The National tribune., 1893-04-27

a. Z burning logs, and in a great
man. His head was thrown
lazily back, and wreathes of
smoke rose from the cigar between his lips,
while an unaccustomed wrinkle in his forehead
showed that thoughts of pulling nature
were occupying his mind, and that even Mr.
Jack Dulaney, young, clever and rich, was not
quite free from the doubts and difficulties that
beset ordinary mortals.
At this moment a great Irish setter rose from
his position the rug and poked his nose at-
fectionateiy against his masters hand. Well,
old fellow what do you think about it? To
be, or not to be, that is the question: Do we
love her well enough 10 give Cp our dear, de-
lightful, bachelor freedom, or do we not2 Eli!
Bruce, old boy; can you help me TO decide this
knotty probem?" And Duaney looked in
Quiringly into the honest eyes raised to his
She is very pretty girl and very charming
one, nobody can deny that. and she would look
wonderfully well sitting in that high-backed,
carved oak chair over there, opposite TO mine.
There's something picturesque and ont of the
common about her. It's not exactly in her
face, or in her dress, or in her manner, but
seems 10 belong TO all three: and, then. when
she looks at you with those dark eyes Of hers,
you feel that she understands you, and what
you say, and why you say it."
Bruce wagged his tail asseptncly, by way OF
keeping up his end Of the conversation.
Still. it's awfully hard TO know. Marriage
is lottery, and appearances are often deceitful;
besides, I've never had a chance TO know her,
really, with only half dozen words exchanged
here and there at teas and balls aud dinners
never an evenings serious talk. Why, she
may not Ike travel. may Object TO tobacco and
that would mean giving up both, OF course;
which would make life blank, even with an
angel. Then, she might insist on turning you
ont of the house and keeping you in the yard,
sir. How would you like that, ebi" But
IN \ - Al.
with evident satisfaction and with no dismay
st the prospect held cut to him.
i declare, / believe you want her, you beg
gar 20 lie down, and let me argue it out alone,
you rrcjudiced scamp. All because once she
laid her little hand your shaggy head and
stroked you. Wonder how it would feel to
have herr
The rest of the sentence was inaudible only
slight smile showed that its conclusion was
not without attraction for him. He smoked
on in silence for full FIVE minutes then sprang
to his feet with sudden resolution or his hand
some face.
Bruce old boy. I've got it; I've hit on
plan to take the responsibility off my own
shoulders and make her decide the matter her.
SELF I'll invite her here, with the usual
crowd, of course; have Mrs. Thomas as chape-
rome; call il bachelors tea, something of
the sort; see how she realizes my dreams here
in these surroundings, and when the evening is
which is 10 decide my fate by her own hand.
The pair Of curious vases standing on either
aide of the cabinet in the next room shall be
filed with quantity Of roses-red in one,
white in the other. Now, will lead her up TO
the cabinet as IL TO call her attention to the
various things within it, and in this way she
will observe the roses. / will then ask her to
telect one OF either color she prefers. Now will
come the great, decisive moment: If she takes
the white rose, then all is over and / do not
propose; but If she choose the red rose then
declare myself as soon as possible am accepted,
resign my freedom, and present you with the
mistress you admire. How is that for
brilliant scheme?" For response Bruce opened
his mouth aud emitted mighty yaWn.
We'll, upon my word, that sounds as If
made you tired" said Jack, laughing; "but,
In spite Of you, am determined 10 carry out
my plan, and, what is more, TO abide by the re-
cult, whatever it is" And he sat down at once
20 write his invitations.
few nights later the same apartments were
nlled with gay young company. The hum
OF animated conversation mingled with the
peas Of merry laughter and the sound Of music
Many colored lights shed q softened brightness
over the changing scene.
A" Just look over there, at DulaDey," whis-
pered young man 10 his pretty companion.
Have you ever seen him so devoted before 2
BE has scarcely left Miss Compton's side this
evening"
surrendered at last" she replied, smiling
and if anyone might hope TO capture il it
would certainly be Helen. She is perfectly
fascinating o-niaht."
Yes; ia that trailing gown of cream colored
satin; with those short. pulled sleeves and
squarely-cut neck, and with her waving black
hair drawn high upon her head and caught by
that carved gold comb, she might just have
stepped down from the frame of some old
portrait"
- believe you are under her spell yourself
to wax 50 eloquent" said bis companion, archly.
"Oh! il would be no use. Delaney is ahead
OF me and If present appearances count for
anything he is tremendously Ia earnest" In
reality, Jack was entirely absorbed in his tete-
tete, and minute by minute the conviction was
growing in his mind that he had never real
lied before how completely charming this CIR
was, nor how necessary TO the happiness of bis
life. He was conscious that the great scheme
Of the evening was yet 20 be carried out, but
no means as brilliant it had appeared yester
day. However, he had bound himself TO it. 81
escape was impossible. With heart that bea
o little faster than usual he offered his arm <
Miss Helen, and said:
perhaps il would amuse you TO look at :
curious cabinet in the next room; ii contains
Bome Of the treasures collected in the course O
nv wanderinVs."
She rose quickly, saying in a voice full of in
teri q" iE4e'd, / shall be delighted, If ycI
will show them TO me. ] have had SO lttl
chauec 20 travel aud indulge my longing q
gee other countries" He smiled; so. then. sh,
did care for travel-delightfnl thought Pur
suing the train of ideas aroused by her remark
he asked her. as they walked through til,
rooms, whether she would care TO examin,