The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-02-09
HOW | WON MY WIFE.

maiperg on board crack frigato In her
Eajesty's navy, which we had just left with
slx weeks leave Of absence upon the vessel
being paid Off.
We had travelled up to London together,
ind then, when our routes had divided. he
had repeated an Outstanding invitation with
no much wanrth and good feeling that
eDuid not but accept.
Although Thornton and myself held the
same rank In the navy, yet our positions
nahore was somewhat different.
He was the only son of one Of the wealth
Sfast commoners OF Midlandshire, while / was
the only son of o widow OF a naval officer
aud who had only her pension to depend
u,pon.
Thornton had often proposed a months
visit to Lindley Hall, his fathers place In
Midlandshire; and. when he again mentioned
the the subject. / acceded with avidity, not
only on account of the friendship existing
sieipation of spending an enjoyable holiday
tn the country.
The fortnight ut home with my mother
passed quickly away, and on the day ap-
pointed / left London for Lindley, having
previously written to inform Reginald Of the
train 1 Intended travelling by.
Upon arriving ut Hyam, the nearest sta
ton TO Mr.. Thornton's place, found dog
cart waiting to convey myself and my lug
gage to the Hall.
Jumping in, the groom saw to my port
manteau; and then, taking his place. we
were soon trotting along toward Lindley,
where, in less than halt an hour, l arrived.
At the sound of wheels approaching the
house the front door opened and Reginald
appeared.
Shaking me warmly by the hand, after !
had dismounted and the first salutations had
been exchanged, he said:
sBut come upstairs to your room, old man /;
your things have been taken up; and, when
you have put yourself to rights, we can come
down to the drawing-room and get through
the introductions before dinner"
.The misunderstanding exclaimed l, In
guing TO be 80 quiet"
$50 did ], Tom, answered my friend. 'But,
you see, the pater took 1t into his dear old
head that every body ought to make as much
russ about me as he does, and, consequently,
no has filed the house with friends and rela-
lions In honor OF your humble servants safe
return from Drawing the dangers of the
Mediterranean. i tried to persuade him to
the contrary; but, when once he has made
up his mind, you might as we'll try and move
Gibraltar with o hand-spike as to change his
determination"
1t did not take me very long to make my
self presentable, and then l followed Regi-
maid down stairs.
Upon entering the drawing room perceived
that II was nearly full of guests, and then for
nearly five. minutes seemed to be perfectly
oblivious Of everything, except the wonder
inl, the astounding beauty OF q young lady
seated near the piano.
believe that went through my introduce
lions creditably, bowling and smiling In the
usual idiotic style; but remember nothing
until, taking my arm, Reginald led me toward
Che piano, and stopping opposite the vision OF
beauty that had first absorbed my attention,
he exclaimed.
"My sister Bessie, Tom; and this, Bessie,
is my old friend Drake, of whom you have so
often heard me speak"
So this beautiful young creature was my
friends little sister, of whom he had often
told me In the night-watches at sea.
Bessie bowed with heightened color,
caused probably by my glance Of admira-
tiOn, which | could not control, and muir
pieased at seeing one of whom she had heard
50 much.
There was vacant chair by her side, which
4 Immediately appropriated, and in a few
MuuutS We were Ill Itlt lulu6G Vi oil IuLti6Sb-
ing conversation.
Commencing with her brother we turned
TO our late voyage, the Mediterranean,
Greece, Italy. poetry painting and song, and
upon every subject she seemed equally well
at home.
Let those who scoff at love at first sight
laugh on. loved Bessie Thornton the mo-
ment cast my eyes upon her. At the sound
OF her sweetly- odulated voice | was more
firmly bound, and when became acquainted
with the stores OF her mind and her charm.
ing manner, felt my heart go forth toward
her with that intense longing that only man
OF very strong emotions ever experiences.
We were still talking, when perceived her
check turn pale, her brow contract as with
pain, and slight shiver convulse her beauti-
Anl form.
Following the direction of her glance, saw
that her eyes rested upon man who had just
entered the room. and who, nodding and chat
mug mere ana there, was approaching us by
easy gradations.
He was tall and powerfully built. dark,
almost swarthy in appearances, but undoubt-
eddy very handsome.
In spite OF this, however, there was some
thing about MIN that seemed to repel; de-
hant EXPRESSION u ms eyes, and an uneasy,
addressed one or two observations to Bes-
Eie, but she evidently did not hear me- her
sole attention being taken up by the new
conner.
CteiUg tnlS, Il iLQulIcu.
'Who is, that gentleman, Miss Thornton.
who has just entered the room?"
THAT Is Capt. Wyndham," she replied, in
. low tone, almost a whisper. But hush
he is coming she added. And then, apollo
getically, Excuse me, but he is SO dreadfully
5eal-"
She was going to say Jealous" knew, but
MI that moment the captain walked up, and
at the same instant servant announced that
dinner was ready.
Jumping up, / offered Bessie my arm. She
hesitated for an instant, and then it was too
hate.
With an insolent up-and-down look at me
Fyndham pushed himself between Us, and