Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1879-11-14
HER CHOICE.


very han some specimen Of Its kind,
lies sleeping on the hearthrug. There
is a genuine air of comfort in all the
surroundings, yet Mr.. Dugdale-whose
admiration for the country is not nnre-
strained, and who has come down to
his neglected estate only because n long
forgotten sense of duty and u new
steward called hints sitting width his
hands before him, wondering, in u
melancholy fashion, what on earth to
do with himself for the next month.
II, he soliloquiaes, he even knew any
one in the country! OF course, thcy will
all call the Katkins especially, but new
acquaintances are such bore. And
dinners where French cooks are un-
known. He doesn't know tenant on
his estate, or n landlord in the district,
except old Majo Hyde, who, probably,
would be considered uncomfortable IN
town. He wonders, vaguely, what
Thistleton is doing now, and Dunmore,
and MI that lot; perhapS--
"A lady wishes to sec you, SIR" says
Hickson, speaking ma respectful nm
derione from the doorway.
"Another Of the personal begging
letter sort" gays Mr.. Dngdale to him
self, with n meek shrug, unlocking a
drawer that contains money. Better
have it ready; the only thing ! know Of
TO get md Of them in a hurry" Sinking
back in his chair, he puts ON II most
miserable mir, and preparesioI an IL.
uominlous defeat.
There il some slight delay; then the
rustic Of woman's skirts, II word or
two from the admirable dickson, who
then throws wide the door, and nm
pounces Miss Carew," in his usual
well-bred monotone.
Dugdale, rising from his seat with
some precipitaney, makes doferontlal
bow. There is extreme respect, though
Il good deal Of irreprcssibo surprise, IN
his manner ~ his eyes meet hers.
She il young-about thrce-and-twcn-
ty--very slender, very excelently form.
ed, of middle height, and extremely
pretty. Her eyes are u cleur, dark
gray; her light brown hair is covered
by large hat, trimmed handsomely
with feathers; u gray gown fits her
rounded figure to perfection; her hands
are encused IN irreproachable Gloves
Dugdnle M he looks Mt her her, repents
HIM of the " begging letter" idea, End,
Mt the remembrance Of it, colors slight
ly. So does his visitor, though from far
different motives.
81 must ask Your pardon for this
this intrusion" she snys in II low tone,
though perfectly distinct, and full Of
dignity and sweetness. al would not
have come myself, but my brother IL
quito mn invalid, suffering from m acct
dent, and il was necessary ono of us
should SEQ you. When We heard you
were returning 10 town 80 soon il fright
ened us into action"
81 do not return to London for
month";
lndeedV with suppressed chagrin
We were told you intended leaving
tomorrow, or next day. Had known
tho truth"
Pray sit down" aays Dugdale cour.
teously handing her u chair and lot
mo know what can do for you"
" 1 should havo introduced myself"
sho says, with faint smile. My
brother and ! are your tenants, MIR.
Dugdale, and have, ! think, some slight
claim on your furbearance, The place,
Weston Lodge--you know itY-has
been in the possession of our family for
years. First, my grandfather had it;
now my brother has it; but our lease
has expired" She pauses.
"You make me feel ashamed that
know ~ little OF my tenants or their
wishes or concerns" he says. 81 know,
indeed, nothing OF the neighhorhood.
MY living abroad IL my only excuse,
But that my late steward, poor fellow,
my presence hero for n few weeks,
should not bo in tho house now. Yes,
you want 4 new lease--is that il ~
"I'hat is it" with n glance oi surprise
at his evident indifference to, or ignor-
anoo Of, all that has been going on &C
late. The question is, shall va get il !?
The new man you speak of--Graham
has, think advised you to the con-
trary. He wishes to hko our farm, and
incorporate il with the fields that lilo be.
You'd 1t, and let il all out ut higher
value. OF course, we can retain the
house, hut without the land il il useless
W us, 10 my HIdlhol ~ lullu W lHllhlHB'
We are willing you should raise our
ront---we would gladly take all those
fields speak of, that stretch to the
south of us, but, unfortunately, just
now we cannot. ! thought, If | We're to
ask you, you would perhaps reconsider
your stewards advice, and let us keen
our home"
The sweet voice trembles over ouch
little, the gray eyes fall, the little deli.
cately gloved hand taps nervously upon
the table near her.
"Have you spoken TO q aham2' asks
Dugdale, who, just NJ this moment,
could have soundly rated his over zeal.
GUS manager.
"No. We Thought il better to see
you, yourself. Will you think of it?'
She raises her eyes again, and regards
him earnestly, entreatingly. "'ro me
il would not SO much natter" she adds,
gently, "but my brother--his heart il
in the place; no has been delicate 81
late, and All this anxiety preys upon
him and retards his recovery. We have
been good tenants; | would ask you moi