The Labor enquirer., 1883-03-03

phur she entirely captiYated the hearts
of the susceptible Southerners and be-
fore she had been there week she had
many devoted admirers.
Poor Mrs. Barton was now seriously
alarmed, for fear Nora would form some
attachment, and Philip lose his chance.
She was really fond Of the girl, and de-
sired to have her for daughter-in-law,
as much for the sake of her cheerful
company and Sweet disposition, as for
her wealth. She knew that Gen. Brad
flute would refuse his daughter moth
/ ing, and would sanction any marriage
she might choose to make, So Mrs.
Barton again wrote to Philip, who, she
supposed by that time landed in New
York; to hasten down to the White
Sulphur springs, and secure the little
heiress. In reply she received the fol-
lowing curt letter from her undutifuI
son:
Dear Mother-I am sorry I cannot
Oblige you by marrying Miss Bradtute.
The idea is extremely distasteful to me,
and as sulphur water and mountain
air don't agree with me, [ shall not Join
you in Virginia, but dispose Of myself
otherwise for the rest Of the summer.
Address me at the club.
"YOur afectionate son,
PHILIP"
Meantime Nora had been flirting in
her innocent way, dancing innumerable
German cotlllions, taking innumerabIe
romantic walks, breaking innumerable
southern hearts She had quite put the
unpleasant thought Of Philip Barton and
his probable advent out Of her. mind,
when one day Mrs Barton recalled him
to her memory in anything but way
which was acceptable to the young lady.
MY DEAR" said her old friend, follow
ing her into the long drawing room,
where she was going with lot Of young
people for an impromptu dance. my
dear Nora, I have something of real i'm
portance to say to you. Would you
mind coming with me to my room?"
Is anything the matter with papa? ?"
asked Nora, in sudden fright.
"No dear child. 1t is about yourself"
"What have I done now ?" pouted
Nora, rather pettishIy.
"You have done nothing as yet, but I
must warn you against the attentions of
these strange men" She had drawn
Nora away from her companions, and
they were now walking on the gallery.
II know them all very we'll, they are
not strange" said the little cosmopoi-
tan.
"But, Nora, Mr. De la Roche pays you
entirely too much attention: people will
begin to say you are engaged to him."
"Oh, nonsense" cried Nora.
1T is not nonsense, my dear. And I
do Wish you would be more careful.
Philip will soon be here"
"WelI, and what then ." said Nora,
sauciIy
Il had hoped you would feel some
particular interest in my son, Nora. I
have written to hink that it would be
great pleasure to me to have you for my
own daughter, and Philip is coming on
at once to see you"
TO see me, and to marry me, I sup
pose, exclaimed Nora,..in great scorn.
'If he finds you all I have described
you to him, dear child; but if you per
sIst in allowing Mr.. De la Roche"
Mrs Barton did not have a chance to
finish her sentence. Nora broke away
from her and ran into the house, and
up to her room as fast as her little feet
would carry her. And when Mrs. Bar
ton followed her, in all haste, Nora re-
fused to hear anything she had to say,
but declared in the most vehement and
positive manner, that she would leave
the White Sulphur the next morning.
Il will not stay here 10 be looked at
by Philip Barton. Nothing in the world
would induce ME to marry him, And
am going to join my friend, Mrs. Pres
>ton, at Newport. You have been very
kind tome ma'am, and l am very sen
sibte Of your goodness bat think you
have taken very great liberty in offer
ing me to your soE, Mr.. and Mrs.
Thornton are going away from here TO-
morrow, and l shall ask them to permit
me to 90 under their care"
And nothing poor Mrs. Bartpn could