Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1890-10-31
A DISAPPOINTMENT.
BY HELEN FORREST GRAVES.

Notwithstanding but debt, .
grumbled Major Monthill, as he tore
open one after another, the numerous
letters which lay upon his eleven
O'Clock breakfast-table. "1f | was
Midas, himself, | couldn't pay 'em
all-and | wouldn't either. There's
only one alternative left open to me
that ] know of-and that is marrying
an heiress."
The major eyed himself critically in
the opposite mirror. lie was a tail,
handsome Apollo of military gentle
man, with well-preservcd teeth, hair,
and whi,kers, bright hazel eyes, and a
general air of stylishness.
"Ycsl" quoth the major, ~ must
marry 1ieh-and Ieity P,iee 4l.-
woman. She S as ugly as Coz gon-
what very unpleasant-looking ferales
those Gorgons must have been. by the
way, TO get themselves such a reputa-
ton for LONELINESS; but a man must
overlook al minor defects when his
settlement in life is at stake. I've
been gay young bachelor long
enough; | must really turn my atten-
ton seriously to Lefty Price. But
there are several preliminaries to be
considered, and one is that she has a
lover for every day in the week, and
every lover believe a more genuine
fortune hunter than myself. 1t takes
policy to outgeneral so many suitors,
and Eve got to look sharp if / expect
to win the prize"
Miss Lefty Price was rather after
the Gorgon style of womankind.
Major Monthill was right in his crili-
cism of her style She was fat and
stout, and ungraceful, with a dumpy
figure, a short neck, greenish-gray
eyes, reddish brown hair, turned-up
nose, and teeth brokea. ,.2.s 2Ss.. ]. a.sscs9
Her complexion was muddy, and her
chin retreated, and altogether she was
picture that sorely needed the glitter
of golden frame to set it off But
then Miss Letty's grandfather was
worth 5000, 900, and she was conse-
quently what the newspapers call a
"society favorite" People listened
when she spoke, and laughed obse-
quiously at her jokes, and admired her
taste in dress; and Miss Lefty, nat
urally of contiding and crcdulous
disposition, believed it all.
With Major Monthill TO will Yves to
do, and no sooner did he make up his
mind that he must marry an heiross,
and that heiress Miss Letitia Price,
than he set vigorously about consum-
mating the affair Bouquets, drives
In the Central Park, books and photo
graphs, soft glances and POLITICALLY fla
vored quotations were all alike the en-
gines of his warfare; and when al
length the time had arrived, in his es-
timation, TO strike the final blow, lie
dressc-3,.a. ,.a.,.7fs,, 4, ;olfin the guisc of a nine
teenth century exquisite, and went to
call on Miss Price.
cit seems to me" said the heires
who had contriyed to make her blowsy
cheeks shade blowsier than ever BY a
hideous ruby-silk dress, with a scarle,
cashmere scarf looped over it, sthat
you arc unusually dull this evening,
Major Monthill."
The major affected to start from a
deep and absorbing reverie.
"Ah, Miss Price, you OF all o;hcr.
should not reproach me with my lack
of spirits, he said, sentimcntally.
"TAnd why not?" demanded Mis-:
Lefty, with elephantine playfulness.
"Need you ask me, when you know
so well that my heart is racked By con
tending emotions"
"Pm sure" quoth the heiress, look
ing down at the points of her Mari,
Antoinette slippers, 81 don't lnoa
why it should be rackod."
because love you, and l dare no
speak of my Lowell"
Miss Price colored and essayed
faint little giggle.