Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-21
THE BROKEN LEG.
A MERCHANTS LOVE AFFAIR.
WRITTEN BY
E. S. BELL.

Then she explained, and objected, till
after half an hour or so she convinced me,
nd I said: "Well, Miss Duncan, III give
you 95 if YOU promise to come back IN q
day or two and tell me how you spend 1t. "
She looked charmed at my generosity, ana
promised to return with report OF the de-
serving cases she would spend the money
upon. Then she went away, taking the
sunshine with her. I could scarcely bear 10
see her go. Nothing but the fear OF fright
ening her away for good prevented me from
proposing on the spot. 1 had passed tne
first great difficulty. 1 was in love. felt
myself twice the man was, and was pre-
pared to look the whole world In the face
any day.
On the appointed day Miss Duncan re-
turned and rendered an account OF her
stewardship. blushed and trembled when
she spoke to me, and in spite of my 90 years
could have wept at her feet, / don't think
she noticed my strange manner, but, II she
did, think she would put it down to nerv-
business. 1 gave her another e5 on the same
condition.
On the occasion of the third visit I had
made up nv mind to speak or die. ar
ranged everything intended to say before
hand, and, knowing we'll that no lady OBJ
jects to being made love to, felt my mind
tolerably easy as to the result
The day came and after we had exchanged
the usual compliments, seized the oppor-
tunity Miss Duncan gave me, and began.
"You must find it rather dull here, she
said.
''I do, indeed" said 1. 81 spend a most
wearisome time. 1 have not single relative
in the world, and except the doctor and
yourself, if you will allow me to call you so,
no friends"
"How sad," said she.
well" 1 said, Its dull, at all events.
However, / have been thinking of changing
all that, and of-engaging companion. 1
have been seriously thinking of this" In
the confusion of the moment 1 could not put
it any better.
"What good idea, Mr.. Spence Have
you heard of any suitable person yet?"
Capital What good plan mine was
Not quite yet. 1 thought perhaps you
could recommend one"
Perhaps 1 could. What would her
duties be ?'
With sudden inspiration 1 said
The first would be to marry me-"
why, it's a wife you want" and she
positively beamed.
know blushed as I answered, as bash
fully as a maiden of "
Yes, believe it is a wife I want Do
you know of anyone who would take me?"
"Oh, Mr.. Spence, this is far more serious
undertaking than recommending a COM
panion."
"You see, nv dear young lady, my pres
ent illness has taught me how very solitary
q man can be. 1 am in a good position to
marry, but the fact is, except yourself and
my housekeeper, 1 don't know anyone
pOnld T fhnnnhf
would help me if you could. Will you?"
If you could have seen her blush.
81 will do the best 1 can for you," she
said. Then, after a pause, 81 think 1 do
know one who would be willing. At least,
think she would consider the Natter
''The dear girl! could see it all! It was
herself, of course. How charmingp'
What is she-your-your friend, Gke?"
I asked.
"she is rather tall and dark, with bright
eyes and fresh color"
An admirable description of herself.
THAT sounds well, J." said 1, in nv most
matter-of-fact tones, "but how could 1
meet her? You see am not able to go out
vet"
THAT is difficulty, certainly, but per-
haps it could be got over-in fact, she has
seen you already"
knew 1 was right.
"Ah! she has seen me already Well,
that's good deal gained" cried L. "But do
you happen to know if she is fayorably dis
posed toward nIe?'
'Yes, 1 think 1 may say she is"
''Then do you think might dispense with
going to see her just at PRESENT."
81 think so.
What would you advise me to do next?"
You might write to herr
Little witch! Write to her, indeed:
There's just one objection that 1 see to
that plan," said I, in my gravest tone; ''I
know neither her name nor her address, -
'Oh! forgot that, she replied.
''May ask if she is related to you?"
'Yes, she is my -''
broke in stupidity, now admit. ssTheu
that's an additional attraction. But tell me
her name"
''Her name is the same as nv own, Mary
Duncan, and she blushed again. "She
lives with u.s.
How very plain it all was.
II think, Mr.. Spence" she continued.
you had better write to her, and 1 will
take the letter"
will it not surprise her to receive a let
ter from an entire stranger CONTAINING an
OFFER of marriage?"
was humoring her, YOU see.
well, I'll break the matter to-nipbt and
I'll send round for your letter in the morn
ing; that will make everything right"
Are you sure, Miss Duncan. that-that
-you-your friend does not care for anvone
else already?''
81 am quite sure of that" she replied
tancy man OF my age being so fortu-
nate!
II don't think could write a love letter.
I wish you would tell me what to saw"
Mr.. Spence, your heart will tell Won
what to say. 1 have no experience in LET
ters of that kind. Begin to write. and
have no doubt but the words will come. ri
send for it early tomorrow"
Then she went away, leaving me over
come with astonishment at the diplomacy
Of woman. Here was young innocent
girl conducting her own first love affair
with MachiaYelian astuteness. She had
positively entrapped me into a written
declarationl Who would have given the
pretty creature credit for so much ingeuuitvI
The letter was the next difficulty.
After consideration, 1 resolved to ask
Mrs. McGregor to get me copy of the COM
plete letter writer. Her face when I made
the request was like thunder cloud in
deep fog. In course of time my want was
and 1 turned at once to two letters
relating to love and marriage.
The following was given as a suitable
form in which to make proposal of mar.
riage:.
HoNoRED MIss-H you will condescend To
do me the favor OF casting your fair and bright
eyes upon these few lines, you will see thar AT
your feet l lay my hand and heart. have long
respectfully admired you, and now seek to
make it known to you.
Should your answer be favorable kindly
wear q white rose in Your hnnnnf nm SnnGn.s