Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1884-12-11


absolute need of her usually self-reli-
ant sister for confidante.
Thus encouraged by her family,
Mss Madison accepted her fate. In
return for her complaisance she re-
ceived arapturous registered letter of
thanks, inclosing a magnificent dia
mond betrothal ring. Mr.. Smith
White rassionately deplortd his hard
luck in being obliged to embark
without snatching one brief interview
with his betrothed, but bis ship was
sailing that night. and he had no time
to come down to Norwood.
Miss Madison's circumstances hay-
ing undergone this startling change,
the position of humble companion,
even to a lady os title. appeared in
appropriate to her. The Dowager
lie DIV Dumbled don, being apprised of
recent events, graciously released her
from her engagement, and, further
more invited her to spend few days
on a friendly visit. Being kind old
lady, with romantic procivltles, the
dowager even gave the bride-elect
many pretty little presents, out of
sheer bcnevolence toward q girl about
TO do so well for herself. 1t was
Madge's first realization of the great
truth, that to those who have Tor are
going to have) much, much shall be
given.
The months flew by. Each mail
brought long, loving letters from the
enamored Smith White, who counted
the days when his hateful business
should be accomplished, and he should
be at last able to return and claim his
bride He began to give delicate
and pr tical hints about the trousseau
necessary to be got together, which
he wished should befit the position
which his dearest Madge would occupy
as his honered and cherished wife.
Let no scruples, he begged, on the
score Of economy restrain her ~ her
preparations. The paying of the bills
could be a matter for future consider
alton between himself and Col. Madi-
son. He particularly desired that his
wife should come to him handsomely
equipped for the round OF country
house visits he meant to take her I'M
mediately after the first few weeks of
the honeymoon we're over. Miss
Madison, upon this, went to the best
people, and ere long had ordered
rousseau of modest and recherche
magnifcence. Theletters Of her lover
be came more ardent He begged that
the marriage might take place at
Easter, when he calculated ho would
have Just reached England. Let not
false delicacy, he implored his dearest
Madge, prevent her scceding to his
wishes on this point.
MISS Madison had no false dellcacy,
and the point was conceded. EX-
pectation in the bosom of the little
circle at Norwood rose hill; for Mr..
Smith-Whith was on his way home
via India, whether his miserable
affairs dragged him. In few weeks
letter came announcing that he had
reached Paris, where he was just
stopping on PEASANT to buy few
pretty trihes for his bride. Then came
break of three days IN the CORE
spondence, followed by letter from
an English friend of Mr. Whites,
who had met him at his hotel, telling
of his sudden illness, brought on by
overtraveing and overexcitement.
After this came a short telegram an
nouncing his death.
Terrible, terrible dawnful Of high
hopes. Was ever any girl so much
to be pitied. Madge Madison turned
white to her very lips with the shock
of the news, She walked blndly out
of the room, up the shabby stairs,
and, locking herself alone IN her bed
room sat down to face the awful
collapse Of her bright expectations.
The next day brought some amel-
ioratlOn Of he situation to Col. Madl-
son, though his poor daughter could
hardly be expected as yet to take com
fort in it. The same friend wrote to
say that his unfortunate fellow-coun-
tryman's last act had been TO sign a
hurridly. prepared will, leaving every
thing he possessed to his betrothed
wife He had expressed wish that
the whole Madison family should pro
vide themselves with proper mourn
ing, and be present at Ais funeral,
which was to take place at Kensal
green the following Thursday. The
writer stated that he was making all
necessary arrangements, and should
start for London with the remains
that night
The widowed bride-elect seemed
stunned by the extent of her misfor-
tune in losing thus cruelty the best
and most generous of men. Her
plying sisters procured her mourn
ing, and their own, from the sa me
celebrated artists who had executed
the wedding order. The fabrics we're
of the richest. Severe and elegant
simplicity in woe is expensive but
what of that1 Was that a time to
haggle over the price Of needful gar
ments to do honor to the memory ofa
noble hearted beuefactor2
Thursday morning saw the whole
family arrayed in their sabIes ready
to set out ON their mournful journey.
A coach from the nearest jobmaster's
the driver being in decent black, so as
to be in harmony with the melancholy
occasion, pulled up at the door The
four black robed young figures, with
I ~