The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1879-06-19


volved a matter of at least forty thou
sand dollars.
This Mr.. William Smith was totally
different man to Eleanor's last lover-a
bright. energetic, alert business man,
decidedly handsome and gentlemanly.
Though his name was greatly against
him in Eleanor's prejudices, she found
herself quite unable to resist the CHEEKY,
pleasant influence he carried with him.
And it was evident from the very first
, day of their acquaintance that Mr..
William Smith had but one thought
the winning of Eleanor Bethune.
When she returned to New York in
the autumn she ventured to cast up her
accounts with life, and she was rather
amazed at the result. For she was quite
aware that she was in love with this
William Smith in way that she had
never been with the other. The first
had been sentimental ideal; the second
was genuine case OF sincere and pas
sionate affection. She felt that the
dcsertion OF this lover would be grief
far beyond the power of satin and lace
to cure.
But her new lover had never a dis
loyal thought to, his mistress, and his
love, transplanted to the pleasant places
native air. 1t enveloped Eleanor now
like glad and heavenly atmosphere |;
she was so happy that she dreaded any
change; it seemed to her that no change
could make her happier.
But if good is good, still better carries
the day, and Mr. Smith thought mar
riage would be a great deal better than
love-nlaking. Eleanor and he were sit
ting in the fire-lit parlor, very still and
very happy, when he whispered this
opinion to her.
"It is only four months since we met,
dear. Only four months, darling; but l
had been dreaming about you for four
months before that. Let me hold your
hands, sweet, while 1 tell you. On the Goth
of last April was on the point of leaving
tor Colorado to look after the Silver Cliff
mine. My carriage was ordered,
and was waiting at the hotel for it. A
servant brought me letter-the dearest,
sweetest little letter-see, here it isl
and this William Smith absolutely laid
before Eleanor her own pretty, loving
reply to the first William Smiths offer.
Eleanor looked queerly at it. and
smiled. "What did you think, dear?"
THAT it was just the pleasantest thing
that had ever happened to me. 1t was
ulleClcu W MI. w DllllIll. dllu llhtl Deen
given into my hands. I was not going
to seek up any other w. Smith,"
but you must have been sure that it
was not intended for you, and you did
not know Eleanor Bethune.'
ooh, beg your pardon, sweetheart
it was intended for me. 1 can imagine
destiny standing sarcastically by your
side, and watching you send the letter
to one w. Smith when she intended it
for another w. Smith. Eleanor Be-
thune | meant to know just rs soon as
possible. l was coming back to New
York to look for you"
" And, instead, she went to you in
Colorado"
"Only think OF that! Why, love,
when that blessed telegraph clerk said :
Who sends this message?' and you
said, Mrs. Eleanor Bethune,' l wanted
to fly my hat to the sky. did not lose
my head as badly when they found that
new lead in the Silver Cliff"
won't you give me that letter, and
let me destroy it, Williamp 1t was
written to the wrong Smith and deliv-
cred to the wrong Smith,"
cit was written to the wrong Smith,
hut it was given to the right Smith.
Still. Eleanor, if you will say one little
word to me, you may do what you like
with the letter."
Then Eleanor whispered the word land
the blaze of the burning letter made a
little illumination in honor of their be-
trothal kiss.-Harper's Weekly.