Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1880-10-27

quire into details of these meetings, but
he soon determined to bring matters to a
climax. Natter f-fact, rather stolid in
his nature, Sir Richard was proportion
ately logged and obstinate in his ikings
and dislilzings. He loved Edith with a
devotion which was made up of the
ardent lover and the paternal protector.
He looked upon Edith as a pretty child
who required to be petted, humored, and
taken care Of. to be treated tenderly,
nurt,1red with care.
At last, however, he came to the con.
clusion that he had hesitated long
enough. He would propose, and have
the matter settled.
It was after dance. Edith had been
the belle Of the evening, and, like many
other delicate girls, was not going to be
beaten in dancing. We have known
young ladies to whom mile walk was
particularly obnoxious, dance eight or
ten hours without complaining.
Edith had been dancing with certain
young naval officer, new eligible, a
Lieutenant Spencer Baker, Of excellent
family, and likely prospects, but still a
totally unfit person to set himself up as
the sutton of rich baronet's daughter
and heiress.
But both her father and mother were
playing cards, and she ventured to risk
one dance. But when she concluded,
she happened to see that her mother was
disengaged, and gave the lieutenant a
hint t. that effect. He at once walked
away, and Edith strolled slowly to the
conservatory, hoping that he might be
able to follow her to this somewhat
secluded retreat.
She seated herself beneath an UNI
brageous palm tree. Herthoughts were
far away. At this moment firm, COM
handing step was heard, and she looked
up anxiously. A faint flush covered her
face. It was Sir Richard Merton adj
vancing with considerable alacrity to
the spot where she had seated herself
with other hopes and wishes. Edith got
up pleasant smile for her rather grave
admirer, and he seated himself by her
side with very serious air.
"Why have you deserted the ball
room?' he asked, in an earnest tone of
voice. Everybody is lost in surprise"
81 was little fatigued," she remark
ed. 81 have danced good deal this
evening""
$50 I have Observed" he went on
quietly; "perhaps more than is good for
YOU
81 think not" she answered, in a
laughing tone. 81 am very fond Of
dancing: it does me good"
81 am glad to hear it, he smilingly
responded, sit shows that London dissi-
patton does not affect your health"
"Not more than most people," she
said, thinking the remark rather an odd
one for lover to make.
He said nothing in answer for one mo-
ment, rejecting deeply the while. At
last he spoke out.
"My dear Miss Lechmere," he said,
kindly, II have a very important COM
munication to make to you. I had in
tended deferring it until the end of the
season, but I see so many moths hutter-
ing round the seductive light that can
defer my words no longer"
"Pardon me-" she exclaimed, in a
frightened way, "but I do not under
stand"
"My dear Miss Lechmere," he went
on, kindly, yet loftily, 81 had hoped
you would. From the evening when
first I saw you my attentions have been
marked enough. My love has grown
with my growth, and strengthened with
my strength, until can no longer keep
my sentiments concealed. Edith Lech-
mere nseG w, xii j.; you be my beloved my hon
Edith looked at him both in surprise
and alarm.
Greatly, Sir Richard" she said, in a
tone, hesitating and doubling, "this is
so very sudden
"Sudden?'' exclaimed Sir Richard.
II had hoped not My attentions were
sufficiently obvious. I thought
tering voice. IT knew you liked my
society, but-but you know that Lad
Merton has other views for YOU"
"What my mothers matrimonial no.
tons with regard to myself may be-" he
coldly replied, 81 neither know nor care.
1 am grown man; my choice is made
without regard to the opinions Of others.
Your parents, believe, highly approve
my wishes I only demand your sanction
to speak to them at once.'
ooh, Sir Richard," she cried, "this
is indeed SO very sudden. I am so
young. Give me one whole day for re-
Fiction"
Certainly, Miss Lechmere," with a
kindly smile. This is Monday II shall
make a morning call on Wednesday. I
presume 1 shall have the felicity of See
ing YOU"
81 see no reason to doubt it," re-
sponded the young lady, who 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 ventured to
expound it. He danced, therefore, under
protest, and only when it appeared i'm
possible to avoid it.
Conversation was his taste and his
forte, but in the case of Edith Lechmere,
he utterly broke through his rule, and
danced as often as the elasticity of hel
programme would allow him to do so.
On the present occasion he was unusu.
ally tender, condescending and attentive.
| Ltutl Ieudihcu Ills manner, ana 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 fo1
her. He was a 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
was poor she to do.
With deep sigh she abandoned her.
self to the stream of fate, determined tc
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
rage with great politeness and tender
ness. That she should have called upo1
his mother was by no means singular
but he neither liked her looks, nor til,
fact occurring on the eve of his intended