The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-06-05
MY WEDDING.

nnQ Out, Dub budL ~ DetWecu 1ucn-
selves, and is none of my business.
A man good enough for Elizabeth and
Janet, and all such ornaments to their
sex, to lay his honest heart at my fool
ish little feet. own that for day or
two the honor almost turned my head.
Then began to consider. had
loved Norman Strong ever since could
remember, and Norman had been my
friend when no one said kind word to
me. The case stood thus: was an
orphan, left to the care of an uncle and
aunt remarkable for that kind of pro-
priety that wins our admiration and
awakens our hearty desire to get away
from it. had a small fortune of $685.
600; that is, was to have it if I Iremain
ed unmarried until I was thirty five, or
if I married before with my uncle's ap-
proval.
Now, uncle did not approve of Nor
man. In fact, uncle never approved OF
any one that 1 liked. But with Stephen
Barker disapproval was out of the ques-
tion. Stephen was the great man and
the good man of our small town. 10
have insinuated that Stephen was not
worthy Of a saint, beauty and an
heiress united ould have been heresy
seriously affecting my uncle's social and
commercial standing. Stephen Bark
er's offer was therefore accepted, and the
next Sunday we walked to church to-
gether.
After this public avowal of our inten-
tions the marriage was considered in-
evitable by every person but me. L
must do myself the justice to state that
I never regarded my enga cement to
Stephen seriously, it was part of plan
to secure my happiness and rights. And
as Stephen fully coincided in it 1 do not
expect censure from any else.
1 think it was no later than the third
night after Stephen had spoken to my
uncle that I frankly told him that I
thought I ought not to marry him. He
asked me why, and said, "All my
life long, Stephen, I have been crush
ed, unhappy girl. 1 have been afraid
to speak, or laugh, or sing and no one
but Norman Strong ever said kind
word to me until you came"
"And you love Norman? ?" he asked
bluntly.
So I answered: eyes, love him and
he loves me, and when he got the posi-
ton of cashier in your bank he wanted
to marry me, but uncle said we were
neither of us to be trusted with my
$25, ,000."
$50 you have $25, ,OO0."
"Papa left me that much; but Uncle
Miles can keep it until am thirty five,
unless marry to please him, or unless
he is so satisfied of my good sense that
he voluntarily gives it up to me. He
will never do that"
Stephen was silent long time and
then he said, little sadly: "You are a
good girl to be so honest with me. If
your uncle could be made to give up
your little fortune do you think you
could use it wisely?"
"I could-with Norman to help me-"
Then we had long conversation,
which it is not necessary for me to re-
peat; it will be understood by what fol-
lows. There was no change apparently
between Stephen and I. He behaved
exactly as lover of his age and charac-
ter would be likely to behave. He
sent Aunt presents from his lighthouses,
and he made me presents of pretty jew
slry. He spent the evenings at Uncle
Miles house, and sometimes we were
eft alone together, and sometimes we
vent out for walk. Norman came to
ne occasionally on Sunday night, and
ny aunt said he had really behaved |
With more good sense than she expected. |
think she thought that if married
he banker it might not be bad thing
or my Cousin Malvina, who was very
,lain, to marry the bankers cashier.
Everything went on with the greatest
,ropriety. 1 had announced my inten-
ion to have an extraordinary trousseau,
md this being point on which aunt
ould feel with me, the next four
months were pleasantly spent in shop
ling and sewing. Never in our little
own had there been seen such dozens
# elegantly trimmed undergarments,
uch lingerie, such hosiery, such morn
ng dresses and evening costumes, such
gonderful boots and slippers and jew
Try. We held little receptions every
fternoon month before the wedding,
nd my wardrobe was laid out in the
est bedroom for comment and inspec-
ion.
1t was about this time thar Stephen
Barker said to my uncle: IL under
tand Frances has $25. 900. I wish her
D have it so settled on herself, and for
er own absolute use, that 1 propose,
Ir. Miles, if you are willing, to add
10 900 to it, and buy for her the Stam-
ord estate. 1t is only three miles from
ere, the house is a very fine one, the
md excellent, and then, whatever
hanges come, it secures her q compe-
,ncv, for as soon as the railway is fin
he'd it will be worth double. Whatdo !
OH say?
"I think your offer extremely gener- I
is, Mr.. Barker, and of course for such !
nurpooa on, willing to hand over to ,