Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1875-02-03

/ ANoiOos <Ab tHCy uIONc, Tile Idt
old gentleman asked her opinion of his
horses, also obtained her description of
the most suitable carriage for a la1y's
exclusive use. Likewise he express sed a
contempt for an India shawl folded upon
seat near the lake, as one far below
the qnality he would purchase to deck
a lady's shoulders
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia informed
her affectionate parent, "he was a little
spoony. pressing her hand and rolling
up his pale, blue eyes over the rims of
his spectacles, like fat old porpoise. "
But as a rule, he was simply devoted
IN constant attention. A bouquet 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 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 court
ing. Only fortnight ago, she had but
a bowling acquaintance with Mr.. Burke,
and now he had positively offered a
parure of expensive canoes for her ac-
ceptance.
"a letter from Frank! Coming to-
day y mused MIR. Coleman Burke, read
an epistle handed in at his door" 'Sur-
prised to find me away from home.
Hopes l have seen his dear Lucia in a
kinder light than the one L had
previously had. Hem-yes-well."
And SO Mr.. Burke mused and
muttered as he donned his most ex-
qujsite suit, his most dazzling necktie
and fastened a boquet 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 well? ?"
"She was perfectly well last evening
when l took her for drive"
"You?"
Certainly. You do not suppose 1
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 reund from the glass
to face his nephew. 81 have bargain
to make with you. If, within an hour,
prove Lucia false. mercenary, and
traitor to her promise to you, will you
give her up? Stopi If she is true,
loving and faithful / withdraw my harsh
words, and will give her the love / al
ways hoped to give your wife"
"But how can you find out 2" said
the young man astOnished at his uncle's
energetic proposal.
1T is you who are to find out. 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"
"Eavesdropping."
"Never mind that grand air of con-
tempt. l am to have my way for Just
one hour, and you can take yours after
ward for 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
elderly admirer. With an air of deepest
devotion he raised her hand to his lips
and greeted her with fiowery compli-
ment.
81 presume" he said, in a low, ten
der tone, ''you are at no loss to guess
why have ventured to summon you
here. You must have understood the
meaning of my attentions. Need / tell
you how dear you have become to me
Need l speak of the love you have in
spired?'
lyon are so kind" she murmured.
81 am contemplating speedy return
to the city, and wish to arrange for
the wedding, if can obtain any ex-
preston of your wishes. Do not OBJ
ject to an early day?
"Any day will be supremely blest,"
she said, softly, "that makes me your
wife"
my wifel Bless my soul, my
nephew told me-"
"On Mr.. Burke, you do not imag-
inc L have encouraged that boy y with
an accent of most magnificent scorn.
''He is an amiable young fellow and l
have been kind to him. But love between
myself and a boy of that age is simply
preposterous."
81 am aware the disparity of years"
''My dear Mr.. Burke, do not speak
of that. To me there is dignity and
nobility about man who has passed
middle life that can never be attained
without the experience of years. Be-
lieve me, your having a slight advan-
tage of me in age will but increase my
affection"
"You are only too kind. Then may
tell Frank that you"
"Why talk of Frank? Surely you
may choose a wife without your nephew
interference.
81 choose a wife My dear young
lady, what are you talking about l
have no intention of seeking a wife"
"No-intention-ofs seeking a wife
Have you not Just made me an offer of
marriage y
"Not at all, was the cool reply. 81
was under the impression that you
We're engaged to my nephew, As Frank
is my nearest relative and my heir, l
was anxious 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 me of
your fatherly love for HIM. You will
not repeat to Frank tn conversation we
have had? my confusion-you will
forget my wild words ?"
"But shall not ?"
The blinds parted as Frank spoke,
revealing his white face and anger
lighted eyes. Miss rockingham
screamed and Uncle Coleman said
quietly:
"Are you convinced ?"
"Fullyi The boy, Miss Forthing
ham, thanks you for showing him the
folly of trusting in the love of CO.
quette. You have given me a sharp
lesson, Uncle Coleman but thank you
that my life has not been blighted by
woman's treachery.
The pale face vanished. Uncle Cole