The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-10-06

he has done so, not from necessity, but
from inclination"
There was deep flush on Veronica's
face as she spoke, but her manner was full
of dignity Mrs. Hooker looked up at the
tall, graceful figure standing 50 erect by
her side, and felt little small. Veronica
was only penniless stepdaughter, often
felt to be de trop in the house; nevertheless,
she compelled from the family much un-
willing admiration and respect.
'Oh, my dear, | was not blaming you, or
insinuating anything, of course, exclaimed
Mrs Hooker, apologetically, ''only you
know, you being the age you are--l mean,
Mr. Vance being comparatively a young
man-5f course, though gentlemen always
like talking TO you as-as-well, he might
possibly think of Mary as wife, and it
would be such good thing for her, you see?"
II qnite see. Pray don't trouble to say
more, mother, said Veronica, moving away
now looking very pale.
81 hope no one will talk to me like that
when am 35!" said Daisy, looking indig-
nantly at her mother.
moment Mr.. Pindar and Mr.. Vane came
suddenly into view. They were crossing
the lawn in the direction Veronica had just
taken. For a second Veronica half turned
aside as though wishful to escape them, but
she was given no choice in the matter.
Perceiving her near, the gentlemen Instant
ly bore down upon her. A few conyen-
tional remarks were exchanged, then the
guests moved on to greet Mrs. Hooker.
"Miss Veronica does not look so nice to-
day as she did yesterday" observed Theo-
dore to his companion as they moved for
ward. "She looks old, has pale, worn
sort of appearance, don't you think?" He
spoke in quite disappointed tone.
Mr.. Pindar made no reply. He had no.
ticed what the younger man had failed to see
a glitter as of half-suppressed tears in the
eyes of the woman who had just greeted
him. And the sight had moved him deeply.
1t was generally conceded afterwards
that Mrs Hooker's garden party had been
the pleasantest of the season. Mr.. Pindar's
was the only dissentient voice. He said
he had found it spiritless and dull, and he
and Theodore had almost dispute on the
point at luncheon the following day.
II must say thought it uncommonly
well DONE" said Theodore, "and [ don't
know when 1 have enjoyed myself so much.
Nice band, capital refreshments, and some
rattling good sets of tennis By Jove, that
second Hooker girl, Mary, plays well. And
didn't she look nice? There were a good
many pretty girls there, but not one came
up to Mary yesterday An uncommonly
handsome girl, call her. l admired Yer
onica most the other day, but she looked
quite faded yesterday, was dull and unin-
teresting, tou, when one talked to her. Oh,
she's not in it.
''Miss Hooker was not herself yesterday.
She is neither dull nor uninteresting," as
serted Mr. Pindar with some warmth.
'sNo; l think there was something
wrong. She was depressed seemed to
avoid us, l fancied. Give me girl that's
always Jolly. Now l should say Mary
was always jolly. Pom my word, think
fallou might 90 further aud fare worse.
You are always advising me to marry,
Pi1dar; say the word now. Shall make
The plunge
with Mary ?"
with Mary
"My dear boy, exclaimed the rector,
pumping up and clappiug his friend de-
.iightedly on the shoulder, "you couldn't
take a step that would please me more.
Mary is the very girl for you, and | feel
strongly that you would be both better
and happier man if you were married.
Do it by all means. Take my advice, go
fup to the Grove and propose before an-
other twelve hours is over you head, and
my blessing and best wishes go with you. !"
Theodore looked impressed. 1t was evil
dent the rector was genuinely pleased and
absolutely sincere in all he had just said.
'sYou are good fellow, Pindar," said
he; ''Im glad 10 have your good wishes
I'll go up there this very afternoon and
I'll come back engaged to Mary"
"Mary's consent is evidently foregone
conclusion" remarked Mr.. Pindar, with
an amused smile.
Theodore laughed, comfortable laugh,
such as only a man with f7, 900 a year
could give on the eve of proposal.
"Do you think that this coats good
enough to go up in p he asked, rising and
surveying himself in the mirror over the
mantelpiece.
"Quite," said the rector, looking with an
indulgent expression at the fautlessly cut
face Of his guest; Il don't think Phillida
will fout you. A rosebud in the button
hole might perhaps lend an air of senti-
ment-there are several in the garden"
"No, don't think I'll wear a rosebud.
Might like to ask for one up there; some
thing to say, you know, if there's an awk-
ward pause. Iwonder if proposing is awk-
ward? Oh, say, Pindar, l think I'd bet
ter be of, or | might change my mind
Mr.. Pindarj jumped up, found Theodore's 5
hat, presented him with it, and fairly
pushed him out of the house. And so the
young man started to propose to Mary.
Very late in the evening he returned.
Mr.. Pindar came out into the lighted hall
to greet him.
aWell," he said, ''good news? But l
need hardly ask. A rejected man would
scarcely have stayed to dinner. By the
by, though-did you propose ?"
"Oh, yes, l proposed
"Accepted?" ?"
"Yes, accepted replied Theodore, look
ing very low.
Strangely enough, Mr. Pindar, usually
so observant, did not notice his guests de-
pressed manner. He was looking very ex
cited himself.
s'That's right he said, taking Theo-
dore's arm and leading him into his study.
Il wish you joy, my dear fellow, from the
bottom Of my heart. But have no doubt
of your happiness. And now let me give
you piece of news about myself; most de-
lightful news; | can scarcely believe in my
own good fortune. You know how ha-
rassed | have heretofore been as to ways
aud means, with my tiny income and this
poor living. You know also that a distant
cousin of mine, Joseph Pindar, died the