Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-08-19
THE RICHMOND DISPATCH-SUNDAY AUGUST 10, 1883


many mathematical men, writes very
small, neat hand second letter which
went out by the same mail begged for a
reply by cable.
Baldwin was excited enough in all
reason when that much-desired letter
came, but when the cablegram arrived
stating that the lady had sailed for Eng
land in the Tigris he was almost ridicu-
lous in his JOY. OF course the fact OF
his engagement was known before this
TO his colleagues, and 10 Silcombe so
ciety generally. Great was the stir
among the ladies, who were The orna-
ments OF that society, and Baldwin only
escaped a good deal OF severe cross
examination by stopping st home. ]
was supposed to be g good deal
in his confidence, and over and over
again was asked 10 supply the pedi-
gree OF the lady who was then
crossing the ocean and recount her
family history. This ] couldn't do, but
] saw no harm in telling them what
Baldwin told me often enough-that she
was very pretty, that she had dark eyes
and hair, and was, according TO Beld-
wins ideas, about twenty years old.
The ladies chartered good deal over
these details, some being anxious to
know what the lady could have seen in
Baldwin TO induce her TO accept him
with great emphasis on the pronoun),
while Miss Phipps pronounced herself
entirely skeptical as to the lady's attrac-
tons, as Baldwin had plainly shown
that he was no judge in such matters.
There were others who were delighted
with q roInsntic affair, and wished Bald
win veil with ali their hearts
1t is hardly necessary TO say that the
course OF the Tigris was most anxiously
watched. Baldwin was dreadfully in1ig-
nant because there Was days delay in
passing through the 5uez canal, and
wrote letter to the Times 10 show that
the English Government should at once
assume the management OF this "most
important means Of communication be-
tween the different parts Of our extended
empire" n. de Lcsseps was then being
.fsted in London, and the letter was not
inserted. At last, however, the vessel
arrived with the precious burden.
1t WAS then just the end of term. and
Baldwin was in the midst of his exami-
nation, and couldn't well get away to
meet the vessel. IL had been arranged
that Miss Metcalf was to 90 TO some dis
tsnt relation in the North Of England,
and was to be married from there as
speedily as might be. Two days after
the arrival OF the vessel Baldwin WAS
free to 20 to claim his bride. He had
saved day by not going to meet the
boat. He came 10 see me tho night be-
fore he started North. His broad, rudy
face was beaming with happiness; al
most think that his whiSkers had taken
a deeper tinge.
"Tm como to say goodbye" be sand.
"You won't see me again ms bachelor.
/ neyerthought things wouldhave turned
out 80 easily. l can hardly realize that
in few days I shall he married to my
Edith. I shall be the happiest of men.
Oh, she is so beautiful hardly dare
think of her lovely face, and slender,
graceful, sweet little figure becoming
mine" And his voice sank, aud lie
blushod little. Then after a little
while he continued: "There's one thing
troubles me just little that's the aunt.
went rather far with her, You know,
last summer with my artfulness. She'll
see why did it now, and she'll be dis
gusted. But, then. ! dare say she's got
over that long ago."
"Some one always is disguised at
every wedding. One person. perhaps
occasionally two, is made happy for
time. and dozen disappointed.
/ spoke bitterly, for the course Of my
own love was not running smooth just
then. l had heard that Lucy was en-
gagged, or nearly SOTO that Odious some
one else that one always deiests.
Baldwin wrung my hand il sympathy,
and tried to look depressed. CATER
all" he said, "l'm not sure that our
bachelor freedom isn't best. One does
give up @ good deal" But this pretenco
was too transparent, and he burst out
laughing "I'll write 10 you on my
honeymoon, he said, "that is, il can
find time. We are going to the lake
of Lucerne-the old spots, you know. ]
had letter from her this morning, and
she is delighted with this idea Of nine"