Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1889-08-23

the mare stand still for me, then. quite
decline to fulfill the engagement. So,
madam, you have the fortune without
any incumbrance in my person."
"And good radiance of bad rubbish,
say l." cried Betsy. "There are better
fish in the sea than you, or women would
be poorly off. You're going, Ell? Well,
the sooner the better. Miss Smith, ring
the bell"
Elsie arose and touched the bep.
But now the deed was done and her OBJ
iect attained, she felt dreadfully ashamed
of herself.
Certainly a more unhappy and singu-
lar object than this before her could not
well be imagined.
Indeed, compassionate as was her
heart, she felt that his appearance was
not only painful, but almost ludicrous
but all the more should he have been
tenderly used.
Why had she played this childish
prank, and allowed vulgar woman to
insult him in her presence?
And this condemnation hideous as he
was, he was gentleman by breeding as
we'll as by birth-how would he hence
forth think of her?
He would always believe that she had
uttered those rude words-she, and none
other.
And as he left the room she followed
him, and the servant who had answered
the bell retired at her nod and left the
two together in the long hall, where
they could hear the long and violent ex-
plosions of laughter with which Betsy
was now filling the drawing room.
"Mr. Harrington said Elsie, her face
crimson as she spoke, Il cannot let you
go without a word of explanation. II
have been so grieved that you should be
insulted. l never meant
"My dear young lady, you have moth
ing to do with it, and my feelings are
not in the least hurt" replied the young
man. Who would care for anything g
person like the woman we have just lief,
could say? But am amazed that she
should be Miss Seabright. know she
is lady by birth. I understood that
she was beautiful and gentle. p
"Oh, Mr. Harrington" cried Elsie, 81
| IldNe DecIl SuCIl q lOOuSu Rlll. ollc ID llO'
Miss Seabright. am Miss Seabright
Lit was ridiculous stratagem o.
mine. | hate the idea of betrothal tc
stranger, and desired that you should
take the initiative in breaking off the
match. But believe me, l had no knowl
edge of your infirmities, which coulC
only be a subject for sympathy to me
| or,1 7 hoo tn fnrcriua mn for MA nc
that coarse woman in position in which
she could insult you. Prove it by re
naming with me until l can offer yol
some refreshments after your journey.
The young man bowed, looked at he
moment and then replied frankly:
Madam, quite appreciate your mo
tives and entirely forgive you. 1 an
pleased to accept your invitation"
1t was the custom in well arrange,
houses at that day to send the guests t
their room while before dinner.
Accordingly, Miss Seabright ordered
servant to show Mr.. Harrington to a
apartment on the upper floor and retire
to her own room to dress for dinner.
Ten minutes after her entrance int
this apartment the servant brought he
a large bundle and a small note-a fe,
inches square. She opened the note frs
and read these words;
Ny DEAR Miss SEABRIGHT-I have confessio
to make. l, also, before met you had resolve
that you should be the one TO decline the cond
ton of our fathers Wills intending afterward {
give you back your share of the property Cor
sequently set about devising a scheme, anC
reading my school day letters, it occurred TO N
that no one ever went through many accident
quite unscathed and unmarried before. I knee
that few women would choose to marry a yer
hideous man. consequently l concocted DISCUS
which | fancy would make me repugnant to Il
least particular of the fair
Allow me to lay at your feet my clutches, whic
l have never needed, thank heaven; my hum
which feather pillow: the skull cap whc
did not hide bald pate and all my bandages an
patches The vermilion which adorned my nos
have removed with little water, and though
obtained my invitation to dinner under false pr,
lenses. beg TO be allowed to pay my respects
, you in proper person, and to apologize for IN
trick, which, after all dear madam, was only t
for tat
At first Elsie was unreasonably angry
but her anger did not last long.
They met at dinner, and before the
.. parted it was quite concluded that the
should carry out the wishes of their pr
rents by agreeing to dine together a
} WAYS.