Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1893-03-24

i,
countable arrangement, finding our
selves the last couple in the procession.
She talked frankly, first about the
scenery, and then lightly touching, in
a charmingly original and independent
way, upon various topics found her
to be brimful of poetry and romance,
without what is called "gush;" and we
made the interesting discovery that our
favorite poems were the same, and that
upon many subjects our tastes and
opinions were identical. In fact, we
were kindred spirits.
Approaching the hotel, l observed a
portly and comfortable-loolSing couple
seated on the piazza, the gentleman
smoking and the lady screnely tanning
herself. My fair companion nodded
and smiled to them, and said, laugh
ingly;
Aunt Patterson will be surprised
to find that have been walking with
gentleman to whom | haven't been
introduced. She is the dearest soul!
but such an awful sticlxler for etiquett tie
and conventionalitics Now, my name
is Ethel Gray and am q niece of that
nice old gentleman on the piazza there
Judge Patterson, of Wytheville."
She said this with an inimitable de-
mure archness of expression and !, as
In duty bound, fastened to reciprocate
the confidence, .'
my name is Percy Howard, and |
am the nephew of the respectable old
gentleman walking in front of us--Mr
Joseph Barksdale, attorney-at-law, of
Middleton, Pa"
She laughed, as she answered.:
What lovely name you have! so
romantic and chivalric in sound. |
adore pretty names; don't you?"
assentcd; but a cold chill ran
through me at the thought Suppose
| had been obliged to inform her that
my name was Peter Tubbs!" And
then and there formed solemn resolve
to relinquish all claim to my Aunt
Fosters fortune, and retain my own
name of Percy Howard.
Henceforth the more that l saw of
the fair Ethel the more enamored did l
become of her sweet and winning
graces In less than week was con-
WINGED that she was the one woman in
the world whom destiny had marked
out for me, and at the end of the sec
ond week l took my uncle into my con-
fidence and communicated to him my
intention of asking her to become my
wife.
II see no objection" my uncle re-
| piled, after q moments grave thought,
provided she will accept you. She is
a charming girl-a little romantic, but
sensible; and will, l am sure, make a
good wife. Fortunately, your aunts
money will enable you to live in com
fort, whereas without it you and your
wife would starve; for, as ! under
stand, she has nothing of her own, and
is dependent on her uncle, Judge Pat.
terson. Indeed, heard him say yes
terday that he would never consent tc
her marrying poor man"
Here was q dilemma. After resolv
Ing, for Ethel's sake, to keep my name,
here found myself reduced to the al
tentative of relinquishing it in order
to gain possession of her! To resign
her l felt to be an impossibility
whereupon at length, not without a
pang, informed Uncle Joe that ! had
concluded to accept the conditions Of
my aunt's will and claim the fortune
But l should have to explain it tC
Ethel, and what would she say?
Ethel listened very attentively, as il
pleasant little retired nook on tho
lawn, called "tbe lovers seat" tolt
her about my great-aunt's will and i'll
absurd condition. Her sweet face was
full of sympathy, but when | asked hel
to share with me my life and my for
tune, there came an ominous silence
She looked down, and with the poin
of her parasol carefully turned owe,
and examined freely which lay mo
tionless upon the grass
"Ethel" | exclaimed, anxiously, 81
you have any feeling of pity, give m,
an answer at once. | cannot bear thi
suspense. Surely you do not care TO
mel"
II do care for you, Percy" sh,
said, slowly, and then paused. Ap
parently she had satisfied herself tina
the fly was dead, for she now began
absently to dig grave with her para
sol into which she lightly shovele,
him, then added, sadly: "But l dom
know that | can marry you"
, "Why not, darling? What obstacle i
there?"
, "Why, only think, Percy, what
, dreadful thing it would be to have t.
, go through my whole life as-as Mrs
,, Peter Tubbs!" And here she hastil,
covered up tho FREELY and buried it on
of sight, as though it had been tina
I hated name.
, 81 know 1t, darling" answered, sad
| ly and alphabetically. II hate tn
t name as much as you can possibly dc
| but surely you love me sufficiently t
= be willing to make that sacrifice rattle
s than cast me off entirelyw
3 But" she answered, glancing up ar
A pealingly from under her long lashes
''could not you make a sacrifice for m
Y sakeP Give up the money and kee
Q your beautiful name"
e but, dearest, we should be S
4 poorl | could not think of exposin
a you to the trials and ills of poverty
"Oh, don't care for money!" she il
" terrupted, brightly. 1--WE could live i
t nice little cottage, which coul
|, make lovely with roses and honey
h suckle; and would learn to cook-it'
e all the fashion now for laden to tax
: cooking lessons-and we could be Jus
: MS happy there as in palace. If 20
>; do truly love me, Percy, give up tn
o fortune; for really could never b
e happy as Mrs. Peter Tubbs; and II