Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1890-08-30

man, but il isn't at oil certain that |
shall ever marry him. People might say
| was marrying for money, and that
would make me feel real mean"
The widow glanced sharply at her, but
she did not raise her eyes from the flowers
$50 this beau of your sisters is richi"
The inquired.
Il should think so-rather! heard
Judge Fellows, who introduced him to
Aunt Maria, telling her about him, and
che judge is man whose word is to be
relied on. He said the gentleman had
just come in possession of an immense
fortune-a cotton plantation on the Mis-
sissippi worth million of dollars, and
valuable real estate in Spain, besides
owning an interest in the great gold
mines of-what was the name, Aunt
tlaria2'
"Bubbleazoo." replied Mrs. Bascomb,
coughing behind her fan
~ was Win stii1CuitS tuat Sue duo Jo-
sic could repress a smile, for Tom was
relating what had actually occurred in
the play of The Creole Lover
Uncle Joseph resumed Tom,
''thinks himself very well off but What
Is his property compared with Mr.. May
hew's2 And you ought to see his dia-
mond solitaire ring and studs Why, if
he were presented at court in them,
they d make Queen Victoria stare
"Oh, nonsense, Tom!' said Josie
"You exaggerate everything. Mr.. May
i hew never makes vulgar display of his
diamonds, and to see what polite, ,un-
assuming young man he is, no one would
imagine him to be SO rich"
Next evening Mrs. Chamberlain was
introduced to Mr.. Mayhew, who ap
peared in the diamond ring and studs
mentioned by Tom.
He was evidently impressed with the
lively and coquettish widow, and she
was very gracious, their acquaintar ce
thenceforth progressed rapidly.
Josie began to look little sullen, and
when Mrs. Chamberlain paid her usual
daily visits to the house. she found her
self, as she thought, not very cordialr
received by the girls.
She artfully teased Josie about "hel
beau" and inquired when the wedding
w1s to be, while exertinc herself to the
utmost to take advantage of Mr. May
hew's evident admiration for herself
She had the advantage of being at the
same hotel with him, and there were tete-
a-tetes and saunterings aud drives, in
Vadens family, and even the old gentle
man himself
At first she appeared slightly embar.
raSsed, out aie.. =: .t9o-itlct an ali
of Indifference aai COZ. con:i~iclce.
For a whole week she did not come
near the Walden house, anl when a,
length she did appear, she and Josie had
some words together
"14s an engaged woman" JOSIE said
sit does strike me that you are good
deal with Mr.. Mayhem.
Engaged people the widow an
swered, flushing and also people who
were never quite en- aocl, sometime
change their minds. Perhaps I have
changed mine; and it may be that your
friend, Mr. Mayhew, has changed his. "
"What do you mean2' said Josie. es-
citedly.
Il mean that was unfortunately mis-
taken in supposing that l loved you1
uncle, w,'om yet sincerely esteem; and
perhaps Mr. Meyhew has made q simi!a'
discovery in regard to himself He re-
spects YOU very much; but, since It Ia:
come to this between us, | may as we'll
in seN-defeuse, mention that Mr.. Ntag
hew has informed me that he neve
seriously asked YOU to marry him, neitfr
; has any intention Of doing so. He say
, that what passed between you was al
amusement merely. and bis heart is an
others s.'-this with conscious simp
of triumph.
He did? Oh, the ucprinciple,
wretch" cried Josie
The widow rose, as if anxi Gus to escap
, scene.
| II came this evening to bid you good
bye, aud to request that you Will kind4
| deliver this note 10 your uncle. | bh
g myself compelled to leave to-morro'
: early; and Al interview with Mr.. Wade
is scarcely necessary. and would be pain
g ful TO both
: She sailed away, and the family. wh
from the next room had heard It all, So