New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1878-10-23
MY FATHERS WIFE,

had Away been wild, hayward, and pas
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, aremarkably even
minded and domestcated 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 L occasionally went to quiet even
ing party. !.
gentleman named Melford. I was then nine
teen and MIR. 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 clandestine one, for Mr.. Melford told me
that for certain reasons he must for the pres
ent decline an Introduction to my family.
l did n ot reflect upon the strangeness of this
secrecy, for mine was that foolish age which
dlsclaims common sense and defes romance.
Beside, gave pretty shrewd guess as to
what MIR. Melfords reasons were; he
was, thought poor and honorable, and his
sensitive disposition would, of course, expe-
rlence shook if brought in con
tact with so calculating and worldly minded
as my father. Not that my father was
harsh or unkind, but like most all city men,
he looked upon all sublunary affairs from a
practicle point of view. Would, he therefore,
be likely to encourage as a sutton for the hand
of his daughter, one who had not attained a
firm footing in the world?
shall never forget the day on which Arth-
ur Melford confessed his lovefor me- We had
met by stealth. 1 was certainly scarcely
prepared for an avowal SO soon; and when
left him that day and reflected that had tao
lilly plighted myself to young man who,
was obliged 10 confess, was surrounded by a
halo of mystery tina tshould at least have made
me cautious, l could not blind myself to the
fact that, Notwithstanding any confidence in
Mr.. Melford's homo, ri had done very fool
ism 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 practice Of doubt
Arthur Melford, should mention, was an
uuder-teacher in large academy for boys at
Hackney, and his worldly prospects, accord
ing to his own account, were gloomy in the ex-
clared himself to me that he told me he was
teacher in a school. Still, could pardon his
reticence, forI 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 go to business in the city as
usual. On learning that was going to the
West End on shopping expedition, he de-
termlned to accompany me. We dined to-
gether in town, and lonnged about Regent
street, now and then pausing to make pur-
enaoo. VIZ woie eAlnhlnS OF returning nOme
when | suddenly remembered that had
omitted to call for q 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 1 detest a crowd,
and have 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, I looked
up, and breathed more freely, it was to find
myself vis -a-yis with Arthur Melford He was
not alone. A lady of about six-and-twenty,
we'll dressed and attractive, was by his side. /
screw long breath fet strange haerg
pale.