The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1892-12-03

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stepped inside. From the opel
door of Papa Fields study came
the sound OF voices in earnest dis
cussion ard one OF them spoke hi:
own name.
He halted, irresolute, as woulc
any one else under the circum.
stances. Papa Field was speaking
OF course, my dear, you are your
own mistress, and | can only advise
you. 1t seems to me, however, that
you have done very foolish thing
to engage yourself to this young
Ferris. True, he seem an exem-
plary young fellow, and comes of an
excellent family; but it is well known
that he has only a small allowance
from the estate in addition to a beg
carly two thousand dollars salary.
How do you know that it is you and
not your money that he wants? 1t
is brutal question, | know it is
one you have probably asked OF
yourself half dozen times, concern
ing other men.
Arthur, out in the hall, standing
IN much the same attitude a child
assumes when speaking its first
"piece" in school, WINGED, but
waited for the answer. 1t came, in
serious, thoughtful tones, which
plainly indicated that Miss Bernice,
also had considered this very matter
Mono, | am sure you mls]udge
him, papa. OF course l understand
how he is situated financially, and
and all honorable, and that he-he
cares for me very much. There are
a thousand ways by which l can
learn much that you cannot, and
Yes, yes; understand. But sup
pose you should put him to the test;
do you think he would come through
-an-er-unscathed, as it were?
Suppose you should tell him that
had lost all your money and mine in
unfortunate speculation-that we
were beggars, and had not dollar
we could call our own? Are you
afraid to try him2
There was a briet silence. Then
| don't like to tell a falsehood
papa; but 1t would be only "white
lie," and perhaps for the best. Yes,
I'll try him tomorrow night.
That's my dutiful girl. Now run
along and let me work.
There was a sound of a kiss, and
the perspiring young man in the hal
fastened to get out of the house.
He wanted time to think but the
first thing that entered his head, as
he reached the sidewalk, was a
fanciful picture OF the petite Miss
Field, with her one hundred and
sixty pounds of avoirdupois, running
along, and he smiled broadly. Then
he walked rapidly over the next
street to catch cab to his club,
there to hold pow WOW with Cross.
On the steps he hesitated a mo-
ment-had l better go back now?
he thought. No; she won't have hel
little tale OF woe ready, and might
be put out if call tonight. l might
give myself away, too. And this
astute young man went in and pro-
ceeded to make himself comfort.
able.
lile nextevening, with his usua
light heart and good spirits, he rang
the door bell of the Field mansion
Yes, Miss Field was in, Peter said
Ferris went into the drawing room
and sat down running over in his
mind the various tender speeche:
he had prepared for the emergency
Bernice was long time coming, he
thought, for one who expected him.
Presently she entered slowly
heavily. Her head bent low over
her ample bosom, and her breath
came short and fast. Ferris wen
forward to meet her, his arms out
stretched. He was something Of al
actor himself, and he knew it.
Bernice! Darling! What is the
trouble with my little girl7 (Anothel
good stroke. Miss Field liked tc
be called little.)
Oh! Arthur! Arthur! l dom
know how to tell you. 1t is too
dreadful!-Papa-
What! Has your father BEEN
OH no, not that, but-but worse
Arthur, we are-beggars?
And Miss Field, delivering thes,
last words with wonderful impress
iveness, hung her head and sobbee
bitterly behind her lace handker
chief.
Then it was that Ferris, like th'
young man Of action that he was
put his arms as far round his tearfu'
fiance as possible, and, with som,
difficulty, led her to a seat ane
pulled her head down on his GLOSSY
shirt front.
He was very, very sorry, as sh'
must know. But it was nothing
Her father would recoup himselt-h.
had many influential friends. A
for her, had she mother Arthur
He would not, he once interrupted
her to say, permit her, through ;
sense Of false pride, to cast him OF
now, when she most needed him
No, never!
He had three thousand a year. l
was not much, he knew, but the,
could live on it. And did she sup