Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1894-09-11

go. . -. -s
me, and in their different ways expressed
perfect readiness to fall in with my
views if ever I could persuade myself
to reconsider my decision. :"
Yet all the time curious hesitancy
mingled with her air of determination
Twice she laid her pen ON the paper, as
though to add ninth name to those al
ready written. The third time her fin
gers traced the letter R, but she scratch
ed it through hastily.
''I think must be mad The idea Of
my Offering to marry Reginald Beres-
fordl Reggie, with whom I Iquarreled.
Reggie, with whom played in my
baby days. Reggie, to whom was en-
gagged when was still in short frocks,
before he was first sent to India.
Twas married to Mr.. Venning when
he came back, and then-tben poor Reg
gle began to racket and spehd his money
and ruin his health. Heaven forgive
mel I laughed at him-he was so poor
for, though my heart ached for him,
my head was too light to remember any
thing but that was young and pretty.
1t serves me right that, after all, am
obliged to marry some man 1 hate any
way. Now for itl'
In her slender writing she penned
eight letters to the men who within
the last few months had wooed and
tried to win the prettiest widow in
London. She playfully claimed the pre-
rogative peculiar to her own sex of
changing her mind and wrote plaintive-
ly of her lonely life and her longing for
guiding hand and strong arm.
When the task was completed, she
rang the bell, and sending for her maid
told her to prepare for a weeks stay in
the country.
'who has called?' Mrs. venning
asked rs she entered her fiat ON her re-
and q packet of letters were handed her.
The first she tossed aside; the second
demanded perusal.
Now, I wonder how many men
shall find myself engaged to by the time
I've read all these?"
She broke the seal of the first.
''Sir Roderickl So glad to hear I'm
well-fears Scotland would scarcely suit
me-hnd regards. How Scotchl
The bishop rejoices to see i am tak-
ing a more serious view of life. Has
changed his mind about marrying and
G14444A6 OAkS C1ckky plOuASA NO S0AAOtlGns
"Gluokstein has looked up my hus-
bands will and considers that my read
mess to become his wife Is aotuated
solely by desire to possess his millions.
Graciousl What else could he think?
Colonel Dingwall is engaged to a
young girl-!an blue eyes and golden
hair-going to be married next week.
How foolish he must have felt when he
read my letterl Well. four of them are
out of the.running.
A slight flush rose to Mrs. Venning's g
cheeks as she opened the fifth letter,
which she quickly tore across and across.
"What shameful letter to writeI 1
always did hate that horrid old duoh-
ess.
"UmphI Lord Arthur st. Johns
valet writes for him. Says his master
has got softening of the brain.
"Bertie Shorthouse informs me that
he's stone broke and has got to marry
an American heiress, but win 1 dino
with him at the Cafe Royal one night2
There are five mistakes in spelling.
''Now for Lord Fordwell He always
was dear old thing. WhatI He would
be delighted, but his daughters won't
hear of his marrying again.
"And to think that should be retus-
ed by eight menl By men who vowed
they loved me for myself; would defy
the fates to win me; would wait for
years for me. oh, this humiliation is
awful shall"- 5sa
''Lulul" said voice behind her.
'tReggiel You? Where have you been,
poor boy. and what have you been do
ing?" la4
ST have been at the Cape, and Ihave
been making my fortune. And your"
"Oh, I''-
''I hear you are free?''
"Yesn
Going to marry again2"
Perhaps. Is that what you came
back from the Cape to say?"
HYes. Any chance for me. Lulu?"
''What will you do if say no2''
"Go back to the Cape"
81 could not send you back there
again, Reggie"
he caught her perfect form in his
strong arms; her beautiful head rested
on his shoulder; he kissed her many
times. He called her by name, but she
only sobbed, for she was very happy.
Women are strange things. Pick Ne