The Florida agriculturist., 1885-02-04

Immediately starting for Australia, and
would keep him out of England for a
year. Whould she forgive his precipi-
tate wooing out of charity for the vio-
lence of his passion for her, and promise
to become his wife as soon as he return
ed home ?'
This, denuded of many passionate ex
pressions of regard, was the substance
of the letter.
Miss Madison carried it to her father.
"What shall you do, child?" he asked
anxiously.
''I will take your advice, but am in
clined to accept Mr.. Smith Whites of
fer" she added, casting down her eyes
and growing little pale.
"You were always a most sensible
girl, Madge, and to be trusted about your
own affairs. Accept him by all means
if you feel you can"
"Down on your knees, and thank
heaven, fasting, for rich mans love-"
quoted Lillian, the beauty, on the mat
ter being explained to her, in the abso-
lutte need of her usually self-reliant sis
ter for a confddnte.
Thus encouraged by her family, Miss
Madison accepted her fate. In return
for her complaisance she received rap
turous-registered of thanks en-
closing magnificent diamond betrothal
ring. Mr.. Smith White passionately de-
plored his hard luck in being obliged to
embark without snatching one brief in
terview with his betrothed, but his ship
was sailing that night and he had no
time to come down to Norwood.
Miss Madison's circumstances having
undergone this startling change, the po-
sition of humble companion, even to a
lady of title, appeared inappropriate to
her. The dowager Lady Dumbledon,
being apprised of her recent events, gra-
ciously released her from her engage
ment, and, furthermore, invited her to
spend few days on friendly visit. Be-
ing kind old lady, with romantic pro-
clivities, the dowager even gave the
bride-elect many pretty little presents,
girl about to do so we'll for herself. 1t
was Madge's first realization of the great
truth, that to those who have-or 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 ac-
dllNl llC OIIOulI OC ctO lctoO uO1C
to return and claim his bride. He began
to give delicate and practical hints about
the trousseau necessary to be got togeth-
er, which he wished should befit the po-
sition which his dearest Madge should
occupy as his honored and cherished
wife. Let no scruples, he begged, on
the score of economy restrain her in her
preparations. The paying of the bills
oo,1ld ha fOr. fr1t,
ton between himself and Colonel 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 Immediately
after the first few weeks of the honey
moon were over. Miss Madison upon
this went to the best people, and ere
long had ordered trousseau of modest
and recherche magnificence. The letters
of her lover became more and more ar
dent. He begged that the marriage
might take place at Easter, when he
calculated he would have just reached
England. Let not false delicacy, he i'm
plored his dearest Madge, prevent her
acceding to his wishes on this point.
Miss Madison had no false delicacy,
and the point was conceded. EXpecta-
ton in the bosom of the little cir
Gle at Norwood rose high; for Mr..
SmithWhite was on his way home via
India, whittier his miserable affairs drag
ged him. In few weeks letter came
announcing that he had reached Paris,
where he was just stopping en- possdm
to buy few pretty trifes for his bride.
Then came break of three days in the
correspondence, followed by a letter
from an English friend of Mr.. Whites,
who had met him at his hotel, telling of
his sudden illness, brought on by over
travelling and over-eXcitement. After
this came a short telegram announcing
his death.
Terrible, terrible downfall 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 blindly out of the
room, up the shabby stairs, and locking
herself alone in her bedroom, sat down
to face the awful collapse of her bright
expectations.
The next day brought some ameliora-
ton of the situation to Colonel Madison,
though his poor daughter could hardly
be expected as yet to take comfort in it..
The same friend wrote to say that his
fellow-countryman's last act had been to
sign hurriedly prepared will, leaving
everything he possessed to his betrothed
wife. He had expressed wish that the
whole Madison family should provide
themselves with proper mourning and
be present at his funeral, which was to
take place at Kensal green on the fol-
lowing Thursday The writer stated that
he was making all necessary arrange
ments, and should start for London that
night.
The widowed bride elect seemed stunn-
ed by the extent of her misfortune in
losing thus cruelty the best and most
generous of men. Her pitying sisters
procured her mourning and their own
from the same celebrated artists who
had executed the wedding order. The