St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1879-02-22

the marriage proposal ot Mr.. West.
He was Il younger brother Of my
fathers lawyer, and had just enter
ed society at Westford.
We We're Il wealthy and exclusive
townspeople. Tie Wildes, the Nj
gents and the LoTnsburys all dated
back to French and English men Of
rank, and orr roll in America had
been spotlesS. Yet l had less fam
lily pride than might Lave been eA-
pectel. I was quite unbiased by it
in my acceptance OF Cie.ltn1e West.
I loved him with us simple a heart
as ever young girl lad.
I was very youES-buS eighteen
years old--and I had ali the pride
and delight Of a young girl chosen
by handsome and distinguished
man. Certainly his appearance
distinguished him. He was physic-
ally perfect, and his appearance a,
Wcstford made quite futtelin ing
among orr dovecotes.
If had been older and wiser, ]
would perhaps have instituted in
quiries regarding his income anu
habits of life; but / had all
woman's trust in her first love, and
was without a doub: of my hero's
perfection.
/ was not petite and pretty, like
Rose, but tall, slender and far,
with hint, I think, OF tie setf-poise
which afterward marked me.
I have heard people say that at
sixteen I had the LownsbuEy dig
nifty in perfection. Ifnot beautiful,
I was graceful, good-temrered and
we'll bred peer, | think, for any
gentleman. But it was Rose who
counted her admirers by the score
She made the summers gay at Rock
glen. 1t was at Rock glen that she
became engaged 70 ~ quiet neigh
Dor, Harte Wilde.
All the world wondered why tie
modest Savuni chose this girl, who
was coque. rs we'll as a beatty;
but she bewitcned him, as she did
all the rest, and because he was the
owner of Eastlake, I t.:iuk size ac-
cepted him.
I used 20 wonder what they talk
ed Of, down there among the gar
den roses, in Che carly June even
ings. To me Iartc Wide had oc-
casionally been a delightful CON-
panion. Nowadays lie had never Al
thought for me. He rode, and
drove and danced with Rose, a.ld
seemed quite satisfied at her exact
ing his constant attendance. And
Rose had promised to marry him
the last OF June, as | had promised
to marry Clenence West.
The evening that the latter first
saw Rose be had just arrived at
Rocksien. He was to spend Il few
days with me-his last visit before
he came to be married, Oh the long
est day OF the year, st. Barnabas
Day.
'Clemence thinks you are very
pretty, Ruse," I said, the next morn
ing al breakfast, fonaly imagining
that I was administering the cream
Of Ea:tery to my beautiful cousin.
Does he??" she cooiiy answered.
slipping her chocolate. Il think. '
she added carelessly, "that his :ip-
pearaucc would BE- improved if he
didn't curl his moustacLe."
"W'hy, Rose! Are you in earnest?
Do you think anything could I'M
prove him?" I exclaimed.
She laughed and laughed again
You delicious, doting little
goose, You think him perfection,
don't you? When you are tree *
four years OLDER, Gear, you wo@i
ind it il yourself to be capable Q!
such an attitude Of perpetual adora-
ton toward any man"
Iii I must grow cynical and
hesrt!ess rs I grow older" [ he
gan, with spirit, and then Paused
cooled by the roguish smile on
Roses beautiful lips.
81 don't think ] asn very heart
less person. Cathy," said Rose
Having finished her breakfast, she