The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1884-10-11
HOW 1 WON MY WIFE.

The opening of the Grand Industrial
Exposition had brought me to the city
in the early part Of the spring of 1879.
Tired from long standing and walking
around; more tired still by the shows
and wonderful exhibitions of the
mighty progress of civilization at home
displayed at this exposition, turned
my steps homeward one afternoon
earlier than usual. had taken leave
Of my friends, making an engagement
for reunion later on in the evening,
and directed my course to one of the
quiet quarters of the city in which my
hotel was situated. The less frequent
the bazars and shop-windows became
so much mora insignificant became the
number of foot passengers on the
streets. But it seemed to me a much
more stylish looking part of the
city than the public drives Of the
central portion, because here the high,
grave-looking houses were either Gov
ernment offices OF were inhabited by
city officials or wealthy private citizens.
Before me walked for some distance
young and elegantly attired lady. AT
a curve of the street succeeded in
getting fleeting glimpse of her profile,
and felt myself thereby urged to
observe carefully even the knot of
golden, blonde, sunshiny hair, half
covered by the dark English hat, as
well as the extremely delicate, grace
full figure of the still youthful girl.
Suddenly her step faltered, she half
turned, fingered for moment, and then
walked hastily toward me, past me,
back over the road by which she had
just come. Not far ahead of us came
sauntering along an officer, with lady
on his arm, gayly chatting and laugh
ing. Could they have frightened my
Unknown A sudden interest stirred
within me; l wished to gain some In
sight into her strange conduct, and
therefore made hasty turn, following
her and keeping only few PAGES
behind.
Then saw how she pressed the
little clinched hand passionately to her
heart, and with tears in her violet eyes
and a half sad, half scornful expires
sion, murmured something to herself
which my excited imagination fancied
to be-"O, foolish heart, why art thou
not quiet; why mounts the blood to my
cheek and compels me to turn back lest
1 betray myselfI'
This childish ebullitlon moved me
unconsclously, and feeling of jealousy
stole over me against that officer whom
l had involuntarily thought of in con-
nection with this young girl. If had
only dared to address her; but that
could not bring myself to do. She
evidently belonged to the first-class of
society, and nothing was further from
my thoughts than desire to insult or
intrude upon her. But fortune favor
ed me. A small package which she
had hitherto carried slipped from her
arm without her having remarked 1t.
Quickly 1 picked it up and gave it back
to its fair owner. with a few polite
words. She looked at me with sur
prised, somewhat naughty glance, as
remained standing before her rather
longer than was absolutely necessary.
Her large, violet, childlike eyes were
still filled with tears, and the delicate
face was deathly pale.
ST thank you," she said, briefly, TAX
ing the package from my hand. But l
did not allow myself to be dismissed
thus quickly,
"You are not well, my dear young
lady," said l; twill you not command
my servicesP" Something in my voice,
perhaps also my quiet, respectful
manner, seemed to inspire her with
confidence. She looked at me with
wonder in her beautiful, fearful eyes,
and said, less curtly than before
"You are very kind, sir. l would
like to have droschke."
I bowed, and while she stood at the
window of flower store, hurried
down the street, and soon found an
empty vehicle, in which l Ioyfully, and
with gentle feeling OF expectation of
what would happen next drove bac& to
my little Unknown.
Meanwhile she had regained her
self command; only. her hand yet
trembled as she in entering the carri-
age LAID it lightly in mine, and it felt
ice-cold through her glove.
"Your residencep" l asked. She
named one of the elegant streets in the
west end, and as called the address
to the coachman knew how certain
would be not to forget 1t myself.
closed the carriage door; she then bow
ed her lovely head at the open window
and thanked me for my service; but
she spoke contasedly, and in her en-
harrsAmsnt her pale cheeks colored