Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1883-02-22
TESTED.

What shall do? How shall act !?
1t is strange, but I really do not quite
know my own heart in this matter
Thus mused Edith Lyle, as she sat in
one of the cozy little rooms Of an ele-
CANT mansion, which the death of her
father had, year previous, made her
own. On the table before her lay
three very interesting epistles, each one
in itself being proposal of marriage;
and the subject of her meditation was
what answer to send to those by whom
they were written.
Her great fear was to become the
wife OF any person who sought her for
her wealth, and to avoid this she was
anxious to adopt any plan.
The three proposals above referred
to had come to her within few days
of each other, no doubt because each
had waited until her father had been
year dead !; and she finally concluded
to reply to each of them in precisely
the same words-namely, desire to
await her decision three months, as
there was certain matter Just then
undecided which might considerably
influence it.
Regarding her three suitors few
words may be said. Mr. Harvey Stan
hope was what may be termed gentle
men of leisure, having no pretension to
any profession whatever, and always
on the alert for enjoyment. One thing
was evident, he was rich any one
could learn that from his extravagant
habits. His father had been wealthy,
and had left him sufficient property to
live as his taste dictated
Mr.. Hugh Oswald was the son of a
retired merchant; retired, some said,
because he had become rich enough to
provide for his family all they required;
others said because Hugh was too in
dolent to continue the business, and
otherwise lacked the proper qualifiea-
tions to do so. Be that as it might,
the father was retired, and the son
leading q life of ease.
The third applicant for the handof
Edith was young doctor" Doctor
Janaac Nortor, tho e;rr of bic <a,oo
door read, and though more humble
than the others, inasmuch as he was
earning his bread by his profession. he
had the claim of priority, for Edith
and he had known each other from
childhood, and strong friendship had
always marked their intercourse with
each other.
AS to appearance, all three were con-
sidered handsome young men, and as
Edith had heard nothing to the con-
trary, she assumed that the character
of each was what that of a gentleman
should be.
"For Sale. Apply to Cummings & Co."
Such was the notice that appeared on
the door Of the Lyle mansion about a
month after Edith had answered
her three proposals, and rather sur
prised Mr.. Oswald, who had come to
Gallon her.
What can this mean?" he said.
"lt's very strange" and he ran up the
steps and pulled the bell vigorously.
No answer, however, came to his
summons, and he finally learned from
the lady next door that Miss Lyle had
ceased to reside there, and had
moved she knew not where.
Disappointed, and somewhat an
noyed that she should move and not
let him know of it, he returned home
and there found note awaiting him,
addressed by the fair hand of Edith.
Hastily opening it he read as fol-
lows: --
MR. HUGH OSWALD:
Dear Sir-As you see from the above ad-
dress, am no longer to be found at my for
mer residence, and fastened to let you
know the reason of my removal. In my re-
ply to your esteemed proposalI said certain
matter, then undecided, might considerably
influence my final answer. The matter re-
terred to was case then pending at law, and
involved the question whether certain secur-
tiles could be collected oil my estate. The
decision is given against me, and by it am
rendered penniless. Fully understanding
the difference in my position now and short
time ago, l am constrained. in justice TO my
self and you also, to regard your recent pro-
posal as not made at all, and forthwith free
you from all obligations connected there
with. am at present living with friends at
the above place, with no particular idea as to
what my future may be. Believe me.
Very sincerely yours, EDITH LYLE.
The following day brought Edith a
letter and two visitors, Mr.. Stanhope
and DIR. Norton. the latter of whom
luckily enough had departed ere the
other arrived. Both of these gentle
men expressed their concern for her
disappointment in regard to the law
suit, but would not allow their pro-
posala 70 be set asideon that ground,