Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1878-10-17
MY FATHERS WIFE.

had AWAY Deen Wld, Maynard, ana pas
sionate girl; but when my mother died the
sorrow I felt for the loss Of one who had oeen
so dear to me toned down for the time my
bold spirit, and my father, a remarkably even
minded and domesticated man, viewed with
delight what he thought would prove per-
manent change in my disposition. After the
loss of my mother we kept but little company,
although occasionally went to a quiet even
ing party.
gentleman named Melford. I was then nine
teen, and Mr.. Melford was about two years
my senior. The young man was handsome
In his person and agreeable in his manners.
An acquaintance sprung up between us; it
was clandestne one for Mr.. Melford told me
that for certain reasons he must for the pres
ent decline an introduction to my family.
did OF reflect upon the strangeness of this
secrecy, for mine was that foolish age which
disclaims common sense and dedes romance.
Beside, gave pretty shrewd guess as to
what Mr.. Melfords reasons were; he
was, thought, poor and honorable, and his
sensitive disposition would, of course, expe-
rience shook if brought in con
q man as my father. Not that my father was
harsh or unkiGd, but like most all city men,
he looked upon all sublunary affairs from
practicle point of view. Would, he therefore,
be likely to encourage as suitor for the hand
Of his daughter, one who had not attained
firm footing in the world?
shall never forget the day on which Arth-
ur MelfOrd confessed his love for me- We had
met by stealth. I was certainly scarcely
prepared for an avowal so soon; and when I
LETT him that day and reflected that had tao
lily plighted myself to a young man who,
was obliged 10 confess, was surrounded by q
halo of mystery tina tshould at least have made
me cautious, 1 could 1ot blind myself to the
fact that, Notwithstanding any confidence in
Mr.. Melford's homo, ri had done very fool
3ok, o1v, how -,
fused in my disposition something Of my faith
er's practical spirit, of my love would never
have been alleged by a practicle of doubt.
Arthur Melford, should mention, was an
under-teacher in large academy for boys at
Hackney, and his worldly prospects, accord
ing to his own accOunt,were gloomy in the ex-
treme. 1t was not until the morning he de-
clared himself to me that he told me he was a
teacher in school. Still, could pardon his
reticence. for we'll understood the pride from
which it took its origin; but as haye said be-
fore, the whispering voice of reason told me
that had acted somewhat foolishly.
One morning, my father, feeling slightly in
disposed, did not 60 to business in the city as
usual. On learning that I was going to the
West End on shopping expedition, he de-
termined to accompany me-: We dined to.
gether in town, and lonnged about Regent
street, now and then pausing. to make a pur-
chase. We were thinking Of returning home
when I suddenly remembered that had
omitted to call for small parcel had left
two hours previously at the most agreeable
lounge for ladies-the London Crystal Palace.
The place was crowded, as it generally is at
four o'clock in the afternoon. We therefore
made our way out slowly. detest crowd,
and have habit-a foolish one perhaps-of
hanging my head when find myself surround
ed by many people. On the present occasion
when at last, on reaching the door, looked
up, and breathed more freely, it was to find
myself vis-avis with Arthur Melford. IA He was
not alone. lady of about six-and-twenty,
well-dressed and attractive, was by his side.
drew long breath, felt strange, fluttering
pale. =
was about to pass on with my father, when
to my indescribable surprise, he stopped short
and with a bashful confusion, as unusual as
unbecoming to him, raised his hat politely to
Arthur Melford's companion, and then shook
hands with her warmly. The lady instantly
became agitated; she colOred very deeply and
trembled violently as she greeted my father
Arthur Melford seemed as much astonished
as myself:
employer, the schoolmaster," he whispered
Ny father cast a hasty and suspicious
gla 'ce toward Is. Could he have heard Ar.
thurs words?
"Florence, love-" said my father, "allow me
to introduce you to Miss Sanderson, friend
otmine, l cannot say an old friend, but who is
"H1sh!" interrupted Miss Sanderson. I'M,
Melford," she continued hastily, II must now
trouble you to escort me home. We shall be
late as it is. Miss Maynard" she added, eve
shall, I am sure, very shortly be the best Of
friends. Mr.. Maynard"
The speaker broke off aud hurriedly seized
my fathers hand. Arthur Melford took leave
of me, and bowed respectfully to my parent
who eyed him sternly, and in another moment
both Miss Sanders and Arther were gone.
That evening and my father sat at home
in silence. It was evident that he had some
thing to say, but was nervous how to begin
while, for my own part, the Ieurprise of the
me ample food for reflection and conjecture
Presently my father said: y d
Florence, you were no doubt q little aston
ished at our meeting with Miss Sanderson
whom until today you had probably never
seen. ,.Ahem-Florencel-- never."s 60 a, IL &
1.-THE lady was stranger to me until thil
afternoon, papa" replied, nerYously, for
dreaded lest may father should have discovered
something respecting my acquaintance will
Arthur Melford. "a. {52 800 $3.50 H.
"That lady, Florence, .. continued my father
in hesitating voice that lady is shortly-if
In TACT to become
herself. and am sure shall be very happy
broke In. @ : :
smiled as Ispoke. i could not for the life
- of me have restrained that smile. va.
what was termed q sharp girl, and quickly
jumped at conclusion. u knew "a we'll zas
possible what would be the end Of INV father,s
sentence, and therefore, womanlike. tO IL.
crease his confusion, interrupted him. ssssss
u am sure she will become great friend o1