The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1891-06-27
GEORGES MISTAKE.
OF What thd Van Duzener Pride
Really Consisted.

using circular. IreOrkt N1OIIlfucI uldAA
had, as rule, fonisted mainly of GER
tain darling little notes which sweetly
thanked him fbr flowers or candy; or
told him that the writer would be de-
lighted to accept his invitation to the
theater; or, els4, that she had a cold
and couldn't do, so would he ''come
around" instead. Fancy, then, his dis
may, one misty, mostly morning." as
the nursery rhyme goes, upon finding
beside his brealkfast plate in the shabby
boarding-houscd ining-room letter adj
dressed, in feminine hand, to be sure,
but not at ALL the hand which had
penned the DAZZLING notes above men,
toned. Whenl Mr.. Mortimer had mas
tered its contents, he was so upset that
he forgot to eat his breakfast, but set
forth downtown to the Office where he
enioyed the proud position and slender
salary of assistant bookkeeper, with q
mind full of conflicting emotions The
accounts must have done themselves
that day, for MI. Mortimer has no recol-
lection of rendering any assistance
whatever. And when night arrived, he
got through His dinner with speed
that was simply frightful, and started
for the abode OF his hearts treasure in
q violent hurry
IF only Bella's grandmother" he
thought as hid walked along, could
have held on I'd her bit of property just
little longer, they might have pre-
sented quite a respectable appearance
in the eyes of Aunt Van Duzener; but
as the old lady has gone broke, and
Bella insists Oh going to work, I'm
afraid things will look rather rusty to
my proud relation"
In short time, Mr.. Mortimer was
seated in the bhabbiest. contest little
sitting-room I'M town, pouring int the
ear of the girl of his heart the most
crazy, incohereht account of the con-
tents of the letter that could possibly
be imagined. Finally, he wound up
with:
sits insufffrable, now, isn't it,
Bella?'
Bella's pretty face looked anxious.
ssIf one could read it for ones self,
George?"
Certainly" And he produced the
letter with an hir which plainly said
We are one.
After reading it carefully through,
Bella handed il back, saying:
''As understand it, the position il
this: Your aunt, Mrs. Van Duzener
who has been living abroad for three
years for the benefit of her invalid SON
is about to return home on account OF
her sons death She asks you to have
her fine house put in order, servants
hired and so on, and, furthermore, te
relieve her loneliness, she begs you t.
make your horhe with her while she
lives, and you shall receive just por-
ton of her worldly goods when she
dies. Now, should think that quite
endurable."
Zine, Bella, as far as it goes. Only
you see," said the young man, with al
apologize air,l 'sthis aunt of mine is az
proud as Lucif4r. Famous for dragging
in the Van Du4ener pride, You know
on all occasions, and"
I'm fact" said Bella, trying to laugh
you think q humble person like me
would not be Quite in touch with the
Van Duzener pride, eh, George?"
ssCandidly," said Mr.. Mortimer, SO
don't. So shall decline my aunt.
offer Immediately"
"You won't do any such thing" sail
Bella, promptly. when you are 81
lucky as to have any relations, don't b,
SO ungrateful ak to turn your back OF
them. Your atnt is an old lady, and
perhaps her hehrt is aching with lone
illness. If youf companionship will b.
any comfort toIher, it is your duty t.
give it. As fo1us, we couldn't marry
at present anyway. Your salary is toe
small to take in grandmother, too
comfortably, ahd must stay and worl
for her. At all events let us each d.
what seems right, and surely some day
fortune will smile upon U.S."
When Mr.. Mortimer said good nigh
to his sweetheart he was quite con
WINGED that She was little short of al
angel. She hhd unselfishly insisted
upon his doing his duty by his aunt.
"And only tothink." said he 70 him