The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-11-14

the disparity of our ages, instead of endeav-
oring to make the difference as little as
possible. In fact, she seemed to treat me
more as son than as future husband
Feelings of delicacy prevented me from
asking her to allow me to remove the
Chelsea to my house before | had paid the
price due for it, and quite blushed with
shame when one day she handed me the
key of the cabinet and with meaning
smile begged I would take charge of it to
insure the safety of the articles | SO highly
priced.
"The course of our affection ran very
smoothly for about three months. I had
quite recovered my health, and 1 may say
was placidly happy. If, at times, while
sitting with my elderly bride-elect, and
hearing her, it may be, complain of some
ailment which she candidly attributed to
advancing years, did feel twinge of re-
gret, had but to turn to the four cups
and saucers, the cream jug, and the two
dishes, and it vanished
"But Fate and Miss Crofton had other
views for me, although little suspected
them"
according to custom, one afternoon l
paid my usual visit to my future spouse,
and was surprised as entered the house
to hear the sound of piano. / knew
something of music, so at once became
aware that the instrument was played with
great skill, and much wondered who the
performer might be. had not as yet dis
covered that my Lesbia possessed musical
talent The maid opened the door of the
drawing-room, the music ceased, and |
walked in and found myself face to face
with one of the loveliest girls [ had ever
met. Perhaps the surprise, the contrast,
when saw her instead of the middle-aged
lady expected to greet, made this, stran-
ger look even more charming could re-
alize only at first bright young face, with
masses of light hair around it, turned to
see who entered, and wellmoulded figure
showing to great advantage as she sat be-
fore the piano. Her dress was of simple
black, but well and becomingly made, and
as she rose when I entered could see she
was over middle height.
"Women always behave with less awk
wardness then men in chance meetings; so
while l stood and stammered some words
of apology, she advanced with perfect ease,
and said:
"'Mr. Headly, am surel My aunt
told me to expect you. She has gone out
for short time, but hoped you would wait
until her return.
81 was ouly to pleased to accept the in
vitation so frankly given, and, recovering
my self-possession, in a few minutes was
in full swing of chat with my Lesbia's
niece.
''I found her an unaffected girl, full of
spirits, and looking forward to the pleasures
of stay in town.
II suppose you will stay some timer |
asked your presence will quite brighten
Miss Crofton's house.
az shall stay as long as ever my aunt
will keep me- she replied. Isn't she a
dear old soul, Mr.. Headly?'
II WINGED, and began to realize that my
situation was painful one.
"'She is SO antiquated," she continued,
'and yet so romantic in many things
II felt more foolish than ever, and for
the sake of saying something, remarked:
q Il wonder she did not tell me you were
coming. / suppose she meant to surprise
me-
az suppose so. But l assure you she
has talked to me great deal about you,
Mr. Headly. You appear to be great
friends. Quite Irritation, | tell her.
"I colored up to my ears, but managed
to say
" Then 1 conclude her report of me has
been favorable
az shan't betray her confidence, Mr..
Headley; and, any way, it would have no
weight with me, as l prefer to form my
own opinions
Gas 1 felt we were getting on delicate
ground, [ begged her to resume the music
my coming had cut short.
"She played a piece of Chopin's with
great feeling and brilliancy, and then, at
my request, sang couple of ballads. Her
voice was sweet and well trained-alto-
gether she was very charming niece-to-be.
"'Do you play or sing? she asked.
an Indifferent critic, who understands music
enough to praise when pleased
"'Ah, I forgot; you are a great china
collector
"And as she spoke it struck me that
this was the first time l had ever been In
side this room and forgotten to look and
assure myself of the safety and well-being
of the cups, saucers, creamjug and dishes.
"And, as the thought of the china
brought other thoughts in its train, | felt
that | would give a great deal to know
whether Miss Crofton had told her niece
everything. Fervently hoped that she
had not done so, as | knew intuitively
: should cut sorry figure in a young girls
eyes.
"During my meditation Lesbia returned,
and instead of appearing jealous and an
} noyed at the capital understanding between
the fair niece and future uncle, smiled and
said
Shall 1 introduce you young people,
or have you dispensed with that ceremony
"'Your niece has the advantage of me
in knowing my name, | replied.
Mr.. Robert Headley, let my present
YOU to Miss Ethel Crofton, me favorite
niece, said Lesbia with the politeness of
the old school.
"'After that unnecessary ceremony |
shall go and dress for dinner, said Miss
Ethel Crofton.
~ closed the door after her, and turned
to greet her aunt with the accustomed
salute. Perhaps from the same reason
that the china had lost its charm to-day, L
found that semi-maternal affection was
scarcely satisfying enough, and could not
helping thinking my future bride looked
very aged.
d'Robert, she said-it was, [ believe
| the first time she had used my Christian
name-1 should much prefer that Ethel
r should hear nothing of our engagement at
present. She is young and giddy, and
: might not look upon it in the right light.
( SSI promised secrecy with JOY | could
scarcely conceal At any rate Ethel knew
3 nothing about it as yet.
5 81 dined that evening with the ladies'
: Miss Crofton did the honors in dress Of
$ such antiquated design and material thai
' Ethel openly rallied her upon it. She
. boroalf ,voe beautiful in male blue silk anC