Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1890-02-28

Carter Cooke was at this time called
southwark on business, and the major
sli into his place in spite of his years
and displayed an attentiveness that led
people to suspect that he had preten-
sions. To the surprise of Mrs. Bur
roughs this grew into an almost conti-
Dental intimacy. Cooke seemed to have
been forgotten in his absence, and Bit
ties chuckled. The gallant ex-officer
showed himself to be under a spell, and
expressed his admiration in the most
positive terms.
81 assuah you, my deah madam" said
he to the widow, that Miss Ahchuh is a
young lady, that, besides her youth and
beauty, has mo- of the cotely mannah of
the fuhst families of Virginiah than any
gentlewoman except yourself, that have
had the good fawchune to meet yet in
society"
Lefty and the major got along IA
mously, and his adulation apparently
quite supplied the absence of Cooke.
This was supplemented by the atten-
tions of her guardian, who became kind
and bland again.
Letty's twenty-first birthday came
around, and Mrs. Burroughs stately man
sion was thrown open in honor of the
event. 1t was an informal reception, to
last during the day. The major was
specially invited; so was Carter Cooke,
who had just returned from his place at
Highover, where he had been superintend-
ing repairs and alterations in the old
family mansion. Bittles was there, of
course, gorgeously arrayed in honor of the
occasion.
About noon Lefty was missing, and
the absence of the major was noted.
Cooke had not yet come. Lefty was not
to be found in the house. but one of the
servants had noticed that she and the
major had gone out together, entered
coach in waiting on the corner, and been
driven away. 1t was most extraordi-
nary, and Bittles grew excited over the
fact. The guests present heard Of it, and
admitted that it was singular thing at
such time. 1t was, probably, girlish
freak, to result in some surprise; and 80
it proved.
At o'clock a number of coaches drew
up before the door. From the foremost
of these descended the major, who handed
out Lefty, who was followed by Cooke.
From the other coaches there alighted q
number Of 1.-The SET" It was quite a lit
tie procession that filed in, the major at
the head, as proud and self appreciating
as drum major at the head of street
parade.
"Well, here you are" said Bittles. 81
really began to fear, major, that you
and my ward had eloped."
Nothing of that kind. sab, assuah
yuh," replied the other. II was nelly
the best man on this joyful occasion. L
have the honah to introduce you to Mr.
and Mrs. Cahtah Cooker
Married. cried Bittles, aghast.
"Yes, sir responded Cooke. my
bishop in the shape of surpliced clergy
man has enabled me to capture your
queen" And he drew Letty's arm with
in his own.
Every well, sir. Miss Archer is of age
and has a right. But, as she has mar
ried without my consent, she has thrown
away large fortune for a beggarly five
thousand a year | shall search for the
heirs of Catherine Sinclair tomorrow.
You have taken the queen; | cry check
to the king, sir!"
Excuse me, sir, retorted Cooke, "but
you utterly mistake the situation on the
board. Mrs. Cooke will have larger
allowance of pin money. l shall make
it ten thousand, with an unlimited COM
mand of check book, which your ac-
ton has made equal to heavy drain"
"My action! pooh! stuffr'
"Oh, no, sir! You need not hunt far
tomorrow. My cousin here, Mai. Boil
ling, who is the genealogist to both fam
lilies, can show you by the record that
Catherine Sinclair, daughter of Gordon
Sinclair, married with the fourth Carter
Cooke, of Highover, and unfortunately
died three years since, four years after
her husband. She left one heir, son,
the fifth Carter Cooke, whom have the
honor to present to you as the husband
of your ward and the happiest man on
earth. Mr.. .Bittles, observation-disclosures
Dunn English in New York Ledger.