The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1883-01-25
HE FAILED TO WIN,

it was from his mother.
Where the hot dusty road led through
a furlong OF cool shady wood, he paused
to read it, sheltered by the spreading
branches of noble century oak, and
there was decided frown on his good
looking face as he folded the missive
impatiently and transferred it to his
pocket
when is thee coming home, Stephenf" she
had asked but it was not that direct question
that had caused him such evident annoyance
Thee knows that am but poor company for
little Lefty" she had added, land it is hardly
cavsler-lil1e in thee to leave her to her own
devices when she so kindly consented to visit
us Another reason: others besides thyself
have found out that she is fair. As for this
Miss Winthrop, fear that she would make too
learned wife for thee. Lefty is a perfect lit
tie house-mistress, and would make thee a
sweet and comely partner for life. Remember
that others have found out the Whereabouts
of our treasure, and do not complain in after
time that 1 did not warn thee in season.
THY MOTHER
"P5hawn' muttered Steve, switching
off the heads of the inoffensive yellow
dandelions with the tip of his slender
cane; lone would positively think, by
the way mother writes. that there wasn't
another girl in the world like Lefty
Not that she isn't pretty enough little
thing, and her 'housewifery,' as the wo-
men folks call it, beyond question; but
a man doesn't always want to marry a
woman because she's a good cook. At
any rate, Becky Winthrop is worth a
dozen like her."
Now, dinner not i,roparod TO the
last degree of nicely had been known to
throw young Mr.. Stephen Landor into
such state of mind that he could not
be beguiled into smile for the rest of
the day, it may be thought that his con-
cluding remarks were a little inconsist-
ent.
1t should also be written that he had
never yet mustered courage enough to
address Miss Winthrop by her christian
name, not feeling exactly assured as to
the manner in which that young lady
might be inclined to receive the famili-
arity. 1t was only in the solitude of his
own company that he ventured to desig-
nate her as Becky Winthrop"
The person last named occupied q
dainty willow rocker on the hotel piaz-
"a as Steve came up the steps, TALL
slim girl dressed in the plainest and best
fitting of dark cashmere dresses, finish
ed at the neck with band of snowy
linen.
Her hair was dark, and, ruffled over
her forehead by the cool ocean breezes
that fairly ran riot at this pretty seaside
resort. formed fitting frame for the
delicately cut features. Her eyes were
large and of clear grey. As for the
rest, Miss Winthrop was from Boston,
and wore glasses.
Eight weeks before, Steve Landor had
presented himself as a guest at the ho-
tel, just as the world of Nature was put
ting off its June robes.
A low fever contracted the previous
spring while camping out with some
choice spirits in the wilds of the Adiron-
dacks, necessitated, in his opinion, q
change of air. Hence his coming.
The first time he went out he ran
against an old acquaintance.
How do, Steve?" said this youth,
laconically putting out his hand.
''How do?" returned Steve with equal
cordiality.
Know any of the people?" he en-
quired.
No" answered Steve, with shade
more of interest in his manner. ''Are
you acqua;nted:?'
"Well. rather assuming an easy air
of superiority. You can sum 'em all
up in few words. There's lots of mar
ried women and widows, most of 'em
young and pretty enough to care for a
sly Irritation. There are old Dobbs the
bankers daughters, splendid dancers
girls, homely, with lots of tin. Then
81. II. Il
more than forty, and Miss Winthrop"
'And what is she like?n queried
Steve. with suppressed curiosity.
Now, my dear boy, you have me"
answered his friend, brushing the dust
from the tip of his patent-leather shoe
with affectionate solicitude. ''She?-
Well, she reads in three languages, and
knows all about chemicals, and rocks,
and things, and can talk like Greek
professor when she can button-hole any
one who knows enough to understand
her. She is q Bostonian; and Hunter
heard De Haas, the noted geologist, say
that her intellect would do credit to any
man."
Hem! She's a spinster then, with
corkscrew curls, and look of general
| blueness about her."
''Oh no, indeed! She is not exactly
4 handsome, but there's not woman in
the place who can copy her style. De
| cided air of culture, you know, and all
that. But she has away, metaphorical-
ly speaking. of sitting down suddenly
on one, that is anything but pleasing to
fellows vanity-and, 1 say, old boy,
| she dolIt t like menu
Young, cultured, and averse to male
socieEy," summed up Steve reflectivelv.
''why, she must be a curiosity! I'll
make her acquaintance" And he did.
As l have before intimated, Stephen
Landor possessed more than the average
share of good looks; added to which, he
came of gooe old Quaker stock, had
travelled and read q little in a dasnl.