Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-03-04

lHlrTOr IN the room. Inc Te0eCJlOn was
not calculated 10 waken any vanity, yet
the old man smiled, we'll pleased.
eff [ can only carry it out it will be
proof positive" he thought.
Short, fat, nearly bald, with specta-
cles and cane, Coleman Burke was GER
tainly a strong contrast to the tall, hand
some young fellow who had won Lucia
for his bride, yet he said aloud:
"I'll cut him outr
"a week later all the fashionables at
the c. Hotel, at Saratoga, knew that
Coleman Burke intended to take a wife.
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 pros
pective. Everybody (that was anybody
knew that Coleman Burke had retired
from business years before, worth half
million Of money, and had made fortu-
nate investments since. That he was
decked in fashions latest styles, wore
diamond studs and ring, carried a switch
cane, drove fine team and occupied ex
pensive rooms at the hotel all could see
for themselves.
Very soon after he came another fact
was patent to all observers-that he was
very attentive to Miss Lucia Frothing
ham, 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
pocGet-book outweighed his nephew's;
also that an old mans darling was far
more apt to have every whim gratified
than young mans slave. Having de-
livered this maternal lecture the widow
dilated upon the expenses of the Saratoga
trip and was rather marked in her en-
phasis upon a 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 drive. His manner of WOOing
was certainly more businesslike 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 tender grace of
the willoWy figure his uncle thought vel
vet 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
a 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 atfectiOnate 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 a 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 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 counting. Only fort
night ago she had but a 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-
dav!" unused MI 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 a
kinder light than the one l had previous
! ly had. Hem-yes-well."
| And so Mr.. Burke unused 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 arew
And then Frank was in the room and
the two exchanged cordial greetings.
"And Lucia?" Frank questioned, "is
she well?"
She was perfectly we'll last evening,
when took her for 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. :" 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 | will withdraw my
harsh words, aud 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 en-
ergetic proposal.
cit is you who are to find out. | am
already satisfied! You are to go to the
| canter window of the small drawing