The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1878-05-11
A GIRLS DILEMMA,

This is the anniversary of an important
day in my lite. [ will keep it by re
cording the events that led to my present
position; let not those stay to read whose
hearts have grown to old to relish a love
story.
At Is [ was the most thoughtless OF
human beings. My widowed father, g
rich merchant, had humored every within
from infancy, and asked nothing of me
in return but ight-heartedness and affec-
ton. No one could have known less
than | of the shadows and sorrows of life
or been more childishly occupied in the
present. 1t was the night of my first
ball, to which [ was to be introduced
under the most fattering auspices; ]
was half wild with excitement, and the
moment my toilet was completed | few
down stairs to show myself to father,
who was not going with me, as at first
arranged, being prevented, ne said, by
sudden and insuTmountable engage
ments. Well remember how impatient
ly | burst open the dining-room door
and with what a bound of elation
sprang toward the spot where he stood
spreading out my beautiful dress and
making before him sweeping courtesy
| seem to hear now the soft rustic of lace
and satin, to feel the glow that burned
on my cheeks, and the quick throbbings
of my happy heart. | had not at first
noticed, IN my eagerness, that the table
was covered with papers, and that my
father was not alone. Mr.. Lacy, bar
rister-at-law, his friend and mine-for |
had known him from my cradle-sat OPP
posite to him, and a second glance showed
me how grave and anxious were the faces
of both.
"What is the matter?' l asked, laying
my hand caressingly on my father s
shoulder. He looked at me fondly, till
/ saw the tears brim his eyes.
" My darlingw he said, in an abrupt,
passionate way. eve will not tell her,
Lacy-it would be cruel. Let her have
at least a few happy hours. She need
not know tonight. How will she bear
it?"
Mr.. Lacy looked increasingly grave. |
had become very grave, too, my childish
excitement seemed to have given place
to a sudden and almost womanly serious
ness.
at is of mouse hiding anything from
me" | said, trying to smile, though |
trembled from head to foot in vague
foreboding. :" | could not go to the ball
now; tell me what has happened" The
expression on my fathers face deepened
to anguish-he put his hands before it,
as if the sight of me was too painful to
bear. | turned to Mr.. Lacy.
Il r.
Lacy fixed upon me the fine, searching
eyes, whose reproof had been the sorest
penalty of my life hitherto, and kept up
the scrutiny till could bear it no longer,
earnest and kindly as it was l knelt on
a cushion before him, and leaning my
arms on his knees in a favorite attitude
| returned his gaze with steady though
fearful one.
"Try me-" | said; perhaps I am
more than the giddy child you think me.
Besides, it cannot be so dreadful-you
are both alive and wellw
A peculiar expression passed over Mr.
Lacy's face. He seemed hesitating
whether to draw me into his arms or to
push nae from him; he did neither, but
rose up suddenly. putting me gently
back, and took few turns through the
room.
" Halford," he said presently, and in
agitated tones, "once more | renew nv
offer. OF what use is wealth like mine
to lonely man? With the help can
give you may keep your credit and
breast the storm. You shrink from an
obligation there is a chance of YOUR
never being able to cancel? Well. / will
change places with you. Give me in re-
turn-that is, if | can with her consent
your daughter as my wife" Nv faith
er looked up with literal gasp of aston
ishment Mr.. Lacy went on without
needing him. !" / am a fool, no doubt"
he said, but the time has long gone by
when Mildred was a child to me. For
the last two years | have felt from the
depth OF my heart that she was a wo-
man. | have fought against the insane
wish to win her for my wife. Nv aoe
my past relations with her seemed 10
make it a crime. Now | have spoken
God knows, as much to save YOU from the
disgrace you are so obstinately bent ON
and her from the poverty that
would crush her youth, as to satisfy nv
own feelings. What she is to me words
cannot say; how | viii guard and love
her, my love only could prove. Mildred,
what do you say?
He paused opposite me and took my
hand. | was like one in dream. Love,
Marriage! Brought up as had been at
home, | had speculated less on these
points than most girls of my age 1 had
vague theories, indeed, gathered from
poets and novelists, and my feelings for
MIR. Lacy, man 40 years of age, who
lad known me as an infant, and whom
-egarded with unlimited reverence as
me of the best and wisest of the race,
lid not seem to correspond with them
was unworthy the interchangeable of
utilizing the Office of wife to such man.
Wife! 1t seemed almost blasphemous
O mention the word To such q child aS |