The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1883-07-07
HOW SHE MARRIED HIM.

Harriet Bnckthorne had survived, by
considerable period, whatever of femi-
nine charms and graces she might have
once possessed. when handsome for
tune dropped down upon her as if from
the clonds II, the riches come , score
OF years sooner there is no telling what
might have been. lIarriet's attractions
had never been, so to speak, dazzling.
But twenty years have great potency
in turning dimpes into wrinkles and
lines of beauty into crows feet. And
many an adventurous Culebs who might
have found Miss Bnckthorne a match
not unacceptable, with such fortune at
twenty. five, passed her by at five and
forty, saved from the sin of covetousness
by the reflection that she and her money
were inseparable conjuncts. Even Top
ham Gynblaney, the daily problem of
whose life was to keep adjusted the bal
ance between a very moderate income
and quite expensive tastes, and who
looked upon Il thrifty marriage as the
goal of human wishes, after few visits
Of reconnaissance to Harriet, which left
him in little doubt that he had but to say
the word to receive a gracious answer,
left the word unspoken.
Mr.. Gynblaneys visits had ceased for
some weeks when message came one
day that Miss Buckthorne was quite ill
had fallen into decline, in fact-and
had been given up by DR.. Croke. She de-
sired to see Mr.. Gynblaney and such
other friends as might wish to bid her
farewell, ere she started on that journey
whence there is no return. OF course
there was no refusing such requst
Decorously clad in solemn black, and
with face put on to match, Topham
Gynblaney presented himself at the inva-
lids door.
GLOW is she, doctor?' he inquired
gravely, of dried up little man, who
met him at the threshold with Il count
enance in which was lined whole homi-
ly on the vanity of hope.
Sinking rapidly" DR.. Croke re-
piled. Those who wish to see her alive
have no time to spare"
"There is no chance for her, then ,"
I" Not the slightest. Constitution
gone-nervous system shattered-luugs
collapsed - no recuperative force no
How long do you think she'll last -
interrupted Topham, anxi"usly.
Eight and forty hours at the furth
est; more likely less than half of it.
Would you like to see herr asked the
doctor.
81 called for that purpose, returned
the other.
Let me apprize her of your presence,
said the doctor.
In her present state any sudden sur
prise might prove fatal"
After brief absence the doctor re-
turned.
"This way" he said, leading the WISH
tor to the sick room.
Mr.. Gynblaney was shocked at the
spectacle that met him. Ills heart, we
have limited, was pretty tough. But
tough as it was, it was touched at the
sight of that pale, emaciated face
enough of itself to dispel all doubt of
the truth of the doctors predictions.
is-very-kind-of you, Top
Mr.. Gynblaney, | mean" the sick
lady murmnred, Il spasmodic cough in
terrupting her words. Mr.. Gynblaney
took the chair placed for him at the bed
side, and clasping in his own the thin
hand extended to welcome him, returned
its trembling pressure.
The doctor and the nurse retired to
prepare posset for the patient, leaving
the latter and Mr.. Gynblaney alone.
81 trust you will be better soon," said
MIR. Gynblaney, with we'll meant hypoc-
risy.
past-hoping - for" was
the scarcely audible answer.
Doctor-Croke- has tOld-me-the
worst
DR.. Croke. we may remark, always