Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-10-02
Gales aao Skettkts.
SECOND THOUGHT BEST.

WHY, XNOTd, ucdT IloW gnu all "
see you J" exclaimed young Mrs. Hunt
greeting her friend with loving embrace
"It's always pleasant tn be welcome,
answered Miss Livingston, with bril-
liant smile, which disclosed small. beau
tifully white teeth. and lurking dimple.
a. she returned the embrace, But al
low me to introduce my friend, Mr.. Pow
ers," turning as she spoke, towards 9
handsome young man who had remained
standing In the doorway. He now came
forward. in response to the kind greeting
of his hostess.
I'VE are always happy to meet any
friend of Nora's," said Mrs. Hunt. land
we are especially glad Of visitors during
our sojourn in this place"
at seems like a very pleasant place,
indeed" said MIR. Powers. surveying the
cool, inviting apartment in which they
were assembled, with its rattan furniture.
straw mating, and dainty muslin drape-
ries then letting his eyes roam over the
landscape outside. with its distant ocean
view.
On. the place itself is lovely said Miss
Livingstone. "but so lonely and out of the
way. twelve miles from lemon
mot quite We are only that distance
from civilization" laughed Mrs. Hunt.
But as isolated as though in the will
derness. Only Think" turning to the
gentleman. ''of having the mail come but
once Week, the butcher once-the near
est railway station u mile and half away
mo telegraph"
I'm fact interrupted Mrs. Hunt,
nothing but the charm OF rural loveliness
and heallhful surroundings, with old ocean
near enough for Mr.. Hunt tn enjoy row.
ing and mackerel fishing. But there are
the active reasons for our coming here
pointing as she spoke. to a group of merry
little children ut play on the croquet
ground.
lis it possible that they all belong to
you ~ exclaimed Mr.. Powers, with a
quick, surprised glanced at the pretty.
stylish, youthful looking lady before him
She laughed gaily. Those are my
three treasures" she answered.
Happy the man who has such wife
and family" said Mr.. Powers, with an
ardent glance at beautiful Nora. She did
not see it. however, for with a murmured
excuse, she bad snatched up her hat and
run out upon the lawn for frolic with
the little ones.
The gentleman gazed after her admir-
ingly. "What vivacious, fascinating
girl Miss Livingstone is l envy the man
who Is lucky enough to win her regardr'
''She Is truly winsome, warm-hea rted
maiden. l love her rs well as could
were she an own sister. and her happi.
ness is very dear to me-" said Mrs. Hunt
.'She told me OF the long friendship ex-
isting between you, as we rode out
answered MIR. Powers.
''Have you known her great while ?''
asked the lady. IL do not remember to
have heard her speak OF you"
mo. only met her south last winter.
during brief business tour. But | was
Immediately attracted to her. she seemed
20 like an embodied sunbeam"
.'She had q very bright. sunshiny tenn
permanent" acquiesced Airs. Hunt. "Peo-
pie are always attracted to her."
mo WONDER" was the enthusiastic re-
spouse. Il only saw her a week, bu,
that was long enough for me. DO you
not think young lady of Is ought to
know her own mind il ever P''
Mrs. Hunt was spared an answer BY
the entrance OF Miss Livingstone. with a
girl on either side, and chubby boy baby
In her arms, his haxen head resting agains,
her soft flushed cheek. The afternoon
sunlight fell upon the group, making an
impressive picture. and one that never
faded from Charles Powers memory The
unwouted tenderness in the girls bright
eyes struck deep yearning to the man s
soul, and 8 voice within babe him cry out,
NY wife my own my darling! comet
But conventiouality rules US. We may
not act even upon our better impulses.
Soon Mrs. Hunt Hospitality excused
herself to spread u lunch tor her guests,
we'll knowing that the ride was famous
appetizer, and Miss Livingstone followed
with the children, leaving MIR. Powers to
entertain himself.
Nora" exclaimed Mrs. Hunt, when
they were safely out OF hearing, .'tha,
man Is dead in love with you"
''Nonsence |" replied Nora, blushing
like q rose.
Truth Don't you suppose I can read
the signs Of the times l am sure he mea ms
business"
''He must be fool them" exclaimed
Miss Livingstone. half angrily. "Why
I never saw him half dozen times in NV
life. Does he think any girl would trusl
her future in the hands OF stranger ~
He says . girl OF twenty five ought to
know her own mind. if ever" dryIy re
sponded Mrs Hunt, piling the fresh 6reat
and golder-hued cake In tempting array
''l'm afraid. dear, you've been firtins
again, after all your good resolutions"
Nora colored deeply. IL have CORES
pended with him confess"
Where does he come frome"
Chicago"
Yes, !" defantly.
.fou ought to be ashamed Of yourselfr
said Mre. Hunt. with show Of indigna
ton. -unless. indeed. you intend to &c
cept him."
Accept him !" was the scornful reitera-
uon. II should think an amazing lot of q
nv % leave home and friends, and 20
sway ~ west 70 live with him. No,