The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-07-25
CHANCES.

treated her with dlSdaln and SCorn
yet her gentlemen friends were
charmed, though she was not pl ettv
enough for admiration or envy. A
trim little lady, always neatly dress
ed; sallow complexion, unprepos
sessing features, dark grey eyes that
expressed shrewdness; hair rather
scant, but cunningly interviewer
with a wealth of "other plunagc,
crowned her shapely little head with
braids or curls. as became the fash
ion. Her tiny Balmorals must have
encased web feet, such an inclination
they had to the water. They al
ways strayed 10 brooksides, or, at
least, to the edge of mud puddles,
when they would poise daintily,
while their artiul owner looked
around for a crossing, which was
sure to be forthcoming. 1t was on
an occasion similar to this that Harry
Lawson was compelled to capitulate.
Young Lawson would, doubtless,
have followed Sir Walter Raleigh's
example had he possessed velvet
cloak. He substi ,uted rail from a
neighbering fence, ard Emma
crossed in triumph. Harry sought
more formal introduction, and
thereafter was regular visitor at
the Wilson's Young men found it
very agreeable there; less fortunate
young ladies called Emma's home
"Wilson's Inn," for every eligible
caller was invariably treated to wine
and sponge cake, which was urged
by jolly Mrs. Wilson with charming
hospitality. Harry was surprised
with many other delicacies on his
second call, and. being man of an
appreciative appetite, his respect for
Mrs Wilson, and his admiration for
Emma increased on that particular
occasion. Harry was ugly, both in
the American and English sense OF
the word, but his imperiections were
smoothed over by his fathers i'm
mense wealth.
Widow Wilson was not insensibIe
to this crowning advantage, and in
due season congratulated her daugh
ter upon being engaged to the richest
Young man in D. Mrs Wilson,
being well aware Of the mutabi'ity Of
young love, and the peril OF long
engagements, urged speedy mar
riage, to which the willy lovers dem
urred. Emma did not wish to give
up her freedom; Harry courted
more riches, and was soon to start
for the golden shores OF California,
to engage in mercantile pursuits.
With mutual, and doubt not sin
cere, lamentation, the Young people
parted. For a time there was a
brisk correspondence between the
happy lovers. Harry was really
ardent Emfaas.s affection waned the
soonest. Before long she tormented
her absent lover with accounts OF
her numerous conquests, sugaring
the pill sufficiently, IS she thought,
by tender inquiries as to his return.
10 which Harry replied The Sioux
and Blackieet Indians are the most
agreeable women ever met, without
any exception. When shal! | return ?
In five, or twenty years, or more
probably never, being perfectly con
tented where am.
Emma, OF course, at this gave her
uncourteous lover full permission to
admire the Indian and live among
them for ever. Her pride was
wounded, but she had gained abso-
lutte freedom, which see desired just
then, for she was as much in love as
one OF her selfish nature could be,
with a young theological student.
William Markham was one Of
those rare geniuses who rise from
obscurity by the sheer superiority
of their minds. He was noted
among his acquaintance for his dis
elimination, yet he was captivated
by Emma Wilson. She did not care
a whit for his genius, only as il
gained him fame She did appreci
ate his fine personal appearance and
graceful manners, and thought ht
would not be a poor exchange tol
Harry Lawson. The day she sen
her note of dismissal to Harry, {
spring walk was in prospect for tina
afternoon. Emma joYfully accepted
the opportunity of securing another
lover. A walk was, of all occasions