She was perfectly we'll last evening,
when I took her for drive"
"You?"
Certainly. You do not suppose ]
have failed in attention to my future
niece, do your"
"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. "I have a 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! If she is true, low
ing and faithful l will withdraw my
harsh words, and will give her the love !
always hoped to give your wife,"
"But how can you find outs" said the
young man, astonished at his uncle's en-
ergetic proposal.
"It is you who are to find out. l am
already satisfied! You are to 60 to the
center window of the small drawing
room. on the east porch, and listen to q
conversation am 20 have, by appoint
ment, with Miss rockingham"
"Eavesdropping."
"Never mind that grand air of con-
tempt. am to have my way for just
one hour, and you can take yours after
ward for lifetime. Will you go?"
eff you say So"
"Go, then.''
Just little later Miss rockingham,
all smiles and white muslin, sailed into
the east drawing-room to greet her elder
ly admirer. With an air of deepest de-
votion he raised her hand to his lips and
greeted her with a dowery compliment.
81 presume" he said, in low, tender
tone, "you are at no loss to guess why l
have ventured to summon you here. You
must have understood the meaning Of
my attentions. Need I tell you how
dear you have become to me? Need I
speak of the love you have inspired?"
"You are SO kindr' she murmured.
81 am contemplating a speedy return
to the city, and wish to arrange for the
wedding, if can obtain any expression
of your wishes. Do not object to an
early day"
"Any day will be supremely blest,"
she said, softly, that makes me your
wife,"
"My wife! Bless my soul, my nephew
told me-"
"Oh! MIR. Burke, you do not imagine I
have encouraged that boy!" with an ac-
cent of magnificent scorn. "He is an
amiable young fellow, and l have been
kind to him. But love between myself
and boy Of that age is simply prepos-
terous."
II am aware that the disparity Of
years"
My dear Mr.. Burke, do not speak Of
that. To me there is dignity and no.
bility about man who has passed mid
die life that can never he attained with
out the experience of years. Believe
me, your having slight advantage Of
me in age will but increase my affec-
ton"
"You are only too kind. Then may
tell Frank that you"
"Why talk of Frank! Surely you may
choose a wife without your nephew's in
reference"
81 choose wife! My dear young lady,
what are you talking about! l have no
intention of seeking wife,"
"No-intention-of seeking q wife!
Have you not just made me an offer OF
marriage"
"Not at all, was the cool reply. II
was under the impression that you were
engaged to my nephew. As Frank Is my
nearest relative and my heir, was anx-
ious to win the affection Of his promised
wife. But since there is no engagement
between you"
"Oh. Mr.. Burke, you must have mis-
understood me. My only fear was lest
you should not sanction our love. Dear
Frank has often spoken to mo Of your
fstherly love for him. You viii not 70.
peat to Frank the conversation we have
hadi I-my conSusion-you win forget
ny Wild words'"