Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-01-03
TRIALS.

It wasn't very satisfactory survey
lam not handsome man. But there's
one advantage possess that is worth all
the beauty in creation-Torquatus This
tledown, Esq. president Of the Thistle
down Petroleum company, with the
handsomest yacht IN the bay and money
enough TO freight II with golden cargo!
Youth-beauty-what do they weigh in
the balance against Torquatus Thistle
DOWN.
And l patted my pockets with q
chuckle that sounded like the chink OF
doubloonsl
"I'll do it!" exclaimed aloud.
Bruce Hardenbrook glanced sleepily
up from his armchair in the bay win
dow and took his cigar out Of his mouth.
Bruce belongs to our club-more's the
pity--a supercilious puppy that looks
down on fellow from the height of his
six feet two. as if nobody under that size
had any business to exist.
what's that you're going to do,
ThistledownT asked Bruce.
"To be married." added slowly and
distinctly. ito Miss Fanny Gordon"
Bruce started. had known very well
that that would disturb his serene self
possession. All the world was quite
aware that he was dangling after pretty
Fanny Gordon-as il clientless young
lawyer had any right to aspire to the
hand of the loveliest girl in New York!
"Are you engaged to her. Mr. Thistle
DOWN. he asked.
"No-not exactly engaged-that is, not
l,,,t 30 ha \ hall al
Mr. Gordon this very afternoon-an old
friend of mine, Job Gordon. He'll refuse
me nothing"
Bruce Hardenbrook made no reply
He resumed his newspaper and tried to
look indifferent, with remarkably bad
success.
So ! put on my hat and strolled down
TO honest Job Gordon's counting room.
"Thistledown. how dye dor" he cor
daily said What can do for you to-
day.
"A great deal. Mr. Gordon, respond,
ed. Il am contemplating matrimony.
am thinking of the hymeneal bonds, sir
and-and-I would like the weight Of
your influence with your daughter
Fanny. | adore Fanny, sir-l worship
her-and don't mind telling you that it
is within her option at this moment to
become Mrs. Torquatus Thistledown"
Mr. Gordon wrung my hand heartily.
"Torquatus," he calculated breath
lessly. you're a trump. My daughter,
Mrs. Petroleum Company-no. | don't
mean that exactly-but-but only hope
YOU aren't too later'
"Too Later gasped, making clutch
at my yellow silk pocket handkerchief
and wiping the drops away from the
bald spot on the crown of my head.
There was a young fellow here this
very morning." went on Mr.. Gordon,
rumpling his hair with one hand in
distracted manner. upon the self same
business, and
Not Bruce HardenbrookY
'Yes. Bruce Hardenbrook-the very
person-and told him toll gave him
my sanction-and I've just sent up a
note to Fanny desiring her to have no
hesitation in promptly accepting the gen
tleman who would propose to her this
afternoon"
| gave feeble gasp and rubbed my
nose.
But" added the old gentleman. with
a sudden inspiration, 81 didn't mention
any names. thank goodness. and | don't
see, upon my word, why the note
shouldn't answer for you just as well as
for Bruce Hardenbrook. if You only get
there little ahead of him."
jumped up and made grasp at my
hat.
"Couldn't-couldn't you go with me?'
"Impossible-l have two most i'm
portant appointments, but you won't
need me-the note paves the way. Good
evening, Torquatus. wish you all pos
sible SUGGEST
AS | hailed the nearest omnibus and
leaped in, the iron tongue OF old Trinity
tolled in deep bass monosyllables.
Pcrhaps-pcrhaps might yet be in time
perhaps Bruce Hardenbrook might be
Just such fool rs to be idling away the
precious moments in that btg easy chair
at the clubrooms. 1t was barely posi-
be. and my heart gave "A bound at the
idea
Fanny was at home. for as ! rang the
bell saw the flutter Of hSr blue muslin
dress from the French windows that
opened upon the balcony-and the next
moment she admitted me herself-a tail,
beautiful girl. with bright brown haii
brushed away from a low white fore
head, and eyes like shady wells of light
Dear me, Mr.. Thistledown, Is 1t
really your" she exclaimed coquettishly
ndjusting rose in her hair. Excuse
my opening the door. the servants are
gone to Michael Somebody's wake and
I'm al alone"
Not entirely alone, for monitor"
hat hung on the hall stand - dark,
speechlcss witness! My heart stood still!
AT the same moment caught a glimpse
of my face in the oval mirror above. 1t
couldn't have been redder or more shin
ing If it had been oiled mahogany. How
ever, gave il a nervous DAD or two
with my pocket handkerchief and boldly
entered the parlor.
Just as | expected. Bruce Harden
brook was there, but then, judging by
his appearance. he had only just arrived.
Now was my time. But how was fel-
low to make love with Bruce Harden
brooks cold. critical eyes full on him
and the amused curve of his lip varying
at every word | spoker
"I-I was thinking of asking you
Fanny
"Yes. Mr.. Thistledown.'