Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-02-13

az will take your advice, but 1 am
inclined to accept MI. Smith-White's
OFFER" she added, casting down her
| eyes and growing a 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"
'tDown on your knees, and thank
heaven, fasting, for a rich mans love-"
quoted Lillian, the beauty, on the mat
ter being explained to her. i'll the abso-
lutte need of her usually self-reliant
sister for a confidante.
Thus encouraged by her family, Miss
Madison accepted her fate. In return
for her complaisance she received a
rapturous (registered) letter of thanks,
inclosing a magnificent diamond be-
trothal ring. Mr.. Smith-White passion
ately deplored his hard luck in being
obliged to embark without s%natching
one brief interview with his betrothed,
but his ship was sailing that night,
and he had no time to come down to
Norwood.
Miss Madison's circumstances hav-
ing undergone this startling change,
the position of humble companion,
even to a lady of title, appeared in
appropriate to her. The Dowager
Lady Dumbledon, being apprised of
recent events, graciously released her
from her engagement, and, further
more, invited her to spend a few days
on a friendly visit. Being a kind old
lady, with romantic proclivities, the
dowager even gave the bride-elect
many pretty little presents, out Of
sheer benevolence toward a girl about
to do so we'll for herself. 1t was
Madge's first realization of the great
truth, that to those who have Cor 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 bust
ness should be accomplished, and
he should at last be able to return and
claim his bride. He began to give del
icate and practical hints about the
trousseau necessary to be got together,
which he wished should betit the posi-
ton which his dearest Madge would
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 would be a matter for future con-
sideration between himself and Colonel
Madison. He particularly desired that
his wife should come to him handsome
ly equipped for the round of country
house visits he meant to take her inn
mediately after the first few weeks of
the honeymoon was owe Miss Madi-
son, upon this, went to the best peo-
pie, and ere long had ordered a trous-
seau of modest and recherche magniti-
II The letters of her lover became
more ardent. He begged that the mar
rage might take place at Easter, when
he calculated he would have Just
reached England. Let not false del
icacy, he implored his dearest Madge,
prevent her acccding to his wishes on
this point.
Miss Madison had no false delicacy,
and the point was conceded. ENpecta-
ton in the bosom of the little circle at
Norwood rose high; for Mr.. Smith
White was or his way lone via India,
whittier his miserable affairs dragged
him. In a few weeks a letter came an
nouncing that he had reached Paris,
where he was just stopping Ell PEASANT
to buy a few pretty tritles for his bride.
Then came a 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-traveling and over-excitement.
After this came a short telegram an
%nouncing his death.
Terrible, terrible downfall of high
hopes. Was ever any girl so much to
be pitied? Madge Madison turnedwhite
to her very lips with the shock Of the
news. She walked blindly out of the
room, up the shabby stairs. and. lock-
ing herself alone in her bedroom, sat
down to face the awful collapse of her
bright expectations.
The next day brought some anchor
alton of the situation to Colonel Madi-
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
hurriedly-prepared will, leaving every
thing he possessed to his beirothed
wife. He had expressed a wish that
the whole Madison family should pro-
vide themselves with proper mourning,
and be present at his funeral. which
was to take place at Kensal green the
following Thursday. The writer stated
that he was making all necessary az
rangements, and should start for Lon
don With the remains that night.
The widowed bride-elect seemed
stunned by the extent of her misfortune
in losing thus cruelty the best and most
generous OF men. Her plying sisters
procured her mourning. and their own,
from the same 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 that? Was this a time to
haggle over the price of needful gar
ments to do honor to the memory Of a
noble-hearted benefactor?
Thursday morning saw the whole
FAMILY arrayed in their sables ready to
set out on their mournful journey. A
coach from tho Onornct ohmoStor:c