The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-12-23
GERALDINE'S CHOICE.

GERALDINE'S CHOICE.
Geraldine Spencer was the only daugh-
ter Of the well known Col. Hubert Spencer,
one of the wealthiest planters Of Mississippi.
The Colonel was a fiery blooded gentle
man of the old school in those days, "before
the war" of which we are speaking. His
grandfather was an intimate and trusted
friend Of Washington. His father was
Brigadier General in the last war with Great
Britain, and the Colonel himself was agrad-
uate Of West Point, and one Of the most
dashing and daring officers under old
Rough and Ready" in the picnic ola war
which we had with Mexico a generation
ago.
Col. Spencer was the leader in some of
tie most daring exploits south of the Rio
Grande. He was complimented more than.
once in the official dispatches, and bril-
liant military career-that is, as the state Of
the country permitted, was before him, had
he chosen to adopt the military profession;
but through the Colonel, would have pre-
ferred fighting to eating, he resigned his
commission in the army and went home to
his plantation in Mississippi. He knew
clamoring and chatter clawing for positions
in the army, and he preferred they should
have them, especially as he saw prospect
of lengthy peace before the country, q
period Of idleness for the army, which
would fret such high soul as his to death.
He perceived all this, we say, and went
back to his plantation on the Mississippi,
and devoted himself to his family.
The latter consisted of his only son and
daughter. Hubert, named, of course, after
himself, was in his second year at West
Point; the wife was dead long ago; and
Geraldine presided over her household.
One reason why, perhaps, there was such
a strong affection between father and
daughter was because they were SO much
alike. She was high spirited, as independ-
ent and as proud as he She was as beau
tiful as an hour, with her wealth of jet black,
waving hair, her brilliant com olexion, her
marvellous eyes, her matchless figure, her
patrician features, and her wonderful grace
Of voice and manner.
Geraldine had numberless admirers and
devotees. Many from the North, where
she had spent couple Of years, and her
sunny South produced myriads, but she
seemed to care for none of them.
The Colonel used to chide her at times
for the repeated snubbings she gave her call
ers, without regard to their social position
and standing. She would leave them at
any time, and 60 with her father on tramp
through the woods or fishing in the river.
After all, there is nothing so captivating
in pretty woman-or any woman for that
matter-as an absolute independence of
character, an independence which preserves
ones self respect at all times, and humbles
the pride of the proudest Of the lords of
creation. 1t is just that sort Of woman that
all are anxious to secure for prize.
One summer afternoon Geraldine and her
father were sitting in the shade Of the long,
low porch which extended in front of their
house. The colonel was smoking his cigar,
and the daughter, who was richly dressed,
was gently rocking back and forth, and look
ing off at the yellow Mississippi, along which
a high decked steamer war laboriously plow-
ing its way.
A close observer would have seen that the
beautiful daughter had some trouble on her
mind. She was uneasy and restless. The
.swaying of her chair was ftful and uneven.
Sometimes she smelled Of the fragrant sprig
of magnolia in her hand in a nervous way,
and her lustrous eyes seemed to be brighter
and more flashing than usual.
But the Colonel noticed nothing; for he
knew the superb poise of his daughter SO
well, that he did not believe anything short
of an earthquake could disturb it.
So he continued placidly smoking his CT
gar, while his paper rested idly on his lap,
and he looked of toward the Mississippi.
Suddenly he rose up.
Where is Sydney?' he abruptly asked.
Il left him q while ago, and he has not
gone home yet. thought would like to
sit down few minutes with you"
Il am glad to have you, my daughter: but
it does seem to me that you treat
some Of your callers with rudeness.''
''Then if I were they,'' said the proud
r1 %1,. 1t,S $k0r 1so fN 1a7r
wouldn't make callers of myself"
I should think not, commented the
colonel, with little sniff at the curious
expression she flung at him: II have very
high regard for Sydney, Geraldine"
''Have your" she asked with an indiffer-
ence, which, in reality, was assumed, though
her father did not perceive it. ''What is
there about him for you to admire?"
''Well, he is the only surviving son of my
intimate deceased friend, Capt. Williams,
of the army. The captain was one Of the
bravest and noblest men who ever trod this
footstool, aud Sydney's looks and manner
make me feel sure he is simply another
edition of his father. He has a fine educa-
ton, is manly looking, and is going to make
q mark in the world. He has practced law
only two years, and has a reputation as high
as any who are double his years. like
Sydney very much"
More than any one who comes here?"
asked the daughter, holding the magnolia
again to her nose, while she glanced furtive-
" at her unsuspicious father.
SWELL, yes,' he returned; Il can say do.
But why isn't he here?" he added, looking
sharply around.
He is waiting for me-"
Didn't see him dressed up in some
outrageous suit-something to match this
high-bred style Of your ssmake up?" asked
the father, with an amused but puzzled ex-
preston.
''If you saw him at all during the last
1,o,,r VIZ, 1s1 -