Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1886-11-25

| handsome IN face and form, intelligent. He
was looking after his fathers business in
that section, and made his home for time
at Mr.. Erstein's.
The three Charles were not little dis
turbed in mind, but TO their satisfaction
Beatrice did not apparently notice the
stranger, and their hopes arose again higher
than ever Still they we're secretly relieved
when Mr.. Haviand departed without irving
TO get acquainted with Miss Bee. But
perhaps unfortunately for ,hem-Mr.
Haviland had discovered the contest Of the
Charles. and as he rode homeward half
formed idea entered his mind. and with an
amused smile he proceeded 10 form plan Of
action for the future.
Charlie Washburne took his departure in
due time, and a little later there came
letter to Beatrice Vane with his signature.
She answered briefly. and he wrote again.
The other Charles did not know Of the cor
respondence, and they had quite enough TO
worry about. for in few weeks Henry
Ha,ilaud made his appearance This time
he took more notice OF the dark k-e,ed girl
who gave him his coffee at breakfast. and
that was only III. beginning of affairs for
Young Havilsnd came again and again.
What cared he for her shynes., her n-
difference? F? ana the cold, angry glances of
the Charles ? Nothing, He had taken a
fancy TO Miss Beatrice. and failure was not
the motto of the Hsyiland, Al frs, he
only wished TO foil the young men Who had
such an air Of possession over Miss Bee, bat
as the year wore on, her dusky eyes pene-
irs'ed his heart. and he found that il was no
longer his own. Then, for the first time, he
wondered what his stately family would say
Would they receive the little country girl as
daughter, or would they forbid him marry
ing her ? In his mind Re set his family at
defiance. He could make hi. own way in
the world, and Beatrice was not pampered
child Of wealth.
Beatrice was 10 despair. She did not
know wha, she was about half the time that
sum. September morning. At breakfas,
she had saIted her coffee and put sugar on
her meat, and everything seemed 10 70
wrong. On the day before as she was dust
ing the psrlor. Charlie Er.iein had entered
and asked her to wait for him until they
were both Old enough 10 marry. He told
her to wait few DAYS before giving him her
answer. and she promised to think over the
proposal. very readily On the same even
ing Charlie Orme found her alone for few
moments and he too asked her 10 be his
wife. She asked little time To consider
the idea, and was hinjy irving 10 decide
which cne she liked best, when letter was
placed in her hand from Charlie Wa,hbufnr,
containing offer OF marriage
Was ANYTHING ever so absurd The idea
OF having three offers in one day. and each
from Charlie. The color rushed over
cheek aud brow as Bee thought Of il.
"Wha shall do how shsll decade p
she asked herself over and o,er again, and
in despair replied, II 90 not know"
Then She wisely tried to ,hnk vha, her
uture life would b. with each.
with Charlie W.shburur should lead
life Of ease, and mingle IN The hvs, Of so
ciety, suppose, and should have kind,
indulgent husband That is all yer, we'll
but should be removed far from my own
kindred and friends should not like
that. and then after got away. perhaps his
/ relatives would not welcome me There i,
deal Of risk 10 run on both sdes-for him
well as for me. With Charlie Ormr
need not fear poverty or want a. long as he
could work, He is kind and very steady;
Is seldom idle. and earns much monry Bu,
T he does no, seem 10 care much for the
things tha. interest me. sucl. as books aud
music, and society generally. And now
comes Charlie Erstein-dear, old Charl,
He seems nearer than the others. because
We were schoolrnst.s, and play fellows al
WAYS. since he came to live here As his
wife am sure should be quite as happy as
Could wish, and yet il would seem almost
like marrying my brother. have no need
10 name has good qualities, they are before
me daily. Ah, me. what shall do, what
shall do ?" Again that oft recurring ques
ton, and she was no nearer answerin. than
before.
BY the next mail another surprise came for
Beatrice. A casket of elegant jewels from
Henry Haviland, and with il a long, kindly
letter. Eloquently he pleaded his case, and
set before her the advantages Of the life in
which be could and would place her.
"To be sure my own fortune is not large,
but am young and the world is before me-
am prepared to work until success rewards
my efforts, and brilliant career is opened
for me-"
He said at last, "Will you come and share
my struggles-however light or heavy they
may be? and then if honor comes-as trust
it may-you will share that too. Will YOU
think of it carefully? think YOU know me
well enough by this time to know if am
worthy of your faith. hear that there is to
be dance or something OF the kind in your
town soon. | shall surely attend if nothing
very unusual occurs. | send you rubies be-
cause their language is courage and success
and if you do me the honor of wearing them
on that occasion, l shalt know ,ha, nv suit
is successful
Beatrice laid aside the letter, and opening
the casket gazed long and earnestly at the
cleaning jewels they rested on their
satin bed. This was certainly a great sur
prise, but no less an agreeable one. She
had never for moment thought that he
the stately, handsome young barrlster, heir
Of a wealthy family, and who was able TO
choose his wife among the highest-would
give second thought to her, a simple little
country maiden.
"What ain that such honor should come
to me ?" she said aloud. "rhis is the very
thing for me, for can now get rid of all the
Charles. Mr.. Haviland is very nice, quite
the incest man know in fact, and the pros
poets Of the Charlies-poor fellows-are
nothing in comparison with bis. And