The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1878-10-16
MY FATHERS WIFE.

L
sionate girl; but when, my mother died the
sorrow felt for the loss of one who had peen
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 a per-
loss of my mother we kept but little company,
although occasionally went to aquiet even
ing party. ;.,,,, 1-2r,.-.t. A
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.
was clandestine one, for Mr.. Melford told me
that for certain reasons he must for the pres
ent decline an Introduction to my family.
did n otrehect upon the strangeness of this
secrecy, for mine was that foolish age which
disclaims common sense and defies 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-
rlence a shook if brought in con.
tact with so calculating and worldly minded
a man as my father. Not that my father was
he lookedupon all snblunary affairs from a
practice point Of view. Would, he therefore,
be likely to encourage as sutton for the hand
of his daughter, one who had not attained q
firm footing in the world? .. . ~
shall never forget the day on which Arth.
fur Melford confessed his love for me-. We had
met by stealth. 1 was certainly scarcely
prepared for an avowal so soon; and when I
left him that day and reflected that had tao
lilly plighted myself to a young man who, I
was obliged to confess. was surrounded by q
halo of mystery tina tshould at least have made
me cautious, I could not blind myself to the
fact that, Notwithstanding any confidence in
Mr.. Melford's, homo, ri had done very fool
ish thing. There must surely have been in
fused in my disposition something of my faith
er's practical spirit, of my love would never
have been alleged by practicle of doubt.
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 q
teacher in school. Still, could pardon his
which it took its origin; but as I haye said be.
fore, the whispering voice of reason told me
that had acted somewhat foolish1y.
One morning, my father, feeling Slightly in.
disposed, did not go to business in the city as
usual. On learning that l was going to the
termined to accompany me. We dined to-
gether in town, and lonnged about Regent
street, now and then pausing to make pur
chase. We were thinking OF returning home
when l suddenly remembered that had
omitted to call for a 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. I'VE therefore
made our way out slowly. I detest a crowd,
and have a habit-a foolish one perhaps-of
hanging my head when find myself surround
ed by many people,. On the present occasion
I kept my eyes sedulously downcast; and
when at last, on reaching the door, / looked
up, and breathed more freely, it was to And
myself vis-a-vis with Arthur Melford. He was
i not alone A lady of about six-and twenty.
well dressed and attractive, was by his side.
drew long breath, felt strange, futtering
sensation about my heart, and turned very
pale. -. -.... t.r.- 80
was about to pass on with my father. when
to my indescribable surprise, he stopped short
and with 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.
III; is Miss sanderson, the daughter of my
employer, the schoolmaster," he whispered.
Ny father cast hasty and suspicious