Mexico weekly ledger., 1877-08-30
:, I1s 3tilaIu1iN .sAlAaA n
Lucy's love as any man ever was that

of woman. fs.a .~g.,.,fs
perhaps. I can't say, Mark. !
certainly cannot speak from expert,
ence; 7 am an old bachelor, you
know. Arguing, however, from ex-
traneous circumstances, / should
judge-mind you, I simply say Judge
that you are not entirely certain of
Lucy Armitage's love. But, Mark,
let that be. Now, however, why, do
you resort to this ruse? What is your
obiect?''
"Pshaw! thought you knew it,
Jack. IT'S simply this: OF late.
Lucy has not been so warm toward
me as I thought just the. thing. She
has twice declined to go riding with
me to the Falls; and not ten days
| ago, I saw her in company with Lyn-
ford Burrows-her old lover, you
know, before ! came ON the scene.
| Not only was she strolling with him,
but, by Jove, she was chatting pleas
antly and laughing as if she We're
never happier. Hang it, how I ad-
lTmired that lovely sight
"Exacty so," laughed Jack, very
softly.
sThen it was that l determined to
tplaY this ruse, to kindle in Lucy's
bosom the fires of jealousy, to force
her to seek me. Hence my scheme,
old fellow"
| Jack Wardle, the bachelor, whis-
tied a long, low note then he gazed
abstractedly out of the window. His
face was suddenly serious, and some
| thing like frown darkened his brow
He tapped his boot with his small
cane and stroked his long, tawny mus.
tache.
At last he looked up.
This is grave matter, Mark
more 50 than you may Think" h'
said, 'Lucy Armitage is my cousin
you know, and have been your all,
in this love -matter-thIs match-mak
ing business. Now, my boy, yol
e must not forget that. Lucy once be
yond all doubt, had high regard 70
Lynford Burrows. She would hav
accepted him then had 1t not bee
for the general family preference 70
you, backed by my influence, whic
is not iuconsiderable, let me tell you
More than that, there is nothing thS
can be said against young Burrows
:. lie il handsome, intelligent, well-tc
do, the pink of honor, and the primo
of good fellows, am sure"
It ''But something is wrong, Jack,
interrupted Mark, at this point, g
can see it, 'aa. .e
'Yes, something is wrong" sal
, Wardle after a pause. IL dare 81
you might as well try your scheme
+ fthis precious plan. One thing is RET
sonably certain, it you value yot
- peace of mind, it will not do for Bu
!, rows to keep company with Luc.
Give me your details, and we'll tai
the matter over" ....-s
Jack Wardle, As he spoke. lit
fresh cigar, and stretched out his Ion
l. legs, prepared to listen.
g Ills friend followed his example
After Watching for few momen
S the feathery smoke rings, Peyto
said:
s.You know, Jack, the leng-talke
of picnic at Silver mountain come
off tomorrow
''Yes; / am going, too"
"Of course-and |. Well, Luo
}. will be there; and though l have
!. partial engagement TO be her eseor
will not accompany her."
"Ahv' and Wardle frowned.
Yes
: ssBut you will be making matter
worse. Mark"
"Perhaps. But If go with Luc.
1 / cannot carry out my plans. Nov
Jack, ald fellow, suppose you call Il
her, and make some apology for m'
the best you can invent; for, truth
G told, / would not have Lucy disal
II pointed" 9s
Jack Wardle thought moment, an
Z said: SCI
l "All right; I'll do the best / cal
g Go on, Mark
ssYes; I have asked Agnes Or
ham to allow me to escort her to Il
: picnic. !"
9 "What! / tell you, Mark, yel
= much fear that you are going
overdo the thing. However, Mi
!, Graham
tsHas consented"
lei4 ssHave care, Mark. You M
wound forever q trusting, lovil
II heart. You may blast the ohcrish
y hopes of another. Have a care, Il
~ friend.
The bachelor, Wardle, spoke We
earnestly.
r ssNo fear, Jack; trust me for !
g that" was the reply. ''Snrely ] v
g not commit myself to Agnes ! th'
to be candid, she is, indeed, Q f
: girl
h' ssThen, as I understand you, ye
v plan is to be escort and beau to u
IL Graham, right before the eyes OF Lu
Ut Ito pay first all attention, the lat
-, no,,a af all -