Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1893-02-09
TRIALS.

TRIALS.
''I certainly will try the experiment,
quoth / to myself.
And then ! covertly looked in the
glass, so as better to calculate my
chances matrimonial.
1t wasn't a very satisfactory survey.
l am not a 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 it with golden cargo
Youth -beauty-what do they weigh in
the balance against Torquatus Thistle
down?
And patted my pockets with a
chuckle that sonnde,l Ike the chink OF
doubloons!
''Tll do TT 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.
whats that you're going to do.
Thistledown?" asked Bruce.
'To be married." added slowly and
distinctly, ''to 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 if clentless 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--thati is, not
as yet, but mean to be. shall consult
Mr.. Gordon this very afternoon 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.
to honest Job Gordon's counting room
"Thistledown, how dye dor he cor
daily said. "What can do for yon to-
day?"
"a great deal, Mr.. Gordon, I" Irespond-
ed. Il am contemplating matrimony. l
am thinking of the hymeneal bonds, sir.
and-and-I would like the weight Of
s,,Ar
Fanny. adore Fanny, sir-I worship
her-and 1 don't mind telling you that it
is within her option at this moment to
become Mrs. Torquatus Thistledownr'
Mr.. Gordon wrung my hand heartily
"Torquatus," he calculated breath
lessly, 'you're 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.
'sThere was young fellow here this
very morning." went on Mr. Gordon,
rumpling his hair with one hand in a
distracted manner, upon the self same
business, and"--
'Not Bruce Hardenbrook?
Eyes, 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 gem
tleman who would propose to her this
afternoon"
l gave a feeble gasp and rubbed my
nose.
"But," added the old gentleman, with
sudden inspiration, Il didn't mention
any names. thank goodness, and 7 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.
I Jumped up and made a grasp at my
hat.
"Couldn't--couldnt you go with me?"
impossible 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 6 in deep bass monosyllables.
Perhaps perhaps might yet be in time
perhaps Bruce Hardenbrook might be
just such fool as to be idling away the
precious moments in that big easy chair
at the clubrooms. 1t was barely possi-
bic, and my heart gave q bound at the
idea.
Fanny was at home, for as rang the
bell / saw the flutter Of her blue muslin
dress from the French windows that
opened upon the balcony-and the next
moment she admitted me herself tall,
beautiful girl, with bright brown hair
brushed away from low white fore
head, and eyes like shady wells Of light.
Dear me. Mr.. Thistledown, is it
really your" she exclaimed coquettishly
adjusting rose in her hair. Excuse
my opening the door, the servants are
gone to Michael Somebody's wake and
I'm all alone
Not entirely alone. for monitor
Aat hung on the hall stand = dark,
speechless witnessl My heart stood still
At the same moment caught glimpse
of my face in the oval mirror above. It
couldn't have been redder or more shin
ing If it had been oiled mahogany. How
ever, gave it a nervous dab 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 tal.
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 spoke?
IL was thinking Of asking you.
Fanny
eyes, Mr.. Thistledown.'
But my courage failed me at this event
full instant.
IF you're much troubled with mos
9uitoes in this neighborhood"
mot at ALL"
Bruce was laughing knew he was,
but ] scorned to look to him. felt as if
! had been taking bath in liquid fire.
Was to be trifed with thus? NeverI
Fanny" resumed. resolutely. II am
in'
But she jumped up with an agonized
little scream.
ssHushi WASN'T th.f j ,na,,su rtn,, =,