The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-09-06
WHICH WILL SHE MARRY

John Myers loved Florry Castle, the
prettiest and the most bewitching girl in
Boroville, place noted far and wide for
the beauty and intelligence of its ladies.
Florry's father was the wealthiest mer-
chant in town, and John was his clerk.
Now do not imagine 1 am going to re-
peat to oft-told story of the Princess, for
if you do you will be disappointed.
John was Florrys equal in everything
save one respect. While she was the
most careless, romping, fun-loving young
the mature age of 17-John was the
most diffident fellow conceivable, blush
ing at everything, always appearing, he
fancied, as bashful people are apt to, at
the greatest disadvantage whenever he
attempted to put his foot forward, and
doubly awkward, he thought, whenever
he essayed to utter more than the COM
monest of commonplace expressions to
Florry. Surely he was not handsome,
III the general acceptation of the term
Tall, angular, almost awkward at times,
there was very little gracefulness about
him, it is true, and his great sensitive
ness led him to think these little disad-
vantages infinitely more conspicuous
than they really were.
But Florry, overlooking all this, and
seeing only big, blue eyes and wavy
brown hair-noting his constrained, diff
tident manner when in her presence, and
his many odd little attentions TO herself
and her wishes, and discerning his great
love for her through all. at last began to
pity him heartily for his want OF conf
dence in himself, and we all know to
what tender passion pity is akin.
Once he heard her express a wish to
read book, the last new novel. 1t was
not for sale in Boroville, and he wrote
to the publishers, directing them to
send it to Florry's address. When he
came to dinner one dav, she sat near a
window turning over the leaves, with
the bright sunlight falling in a mellow
glow upon her queenly little head. She
looked lovelier than ever just then, and
he tried hard to keep back the flush that
mantled his face as he saw her for the
first time in the enjoyment of his anony-
nous gift.
"Oh, john" she cried, with a pleas
ant look in her face that did his heart
good, lyon know how have longed to
read Charley's Bride, and now some
good fairy has made me twice glad by
sending it to me. I'm sure it must have
been Mrs. Chester. She's always 80
thoughtful, and she said she'd not forget
me when she returned home"
I'm very glad you've got the book,
Florry," he said, simply, but in con-
strained sort of way that made her look
up.
"Why, John," she said, does any
thing trouble you ?"
"No, Florry," with half-averted face;
"why do you ask ?"
Because"
]" Because what, Florry ?"
'Nothing" Then changing the sub
lect, and with a quick, shy glance up
into his face. "The book is splendid,
John. Mrs. Chester is very kind"
Mrs. Chester still. John turned away.
And so matters went on for full
month, and then Casper Ducey came to
Boroville, astonishing all with his hand
some face and attire, his lavish expendi-
ture of money, his fast horses, his fast
driving and his fast life altogether. He
was thorough man of the world, dash
ing. brilliant, fascinating, and, as far as
external appearances went, wealthy; and
external appearances go great way In
such place as Boroville.
Mrs. Digby approved of Casper
Ducey. Mrs. Digby was an oracle In
Boroville. She was handsome woman
of fve-and.twenty, lively young widow,
whose half mourning became her charm
ingly, and who, some people said-but
some people are not to be relied on, to
any great extent, you know-would not
be particularly averse to trying the mar
ital yoke again, so lightly had she borne
it, with suitable partner, of course.
In company with her late husband,
the widow had spent several seasons at
the various places of summer resort, be-
sides passing a winter Mt the capital, and
she was considered infallible authority
on all matters relating to society at
large. She was pretty, intelligent,
dressed in excellent taste, and was be-
lieved to have a snug little fortune all
her own. SO, you see, she was very
nice little bit of femininity, the world
would say.
Quite little company of the incest
people of the village assembled in the
widows parlor one evening, and Mr..
Ducey was the subject of their converse
ton.
eyes, Mr.. Ducey is very desirable
man." said the widow. 1--WE must well
come him to our circle. He is hand
some, witty, and accomplished, and
and OF course he is rich; but that don't
matter 30 much, you know. We met