The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-01-17

OuuOCuiy HUH Iuc IOdOSluc TuS0cO
tiny Sky-terrier, evidently thinking his
mission lay at the horses feet; but a
shrek and writhing bundle Of fur soon
convinced the occupants of the carriage
that 1t was all a mistake on the puppy's
part.
With faint cry Kitty put her hand
kerchief to her eyes.
Not SO Lucretia.
"Please, Mr.. Bertram, have the carriage
stopped. l must see if the poor little
thing is killed.
Nov, Cree, none of your old tricks"
sad Kitty. petulantly. Il really be-
lieve. turning appealingly to Mr. Ber-
tram, "that IT you don't interfere, she'll
bring the horrid little thing into the car
riage. l shall faint, I'm sure I SHE'LL if
she does. She always had weakness for
the MANNED of creation"
"Then, Miss Langdon, perhaps your
friend may number mo among her
proteges. l can claim place IN that
rank"
Kitty blushed-a vivid. uncomfortable,
unbecoming red.
~Oh, Mr.. Bertram, beg your pardon!
l never once thought"
''You are forgiven, Miss Kitty. In your
very unconsciOusness OF treading upon
dangerous ground lies the receipt of cure
for what is perhaps morbid sensitlveness
to my infirmity."
| Lucretia had not heard these remarks.
She had alighted and gone to the poor
little victim of self-confidence. Taking
him up tenderly, she found that his in
| 70
with much petting and soothing she took
her delicate cambria handkerchief and
bound up the wounded member. Com
ing to the carriage, she lifted up plead
ing face.
MAY take him in9 See-he Is some
body's pet. Look at his collar. 1t is of
silver, and his name-Fidget-ise engraved
upon it. Some one is mourning for his
loss. We can advertise tomorrow"
Ofcourse the little animal wa, admitted
on the prayer of such an interesting special
pleader, and the party were soon speeding
homewards.
All were strangely quiet, even Kitty's
chattering tongue had received sudden
quietus, and Mr.. Bertram was in brown
study.
At last Lucretia looked up and met his
eyes fixed with strange intentness upon
her face
81 know you think me very silly, Mr..
Bertram, but can't help it. | shouldn't
have moments comfort for days if had
left that poor little thing to suffer-
mo. Miss Armstrong, you are mistaken
about my thoughts. MAY l cali in the
morning and express them to you more
fully than can do now"
Lucrctia looking at him, but thinking
by his expression that he was quizzing
her, said indifferently:
II suppose you wish to classify my folly
| by some learned name. Search the records,
| by all means. and be sure aud relieve my
suspense in the morning
II will most assuredly do so'
The low, deep voice had an earnestncss
ancalled tor by the occasion, Lucretia
thought, and then dismissed the matter
from her mind and gave herself up to the
enjoyment Of her drive
According to promise, the next morn
ing Mr.. Bertram called and asked for
Miss Armstrong, and was informed that
Lucretia had taken her portfolio with her,
and strolled off into the park that lay
just behind the residence. and into which
any of the family or their friends were
at liberty to wander whenever they felt
disposed.
Here. seated on a small mound, evil
IDENTIFY lost in thought, he found Lucre-
tia. and, before she was fairly aware of
his presence, he had thrown himself
down at her feet and pronounced her
name.
| She looked up with start. and then,
observing that his face was very pale, she
cried:
Are you not well, Mr. Bertram. Can
l do anything for your
He gave a sudden start as he spoke, and
his face lost its pallor in an agitated rush
ofcolor.
Yes. Miss Armstrong. 70. can if you
will. Will you forgive me if ask YOU to
listen TO me while tell you nv motive in
coming here this morning.
| Lucretia in silent wonder at his agisa-
ton, settled herself to listen to what be
might have to saw
| Miss Armstrong-Lucretia-y see
before you man who seemed at one
time to have been selected for fortunes
iavorite. Wealth. kind friends and health
were mine until the accident occurred
which made me a cripple. Until very
lately / have been contented. not
withstanding my misfortune, although
had given up all thought Of ever being
other than l am a lonely bachelor. But
have fallen under new influence. that
Of love, and ii rests with you to determine
whether my future shall be happy or
miserable"
His meaning by this time, began to
dawn upon Lucretia.
She rose abruptly.
NO. hear me through
As he spoke he took her hand gently.
and said:
Please sit down and be your own
quiet. kind self until I finish nv story.
even if your heart caanot respond TO the
overpoweriag passion which fills miae
with your sweet image to the exclu-
sion Of all other thoughts and feeling.
know am net a ftnng loTer to offer NY
self
Lucretia put out her hand with an i'm
perative gesture:
do not say that It is not 50. Any
girl might be proud OF such an Offer
Then you will say yes r broke in
the eager lover You will be my WIFE e
1T il SO sudden. | had no. once