Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1875-04-02

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elderly bridegroom in Prospective
Everybody THAT was anybody knew
that Coleman Burke had retired from
business years before, worth half a
million of money, and had made
fortunate investments since. That he
was decked in fashions latest styles,
wore diamonds studs and rings, car
ricd Il switch cane, drove fine team,
and occupied expensive rooms at the
hotel, all could see for themselves.
Verv soon after he came another
fact was patent to all observers-that
he was very attentive to Miss Lucia
rockingham, the belle Of many sea-
sons.
Mrs. rockingham hop d in her
heart that Lucia would not be fool,
and would remember how far Mr..
Coleman Burkc's pocket book ont
weighed his nephew's; also, that an
old mans darling was far more apt
to have every whim gratified than s
young mans slave Having delivered
this maternal lecture, the widow
dilated upon the expenses OF the Sara
toga trip, and was rather marked in
her emphasis upon speedy subjuga-
ton Of her elderly adorcr.
And Miss Lucia shuggcd her fair
sloping sholdcrs, threw over them :;
cloud of black lace, and descended
to the porch where Mr.. Burke waited
to escort her for drive. His man
ner 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 suit
ability of diamonds for brunette beau
ty. Where Frank tenderly quoted
poetry descriptive of the slender
grace Of the willowy figure, his un-
Gle thought velvet was the most be-
coming wear for slight figures. As
they drove, the fat old gentleman
asked her opinion of his horses, also
obtained her desert ption of the most
suitable carriage for a lady's eXclu-
sive 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 i'll
formed her affectionate parent. ''he
was little spoony, pressing her hand
and rolled up his pale, blue eyes over
the rims of his spectacles, like fat
old porpoise."
But, as rule, he was simply de-
voted in constant attention. \
bouquet Of rare flowers in the morn
ing, followed by a call; drive in the
afternoon; walk i'll the evening, or
an offer of escort duty ut ball, be-
came 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 counting. Only
a fortnight ago she had but bowing
acquaintance with Mr.. Burke, and
now he had positively offered par
ure of expensive canoes tor her ac-
ceptance.
"a letter from Frank. Coming
to-day!' muscd Mr.. Coleman Burke,
reading an episte handed in at his
door. ''Surprised to find me away
from home. Hopes l have seen his
dear Lucia in kinder light than the
one | previously had. Hem-yes
we'll"
And so Mr.. Burke mused and NUT
tered. as he donned his most exquisite
suit, his most dazzling necktie, and
fastened 4 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 greet
ings.
"And Lucia:" Frank questioned,
sis she well?"
"She was perfectly well last even
ing, when | took her for a drive"
"You?"
"Ccrtainly. You do not suppose l
have failed in attention to my future
niece, do youw
"You like her better than youdid,"
continued Frank, pleadingly!
"Sce here, Frank" the old man
said, suddenly wheeling around from
the glass to face his nephew. 81
have Il bargain to make with you.-
If, within an hour, l prove Lucia
false, mcrccnary, and traitor to her
promise to you, will you give herup?
Stop! If she is true, loving and
faithful, | will withdraw my harsh
words, and will give her the love l
always hoped to give your wife"
"But how can you find out?" said
the young man, astonished at his
uncle's energetic proposal.
at is you who are to find out. l
am already satisfied! You are to go
to the centre window Of the small
drawing-room of the east porch, and
listen to a conversation am to have,
by appointment, with Miss Frothing-
ham,"
"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
ward for a lifetime. Will you go?"
''If You say So"
"Go, then"
just a little later, Miss Frothing-
ham, all smiles and white muslin,
sailed into the east drawing-room to
greet her elderly admirer. With an
air of deepest devotion, he raised her
hand to his lips and greeted her with
a tlowery compliment.
IL presume" he said, in a low, ten
der tone, "you are at no loss to guess
why l have vcntured to summon you
here. You must have understood
the meaning OF my attention. Need
l tell you how dear you have become
to me? Need speak of the love
you have inspired?"
"You are SO kindw she murmured.
81 am contemplating u speedy re-
turn to the city, and wish to az
range for the wedding, if can OBJ
tain any expression of your wishes.
Do not object to any day"
"Any day will be supremely blest,"
she said, softly, "that makes me your
wife,"