The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-01-27
Select STORY.
From the London Truth.
MISS FALCONS ENGAGEMENT.

MISS FALCONS ENGAGhMhNI'
Mr.. Deeds, of Gray's Inn Square, re-
oarded the widow of his former friend and
client the late Alderman Sir Benjamin
Falcon as severe afiiction. As the act
;D,, trustee of the deceased Alderman
will-his co-trustee being mere nonenlty
-the solicitor was brought into constant
communication with the widow in the way
Of business. Lady Falcon, who was
twenty years younger than her husband
when he married her, was an eXtravagant,
frivolous fighty person, with no notion OF
prudence or economy, and very unrea-
sonable and wayward temper. She and
Mr.. Deeds had been at loggerheads ever
since the death of the Alderman, for the
widow was constantly exceeding her income
and running into debt, and the lawyer was
often driven to his wits end to relieve her
from her embarrassments. Perhaps MIR.
Deeds was wanting in tact and inclined to
be fussv: at all events he contrived to
make Lady Falcon lose her temper when
ever they met, and a visit from her lady
ship was sure to end in a disagreeable
scene. 1t is not surprising, therefore, that
when. on certain afternoon his clerk
brought in Lady Falcons card, MIR. Deeds
should have given vent soto roce to some
very supplementary language.
Show her ladyship in, y he said, when
he had indulged in this refreshment to his
heart content. "Confound her." he add
ed, glancing at the date Indicator on the
shelf 1T wants five weeks to quarter
day I'll not advance her farthing.
Now Mr. Deeds, don't look as black as
thunder" exclaimed the lady, as she en-
tered tn, room in whirlwind of rustling
silks You are not hurt yet, you know.
You have evidently quite made up your
mind what have come about"
"Erpericutiia docet. Pray take seat,
madam, said the lawyer, shaking his head.
Il don't know what you mean by that,
Mr. Deeds. | have not come here to-day
about my own affairs [ think you might
give me credit for not having broken my
promise, returned Lady Falcon, with
some asperity, as she sank into a chair.
Il am denying myself almost the necessaries
of certainly every comfort and luxury
in order to make both ends meet"
This was a figure Of speech, for the AL
derman had left considerable fortune, and
his widow was in comfortable circumstances
even when-as at the present time-her
income was temporarily diminished owing
to her extravaganza. The truth was, that
if Lady Falcon had had fifty times her in
come, she would have contrived to run
through it and land herself in pecuniary
difficulties. Mr.. Deeds was surprised at
her lad dyship's disclaimer, for this was the
first time within his experience that the
object of her visit had not related to her
personal necessities.
Il have not come about myself at all" :"
resumed Lady Falcon in more amiablet tone
Il wish to speak to you about my daughter
Amy. Amy is nineteen, you know, and
she is going to be married"
Indeed That is good news" said
Mr.. Deeds, as he thought of the marriage
settlement. II hope she is making a good
match"
From a worldly point of view, fear
not, replied Lady Falcon. "But after all,
money is not everything, Mr.. Deeds. I
would sooner daughter of mine married
poor man whom she loved than a rich
one whom she only liked, Or perhaps hated. >
every proper sentiments, V remarked the
lawyer, smiling inwardly at the source from
which they emanated.
However, | did not come here to NOR
alize. Fancy moralizing in a lawyers of
flee" exclaimed Lady Falcon, with shrill
laugh. "The fact is, Mr.. Deeds, it is time
for me to begin to think of getting Amy S
trousseau ready. She is to be married in
less than three months; and time passes so
quickly! Now you can imagine how read
lily | would, if could afford it, pay for
the poor child's outfit out of my own in
come. But, alas in my present circum-
stances that is quite out of the question.
And yet she must have trousseau accord
ing to her station in life.
"I-I think, if l recollect rightly, that
there was special provision in your hus-
bands will on that subject" said Mr..
Deeds, putting on his glasses, and produc-
~9py of the document from his safe.
iBafB the marriage Of
~~doaloro