, 1876-03-24
Leap Year Compliments.

volumes, and having pies VI thO
newest periodicals and illustrated Eng
fish and American publications; but the
books and papers were so fresh and un-
disturbed. it was evident they had not
been used to being read. Green leather
easy chairs, writing desks, and a large
table with writing materials, were equally
in order.
The hour was early twilight, just
before the servants would come in to
light the gas. .,.
Standing in the room were two gentle,
men, one middle aged, stout, forid. and
decidedly vulgar looking; the other a
male. slender, aristocratic young man, OF
dark complexion, with curling black
hair and ewes full, dark, and express
siye, His features were of noble cast,
and the expression of his face showed a
gentle though spirited character. His
Voice in speaking betokened both intel
lect and high culture. Nothing shows
refined breeding or coarseness so soon as
the voice.
81 repeat, Mr.. Thorne," the elder man
was saying, 81 shall be happy to see you
as friend. My house will always be
open to you; but as to the other, you
must see for. yourself it is out OF the
question"
"But if Myra-" the young man be-
gan with downcast eyes.
"Miss Norris, sir, will be guided by my
decision. l must say l have been sur
prised at this application from one with
out fortune"
"I am not, Mr.. Norris, without tue
means of supporting wife"
"In luxury, such as she has been used
to7 Could you give her home like
this, her own carriage, and unlimited
command of money! l know you~could
not. 1 look on your suit as presumptu-
GUS, and have told you So" Unable
to command his emotion, the visitor
moved towards the door.
"But as a friend, Mr.. Thorne, you are
always welcome. We are to have COM
pany this evening to welcome in the New
Year, and shall be happy to see you, in a
couple of hours"
The wealthy man nodded patronizingly.
Gilbert Thorne bowed his thanks, de-
clining the invitation, and taking up
his hat hurried out into the hall, afraid
of giving way to his feelings.
As the footman came to open the door,
he whispered message.
AIN the back drawing-room, sir, one
moment before you CO."
The drawing-room was lighted only by
the red glare from CRATE full of anthra-
cite in the extension room. It could be
seen that the hangings and furniture
were sumptuous and very gorgeous, The
reflection of the fire touched slender
female form, leaning on the back of q
chair. She wore morning dress Of
plain gray serge, with linen collar and cuffs
As young Thorne entered, she turned
her face toward him, and it might be
seen that she was young and very beaut-
full. He came near her, but did not ven
ture to take her hand, as he saw no en-
couraging gesture on her part.
HSol" she said, in evident displeasure,
"you have done what l warned you moi
to do"
~ have spoken to your father, Myra.'
~ told you what would be his answer
"But it was right that / should as /
his consent"
"Herejectedyou. know thatvery well
and you look as If you meant to submit
nWhat can / do, Myrain
"What do you wish to DOR
"You know what / WISH" cried the
young man, passionately. "Oh, If this
wealth did not stand in the wayl"
"You are afraid to marry an heiress r
"Myra, this man is only q step-father
and you are Of age. win you give up
the fortune he can take from you If you
disobey him, and trust your happiness
with met"
"You might have asked me that before
speaking TO Mr.. Norris" said the girl,
pouting.
"It was right to ask him, and, Myra,
If you cannot be happy without riches,
we must submit to his will. know
the cause Of his rejection"
"You know that he, and mamma, too,
want me to marry Mr.. Parkinson"
ayes, you, but you would never con-
sent, Myraf''
"If cared for money could not do
better. He is worth six millions.n
"Myra, thought you worth more ]
have never thought Of money! do NOT
want to rob Mr.. Norris Of any Of bis
hoardsI Dearest, win you promise to
wait for met"
ITO wait"
Eyes, till can offer you more than q
home so humble as the best Of my pres
ent means can command. Will you wait
for that3"
"No, will notl"
The lover looked the shock he felt.
"Listen, Mr.. Thorne, Tonight Is
New Years Eve. Early tomorrow
morning, shall be at - Church. II
you choose to meet there, and marry me
on the spot, will be your wife,
The young man clasped the girl in his
arms.
"There is need Of haste, sir, I can
tell you. They think to force me to
marry Mr.. Parkinson, and see ne better
way Of escape. Tomorrow, you know,
begins Leap Year"
The next morning, amid inquiries s
the young lady, the newly-wedded pair
returned TO the house. Mr.. Norris's dis
pleasure was Of little consequence, for, as
young Thorne then discovered, Myra
was an heiress in her own right. He had
taken her as a penniless bride, and was
rewarded by finding her a rich one. The
young couple still celebrate the return
Of Leap Year.
sHoRrNnss OF lrrR.-Pliny makes a
striking computation IN regard to the
shortness Of life. Wenever recall II with
out being powerfully impressed by its