The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1884-06-28
A NARROW ESCAPE.
BY GEORGE ". SYMONDS.

eyed Herbert or the dark-eyed Alfred ?
Which is to be, fair coz?"
Beatrice Schubert asked the question,
III her customary languid voice; but her
gray eyes shone with more than ordin-
airy interest as she raised herself from
the fauteuil on which she had been re-
Ginning and faced her pretty cousin,
Madelon Berg.
Il do not know" answered Madelon,
lifting her liquid blue eyes to her
Cousins face Sometimes 1 think I
like one best, and again l prefer the
other"
What is that old adage? Z could
love either were the t'other dear charm
er away That applies to our sex, but
it will fit in this case. Is there no ia
vored one?"
Again [ say, MOI Both gentlemen
have asked the privilege of making me
happy for life, and to both | have given
the same answer"
You are to be envied," said Beatrice,
rising, and shaking out the folds of her
dress. Not yet eighteen, and with two
lovers, both ardent and imprisoned,
and each equally clamorous for your
y
than gave you credit for in being able
to keep them both at bay"
1t required no tact" said Madelon.
Il told them both that I must first con-
suit my grandfather, and both were
willing to leave their claims to his de-
clslon. respect and admire Mr.. Her
bert Darnell, and l have an equally
good opinion of Mr.. Alfred Costa. I
believe either of them would make a
woman happy"
Il never had lover" said Beatrice.
musingly, and with something of regret
IN her tone; but if two men asked me
to marry them, l should not waste much
time in deciding between them. / have
no wish to make martyr of myself on
the altar of single blessedness."
Your disposition is totally unlike
mine" said Madelon, as Beatrice swept
from the room. Besides, / promised
Grandpa Berg that I would allow him
to decide the momentous question for
me II 1t ever arose"
How preposterous said Beatrice,
on the threshold, and she closed the
door.
The two girls were orphans, and pros
pective heirs.
Grandfather Berg, whose great watch
factory I'D Berne, Switzerland, is one of
the wonders of that quaint city, had
declared his intention of making these
two girls, his nearest living relatives,
heirs to his handsome fortune.
Their parents had died when they
were young, and Grandfather Berg had
a of
They had been educated at a fash
lonable academy at Jena, Germany, and
after the completion of their education,
had spent season of travel on the
continent under the chaperonage of
Nine. Jumel, who had been Grand
father Berg's housekeeper for many
years.
In Paris, at a ball given by a PROM
inent American, they had met Her
bert Darnell and Alfred Costa.
Both gentlemen were well recon-
mended, and both speedily laid court
to the younger of the cousins, blue
eyed, Maggie Berg, whose beauty was
OF that SOFT German type so common
IN the fatherland, and which had won
Tor her warm place in the heart of
the old SWISS German grandfather.
Some day, pretty Madelon," he had
SAID to her, you VIII marry and leave
the old grandfather. Make no de-
clslon without consulting me, for I
want to see you happily settled, and
marriage, once entered upon, is ire
vocable."
Madelon had promised, therefore,
to be guided by his cooler and ripper
Judgment in selecting life partner.
When the two lovers followed her
to her Western home, from whose
windows she could overlook the
waters of the broad Ohio, and each
selecting favorite opportunity had
told the story of their love, and begged
her to make them happy, she had told
them frankly of her promise to Grand
father Berg, and both had left her
equally disappointed and equally con-
hdent OF ultimately winning her hand.
Grandfather Berg was in New York
attending to some business in connec-
ton with his American trade, but he
had telegraphed them he would reach
Willow Grove, the pretty villa in which
they lived, that night, and after Be-
atrlce had left for her afternoon horse
back ride Madelon had the pony pha-
elton brought around to the door.
just as the great red sun, sinking be-
meath the horizon, bathed the bosom of
the river III its golden light, she stepped
INTO the tiny wicker carriage, and seiz-
ing the reins, the spirited ponies
dashed down the broad gravel roadway.
ana covered the distance between viii
low Grove and the railway station in a
very few minutes.
grandfather Berg was on the train.
ana ne greeted his pretty grandchild
atfectionately.
L received your letter." he said. as
ne took seat beside her in the phae-
lon' ana am SO glad you remembered
your promise to me. You forgot, how
ever TO mention the names of the two
knights who desire to make nv little
girl their lady" '''0
how stupid of mel" said Madelon,
whipping up the ponies; and then she
oiushed. We met them both in Paris
ast winter. They came to us highly
recommended Mr.. Herbert Darnell il
one and MIR. Alfred Costa the other"
AT mention of the names the old man
started, and his keen eyes were bent ON
his granddaughter's face. -
Now, tell me frankly, little girl
which is the favorite," he said.
nave tried to decide" she answered,
Eput cannot. They are totally unlike
IN temperament, but both are very
pleasant gentlemen"
Anal" unused the rich matchmaker.
Il think we can decide the matter be-
tween US. When are they to call
AGAIN."
Tonight and I will introduce you
to them"