The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1886-08-08
4 FLAT PROCEEDING.

'
~ Hs,hsd taken a, int and was going to
ti,hrty Margsry. Sohe vowed most solemnly,
while he planned esthetio novelties with all
the courage Of hopeful swain. Painters
and decorators were In a despair over the
originality and vigor Of his whims, while
upholstefsIs ran frantically east and west In
the vain endeavor TO match antique brocades
or to harmonizs extraordinary rugs and
curtains. No market could furnish colors
rare enough to satisfy Mr.. Dawes fastidious
taste. lie was compelled, in spite Of his
playful fancy and love Of eccentric combina.
tions, to put up with things almost ordinary
and incomplete.
Mr.. Russell Dave wrote plays --unsuccess.
tally, of contte. Tile lady with the trumpet
iiad Hot yet blo@ii d blast over his head.
He had; however, great hopes and vast con-
fdence in his own powers. These are not
unusual manifestations In this department
of letters. Hitherto, his most arduous efforts
had received not the smallest reward, and
his golden argosies Of wit and pathos had
either been sucked into the cruel whirlpool
bf d managers waste paper basket, or had
tscn stranded at the point Of departure by
bostiiau.
MIR. Dave had, however, contrived TO sub
sist-l dare not say live, for he had wide no.
tons Of ltving-on his private iucome, fixed
though small, and the principal thereof be-
s6nd hts pbwet of grasp. Now. however,
oil tile strength OF his love and the impetus
II had given 10 his muse, he was about to
ttiiUAIk OH the periluus deeps. of matrimony.
Having in hand father more than enough
money TO pay Quarters rent Of his residen-
tial Nat, lie s'arted Of gayly at canter. One
biiruhase Quickly led to another, and the
Hsefu TO the extfavagant and ornamental,
La,
tiful throughout his abode. Nevertheless
he caviled with loidly air at various trifles,
complaining OF imperfect work and inaccurate
details. For the time being he gave ne
thought to the cost of his orders, aud 1t was
meet that his Margery's shine should be
perfect and lovely. He had no doubt he
would be half way up the ladder of fame by
the time bills were presented. He only
needed the spur Of duty, and complacently
attributed his many failures TO his too easy
line Of life. AT the present time elaborate
plots, ingenious situations aud brilliant dia.
logues simn,ered in his brain. Such material
would not take long to shape into elegant
drawing. room plays and spirited comedies.
Given the peace of domesticity and the
blessing of Margery's daily smiles, and
dramas would take attractive forms and dis.
tinguish him highly with managers orders
and patronage. During his courtship this
Imaginative gentleman never ceased 10 blow
there roseate bubbles Of hope.
The mansions on which Mr.. Russell Dawes
choice had fallen were situated in the vicin.
ity of Earl's Court. This remote region was
fixed upon for variety Of reasons, In the
first place, noise was utterly unsuited to his
occupation and sensitive organization. An
abundance of fresh air was also necessity
TO one Of his craft. Therefore he and his
Margery must live ON the top story. There
were we'll on to hundred steps, and no
elevator, but that was not to bs considered
in the light of drawback. In fact this
yOnng man stoutly maintained that these
were a great gain for u man addicted TO sed-
entary pursuits, and compelled in this way
to take necessary exercise. As for Margery,
II she oame home tired, he would carry her
up. In the enthusiasm of love Mr.. DAVE
overlooked the fact that his lady love
weighed over ten stone and stood live feet
seven in her stockings.
Miss Margery McKilligin was young
lady Of no mean ability and great determi-
nation even before she accomplished her re-.
solve TO marry the poorest Of her many
lovers. She was sweet and twenty at this
time. ard the heiress to ffty pounds year
at her next birthday. This modest fortune,
the legacy OF an aunt, was all her own, and
on the strength of 1t she was going to carry
GU housekeeping. Having lived most of her
life in fields of clovsr--otherwise indisputa-
BILE luxury-Miss Margery contemplated a
picnic existence high up aloft aud frss from
parental restrictions as little short of Ely.
stun. II must be admitted, rs a take.oG u
clover fields, that papa McKilligin was o
fiery old gentleman, addicted to domineering
The young lady's marriage would lift hel
into sphere of Independence aud informal
ity which appeared to her most delightful
Miss Margery was thoroughly imbued will
high art crazes aud loathed the solid mahOg
any, crimson damask, the undsniabls re-
spsctability Of her Lancaster Gate surround
ings. She yearned to dip herself into DO
hemian dyes, aud to ride pilliOn on the
meanest Pegasus.
All her admirers had hitherto been rising
ysung city men, with no souls for furniture
eyes blind u harmOnies Of color, and earl
deaf TO repsrtee. Her kirtles, olive greer
gowns aud slashed sleeves, her epigrami
and sarcasm, had met with no praise or up
probation from young Philistines, who wor
shipped neither nature, art, nor literature
But Russell came, Russell saw, and was con
quered. Margery's heart acknowledged hin
forthwith as its lord.
The reason of this lisro's love for Mis
McKilligin was not far TO seek. In the frs
place she was very attractive girl, with
lively temper Of her own. Her medi@va
costume and smart sayings, an unusua
antithesis to sad and clinging raimsnt
drew his attention to the pretty stranger q
awstsr party. When hs heard companion
call this beautiful vision In Julist-like attir
by the name Of Margery, he instantly de
clared to himself that hs was in love will
her.
81 always made up my mind to marry
Margery, you know" he said. "Marger
Dave was necessary union of names."
"But, dear Russell" said the bluship
maid, (this was fortnight later,) "wha
will papa sayf lie will never CONSENT"
sob, III soon settle him." said TIL
doughty lover, ohivalrous sentiments but
bling up as no stood on tipioe to kisI his bt
loved.
But papa had a grea. deal to say that wa
not at all pleasant, aud Russell foun
McKillisiu anything but plastic to his viii
The 'settling" business took a long tim,
This great stock broker To whom Russe
offered himself as sou In law was nOtabl
business man; moreover, had q good know
edge of the fair Margery's marketable valu,
Having tribe Of younger daughters, I'll
fruits OF his second marriage, all sandy
haired and freokled, of whom 1t was hope
less TO expect eligible husbands, he was an,
thing but we'll pleased at the prospect Of II
union Of his eldest-born with pennies
author. Margery, with her merry blue ey,
aud handsome figure. might certainly d
very we'll indeed II she waited.
DO Mr.. McKiliigiu strongly resisted u
lovers, threatening a parental curse. Ma
gerry remained obstinate, boldly assertir
her Independence In her papa's face. Ne,
week she would be one and twenty, au
might snap her hngers at him. She intim
tod this much pretty plainly, and there W,
war most bitter at Lancaster date.
"That internal little jaokanapes shs
never darken my doors again." vowed Il
irate father. "doing to live on love and d
in a garrett, are your he scolfsd derisive
to Margsry. She went on smiling in u
most aggravating way.
"dood gracious, papaf How did y.
guess 7" she said, assuming the most inu
cent expression of wonder. 1--WE are goil
TO live ON the highest floor OF tho new ma
sion in Roderlck's dardens-a delight
situation--and Russell is furnishing in 4
tnaat arliati, Uay