The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1877-06-28

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Just then Betsy herself lcant from the
window.
"Oh, miss!' she cried, "there's car.
rage at the door, and there's gentleman
coming out of it. Bless usl if that's him,
don't wonder you want to be off your
match. Deary me! oh, deary me!'
But before she could explain, servant
had brought Elsie a card bearing the
name of Harold Harrington, and, as she
arose, the most extraordinary figure en-
tered ,he room. 1t was very tall young
man, between whose shoulders, neverthe-
less, grew an enormous hump. He also,
though he seemed to move actively
enough, walked upon crutches. On his
head, from which he had removed his
cap, was black silk skull-cap, such as
entirely bald old gentlemen then wore.
Over his ears was a big black bandage,
which also quite covered his chin. On
his right eye was a large green patch; on
his left cheek another. All that was Wis.,
ible of his face was his nose, which was
certainly well.shaped, but which was
much the color Of red flannel; and about
his throat was indeed flannel muffier,
This was Harold Harrington.
Elsie's surprise was so great that she
sank into chair, and forgot to prompt
Betsy as she had intended.
But Betsy needed no prompting. She
| was not in the least embarrassed.
She advanced to meet Mr. Harrington
with grin of supreme insolcnce on her
face, and burst into loud laugh.
SWELL" she said, $50 you are my
young man. are you? must say who
ever picked you out showed ND mighty
great taste; 'twasn't for your beauty, that
plain"
"No, madam" said the new arrival,
:" it was not for my beauty. Do address
Miss Seabright ~
"Why, vino else should 1 bcY' cried
Betsy. "'Twas not for your cleverness,
neither, you were chosen. But, now you
have come, sit down. Been in the wars,
haven't yOu:"
my infirmities," sighed the young
man, are the result of my recklessness
as boy. have most sympathizing
letter from you upon the fall which broke
my limbs. You remember it! You also
condoled with me upon the careless shot
which cost me my eye, though you did
not know how serious was the result 1t
was while was on q trip to Switzerland
that broke my back, and while endeav-
oring to drink some boiling tea the house.
keeper LETT carelessly upon the table,
scalded ali the hair from my head. This
scar upon my cheek is the result of hav-
ing attempted to shave myself with my
fathers razor. 1t was injudicious of him
not TO tell you the result of my injuries;
but now You see them fer yourself. Twill
not 60 into further particulars. You re-
member all my accidents!"
Yes" said Betsy, " and . fine fgger
of man they've made you. You'd do to
scare the crows from an orchard, l must
say, and you're sent to me, that l might
have my pick and choice of offers to mar
ry! It's enough to make one die of laugh
ing"
"Then you refuse me ~ said the young
man, very eagerly.
"Oh, no, said Betsy, "oh, no, 1 don't i;
there's the fortune, you know. Money is
money. and even an object like you is bet
ter than poverty. I'll have you. Though
how folks will laugh to see US paired off
together! One comfort, though so broken
down as you must be, you can t last long,"
ION the contrary, expect to live to be
eighty" said the young man.
Expectations don't go for much, /" said
Betsy. Look how the old folks went !"
1--WE we're deprived OF their affections
very suddenly" said the young man, sigh
ing. MY father loved yours dearly,
Miss Seabright."
Folks will take queer notions" said
Betsy. Well, l must say you are IAN
object. can't help laughing, whenever
l look at YOU"
1--WE shall have very merry life to.
gether," said Harold, "if your DISPOSE
ton continues"
"Oh, l shan't see much of you," said
Betsy, can promise you, after the ring
is on. What possessed you to smash your
self up soy But shan't refuse you. Its
money makes the mare CO. says the old
song.''
"It may be-" said Harold. "But let
the mare stand still for me, then. Iquite
decline to fulfill the engagement. So,
madam, you have the fortune without any
incumbrance in my person"
''And good radiance to bad rubbish,
say Ir' cried Betsy. "Thefe are better
fish in the sea than you, or women would
be poorly of. You're going, Ell! Well,
the sooner the better. Miss Smith, ring
the BELL"
Elsie rose and touched the bell.
But now that the deed was done, and
her object attained, she felt dreadfully
ashamed of herself. Certainly more un-
happy and singular object than this be-
fore her could mot we'll be imagined In
deed, compassionate as was her heart, she
felt that his appearance was not only pain
ful, but almost ludlcrous, but all the more
should he have been tenderly and kindly
used. Why had she played this childish
prank, and allowed vulgar woman to
insult him In her presence? And this
condemnation hideous q he was, he evil
IDENTIFY was gentleman by breeding as
well % by birth-h0w would he hence
forth think of her! He would always be-
lievc that she had uttered those rude
words, she. and none other.
And as he left the room she followed
him and the servant who had answered
the bell retired ct her nod, and left the
two together in the long hall, where they
could hear the long and violent explo-
sions Of laughter with which Betsy was
now 6lling the drawing. room.
Mr.. Harrington" said Elsie, her face
crimsoning as she spoke, 81 cannot let
you go without word of explanation. /
Il have been SO grieved that you should
be 20 insulted. never meant -"
MY dear young lady, you have moth
ing TO do with it, and my feelings are not
in the least hurt" replied the young man.
"Who could care anything for what q
person like the woman we have lust left
could sayf But I am amazed that
should be Miss Seabright. know she is
. lady by birth. I understood that she
was beautiful and gentle. Il"