Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1880-10-27

SpOnuou bne young lduy, VINO then al
lowed herself to be conducted back to the
ballroom, when Sir Richard claimed a
promised dance.
Because it was conventional and the
custom, Sir Richard danced; not that he
liked the practice or approved of it. But
in modern society such formula would
have raised too great storm upon his
devoted head, and he never ventllred to
expound it. He danced, therefore. under
protest, and only when 1t appeared i'm
possible to avoid it.
Conversation was his taste and his
| forte, but in the Of Edith Lechmere,
he utterly broke through his rule. and
danced as often as the elasticity of her
proS ramme would allow him to do SO.
On the present occasion he was rlnusu-
ally tender, condescending and attentive.
Edith remarked his manner, and was
very silent and thoughtful. She could
not but admire his intellect, and his
magnificent physical beauty. Still. he
seemed almost too much of a god for
her. He was man to be more wor-
SHIPPED than loved--at all events. such
was her girlish opinion. Still, it was the
wish of her parents, she knew, and what
| WIS poor SHE TO 90.
With deep sigh she abandoned her
self to the stream of fate, determined to
be guided by the force of events, what
eyer they might be,
Next day Sir Richard Merton made
many calls, and returned only to five
o'clock tea. He was due to dinner
party, and required time to dress before
going out. As he went up to the door,
Miss Lechmere came out, looking very
serious and thoughtful. Sir Richard
shook hands, and handed her to her car
riage with great politeness and tender
ness. That she should have called upon
his mother was by no means singular.
but he neither liked her looks. nor the
fact occurring on the eve of his intended
proposal.
1t was, of course, natural event, but
still 1T preyed upon his mind, and by the
light OF subsequent events, appeared
very strange and significant. Going up
stairs Sir Richard found his mother
alone, and in very serious mood.
Good -afternooon," he quietly OBJ
served. "Mlss Lechmere has Just left
you?"
eyes," was the cold reioinder: "she
came to spend an hour and have chat
with me-"
"Indeed! Did the young lady intimate
anything of my intention to visit her in
formal way ?" he asked.
"She alluded to the matter" was the
cold and grave answer, "but am not
here to dlvulge young ladies' secrets"
And she handed him q fresh cup of
tea, which he drank almost in silence.
then went slowly up stairs, and dressed
for dinner. He saw no more of his
mother that day, nor did he the next
morning, as, in consequence of head
ache, said her maid, she did not come
down to breakfast.
About twelve, Sir Richard Merton,
who wasin too great a hurry to be bound
by exact conventional rules, called on Sir
Arthur and Lady Lechmere, who ex-
changed satisfied glances and eagerly
welcomed him to their house. After a
few words the young baronet spoke,
81 suppose" he said, with something
OF hesitation in his manner, fyou will
not be very much surprised to hear that
L have come to demand an interview with
your daughter-in fact, to offer her my
hand and fortune, as have already given
her all my love %
"Proud, indeed" said Sir Arthur.
clasping the hand of the other. ''Have
you mentioned anything as yet to Edith
Miss Lechmere? ?"
g [ said little the other evening""
frankly responded the baronet, "but
Miss Lechmere seemed agitated, and
asked for time, until to-day"
sob p said the baronet, CT did
notice little change in her manner at
breakfast. She appeared somewhat
Hurried and agitated. Dear girl! Twill
ring for her.
A maid came and at once hurried off
to summon Miss Lechmere to her fathers
presence. She returned after a few
minutes, in very agitated state, and
declared that Miss Lechmere was no.
where to be found.
The father turned crimson, the mother
was pale and agitated, the young baro-
net cold, stiff and naughty.
"Did any one see her go out ?" asked
the elder gentleman, In a tone of sup
pressed passion.
At this moment Edith's own maid,
her personal atten, ,ant. appeared on the
scene. She held dainty little note in
her hand, which she handed to Sir
Arthur. The baronet opened the letter
furiously, and read it, waving the SER
wants to leave the room. He glanced at
the beginning, and then read aloud:
"DEAR PAPA AND MAMMA: Sir Richard Mer-
ton is coming thus morning to ask for my heart
and hand. do admire him very much, like
him almost as much as any man know, except
one, but cannot be his wife. I am sure am
not suited to him. Lady Merton knows it we'll
AS am afraid you would wish me to accept
your good friend and neighbor, I have thought
it better to render the union impossible. Be
fore you receive this I shall be married by
special license to Mr.. Spencer Baker, whom I
love very much, and who will make me very
happy. Forgive your loving daughter,
EDITH"
"Spencer Baker, the audacious for
tune-hunter," cried the exasperated bar
onet. courses Light on him and her.
Ungrateful wretcL-no money of mine
shall she ever have. Then she will see
what it is to marry a beggar.'
81 will retire, y said Sir Richard, in
tone of deep disappointment not mao