Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-08-16

| Don't be concerned, father. IL Is not
of him 1 wish to speak except TO say
that though have been very grateful
he is not my husband, do not believe l
shall ever care for anybody else in the
same way. But have had this very
day an offer of marriage from man who
is In every sense worthy OF me. Indeed,
l am not worthy OF him."
"Of whom are you speaking?"
''Of Mr.. Spence, father"
"Spence? l do not recall the name"
"You have met him only once, think.
He came to the house one afternoon,
about a year ago, with that Mr.. Barr
who dimes here sometimes"
| "Oh!"
l cannot give precise idea OF that
ejaculation. 1t was strange mixture
of pleasantly and CONSERVATION.
''He is by profession a poet-and q
philosopher. His writings are highly
thought Of among literary people, and
he is an intimate friend of Aunt Agnes?"
1 said quietly.
what answer did you give him?"
asked my father presently, with weary
air. He leaned his head on his hand.
| dAu iobCucQ duAiOuSiJs
81 told him / would think the matter
over" replied.
"He is not the husband l would have
chosen for you, Virginia." he said, after
silence. "But you must suit yourself.
Now that you recall him to me, know
who this Mr.. Spence is. / have seen his
name in the newspapers, and q few
weeks ago l remember he delivered
lecture before the Thursday Evening
club. 1t was visionary, impractical ad-
dress, 1 Thought. Several members
spoke to me of it as such. But there
were one or two enthusiasts-as there
are verywhere-who extolled it as q
marvel Of originality and cleverness.
Are you sure Of his habits?"
"His habits ought to be good, for he is
the advocate Of the theory OF modera-
ton. 1t is to that he devotes the great
er part CT his time. Yes, father, / am
sure of them"
81 remember now-moderation. That
was what he talked about. He is one OF
your so called reformers. He gets hold
of an idea and tries to fit the world to it.
And you say you wish TO marry him,
Virginia."
81 have not said so. I don't know.
''If you take my advice you will not.
l know nothing further OF him than you
have told me. The better philosopher
a man Is the worse husband he is likely
to make. Has ne anything to live
upon?"
Eyes; enough to support us comfort
ably, 1 believe. In fact, he does not
wish me to take any money from you.
THAT shows him more independent
minded fellow than | supposed. Humph!
One literary woman in the family ought
to be enough. Still, the great thing Is
that you should be suited. We are not
all cut after the same pattern, and II
you have fancy for husband OF that
type | shall not stand in the way. l IN
terfered once, but that was very dif-
ferent matter. Satisfy me that there is
nothing Objectionable against this Mr.
Spence, and If you wish to marry him l
shall not offer serious opposition. 1t is
all nonsense about you not being able TO
care for anybody. If you like man
we'll enough to become his wife, the rest
will follow. l should be gladuto seeyou
married"
81 like Mr. Spence very much; but 1t
Is his theory of moderation that inter-
ests me even more than himself" L an
swered, uncertain how to lead up to the
condition OF our marriage, which l
knew now would irritate my father
greatly. He had received the news OF
Mr.. Spence's offer much more favorably
than | expected. 1t was evident that
he wished me to marry some one.
GAS YOU have said. father, have in
terests OF my own of which You do not
know. | haxe given five hours almost
every day during the past year to the
study of the principles Of this philoso-
phy. have found my field Of usefulness
there, it seems to me. BY continuing
this work and becoming the wife OF MIR.
Spence, I feel that | shall be doing
more good in this world than l could In
any other way. II you ask me If love
Mr.. Spence, candor compels me to say
that do not. II you ask me II am
particularly happy at the prospect OF
marrying him, | must say that l am
not. But it seems to me the best chance
that is likely TO offer. l respect him
thoroughly, and, as you say, the rest
NAV follow. A life devoted TO a noble
theory Is better suited to my tastes and
capacities than the control OF large
fortune"
..You are little morbid, Virginia"
he interrupted. my original impression
is confirmed. This is no match for you.
7 warn YOU against the danger OF becom-
inn addicted TO fads and isms. Your
Amt Agnes has made herself ridiculous
and alienated all her friends by just
such a course. / have not word to
cav against a thorough education, as
Won must well know; but when woman
hepins TO talk about devoting her life TO
the principles of philosophy, Look
ontr saw I. 1t is not natural. She needs
n new bonnet, and few balls and part
les. But even supposing you marry
this Socrates and become as learned as
he. how is that inconsistent with TAX
ing care Of your fortune?
~ thought told you, father" said.
"Told me what?"
"That Mr.. Spence objected to my
fortune"
collected, did he? How is he to help
himself? Besides, the money Is mine
until am dead. II he is so Internally
proud he needn't touch any OF it until
then. I fancy he might get tired OF
waiting"
"You don't understand, father. Mr..
Spence wants me to agree never to
touch any of it. He doesn't think it
right for people to keep more than a
certain amount, just enough to provide
for their actual needs. II is one Of the
principles he believes in. 1t is part Of
his system"
s.Princlplesl systeml Is the girl
crazy?"
.It "a opposcd to all your ideas,