Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-01-29
THE PROPOSAL

It was lato on September after
noon. The day had been damp and
loleful and now, at $50. the fog was
trying to envclop everything with its
usual obstinate density.
Amid the stream of hurrying. JOS
thing humanity which swept down the
Strand was man whose face might
have attracted attention if there had
been any one in that motley crowd not
wholly engrosscd in selfish interests.
1t was fine dark face. beautiful in its
wav. but marked by lines and shadows
the face of man who was fighting
against tho world and who was losing
the battle, and yet a man whose
nature had not been embittercd by
sordid struggles. man who had
suffered and grown strong. Such a
one was Paul Ferris only he would
have been very much surprised 10
have he rd 1t said.
He plodded along. his threadbare
coat buttoned up to the chin. head
bent, eyes fixed on the ground, think
ing of nothing more or less heroic
than the approaching dinner hour. l
suppose. though. that even a hero
may be pardoned for being hungry.
it he has got through the day without
any luncheon. That was the case with
Paul Ferris, ut all events. and. conse
quently, he vas making the best OF
his way homeward. devoutly hoping
that his sister had ordered something
substantial for the evening meal.
Presently, he turned Off to the right
and passed into one OF those short ard
comparatively deserted streets which
run from the Strand to the Embank-
ment Here he entered one of the
row Of !odging-houses aud was soon in
its dingy sitting-room. with its dismal
hued carpet and upholstery AS he
came in pale-faced girl in blacl:
gown rose from the couch where she
had been lying and advanced to meet
him.
Yes, little one. and glad to SEQ you
up and looking SO jolly"
''Tho rehearsal was long. was it
notp"
'Late? I should say it was, Couldn't
even get out to get some lunch"
Poor boy! That was tragical. 1
have ordered dinner for o'clock. so
possess your soul in patience until
then. In the meantime I have bit
of news for you"
Ferris threw off his coat and con.
fronted her. '.Not bad news, child?n
mo. On the contrary"
''Good news? All. that's something
novel and refreshing. Let's have it.
thy good girl-pray do not keep me in
suspense"
He seated himself by the fireside
and took off his gloves. looking across
at his sister with somewhat cynical
smile.
TO begin with whom do you think
called here this afternoon"
"Creditors?"
mo"
.'DoctorT
No"
my solicitora"
Wrong again--it was Margaret
Stanhope."
Ferris started and shaded. his face
with his hand.
WELL" he asked. after a pause.
-'what did she want Of youo'
She was very kind. Paul; inquired
after you and asked us both TO an in
formal dinner on Thursday evening"
'And you acceptede"
''Of course. I thought it would be a
treat Surely you do not object"
II cannot object Stella, if it would
give you pleasure. Yes. We will go
if fate 90 wills it,"
1T was very kind in her. Paul, to
look us up. Don't you think 500 She
has been in London only week."
"Yes. Miss Stanhope has always
been kind---and condescending. DO
you not see. my child. that she would
make proteges OF us? 1t is the fashion
nowadays to patronize bcggarly must
clans"
paul." Indignantly. cit is not like
you to DO such bear. What makes
you speak SOP You know it is not
arue. How could che patronize US?
Why. We knew hor when sho wore
short dresses and played with doll
babica There is no one in the world
20 good aud beautiful as Margaret
Stsnhope. and you know it. And
nau-"
"Wollp"
Il have sometimes fancied--"
A prolonged pause.
''Well. out with il What have yot
Sancieds