The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-08-04

n perfect readiness to fall in with my
views if ever I could persuade myself
to reconsider my decision
Yet all tho time curious hositancy
mingled with her air of determination.
Twice sho laid her pen on tho paper, as
though to add ninth name to those al
ready written. Tho third time her fin
| gers traced the letter II, but she scratch
ed it through hastily.
| II think must be mad The idea Of
my offering to marry Reginald Bercs-
ford! Reggie, with whom quarrclcl
Reggie. with whom played in my
baby days. Reggie, to whom was en-
| gagged whom was still i'll short frocks,
| before he was first sent to India.
II was married to Mr.. Venning when
he caino back, and then-then poor Reg
| gic began to racket and spend his money
and ruin his health Heaven forgive
me! l laughed Mt him-ho was so poor
for, though my heart achcd 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 somo man 1 hate any
way. Now for it!''
In her slender writing she pcnned
eight letters to the mon who within
the last few months had woood and
tried to win tho prettiest widow in
London. She playfully claimed the pre-
negative peculiar to her own sex Of
changing her mind and wrote plaintivc-
~ of her lonely lifo and her longing for
guiding hand and Il strong arm.
When tho task was completed, she
rang the bell, and sending for her maid
told her to prepare for weeks stay i'll
tho country.
WHO has called?" Mrs Vcnning
asked rs sllo entered her flat on her re-
turn from the country. A sheaf of cards
and a packet of letters wcro handed her.
The first She tossed aside; the second
demanded pcrusal
Now, L wonder how many men |
shall find myself engaged to by tho time
Two read all thcse:'
Sho broke the seal of tho first.
Sir Rodorickl So glad to hear IN
woll-fcus Scotland would scarcely suit
mo-kind regards. How Scotch!
'Tho bishop rcjoicos to sec l am talk
ing nlorc serious vio-Y of life Has
thinks tho clergy should be celibatos
"Gluokstcin has looked up my nus
bands will and considers that my read
mess 10 become his wife is actuated
solely by u desire to possess his millions
Gracious! What else could no think?
Colonel Dingwall is engaged TO
young girl-all blue eyes and golden
hair-going to be married next week
How foolish he must have felt when he
read my letter. Well, four of them arc
out of the running.
A slight flush rose to Mrs. Vcnning's
cheeks rs she opened the fifth letter,
which she quickly tore across and across
"What q shameful letter to write l
always did hate that hOrrid old duch-
eSN
"Umph! Lord Arthur ST. Johns
valet writes for him. Says his master
has got softening of the brain
BERTHE Shorthouso informs me that
he's stone broke and has got to marry
all American heiross, but will 1 dine
with him at the Cafe Royal one night?
There are five mistakes in spelling
Now for Lord Fordwcll Ho always
was q dear old thing. What He would
be delighted, but his daughters won {
hear of his murrying again
And 20 think that should bo refus-
ed by eight men! BY men who vowed
they loved me for myself; would defy
the fatcs to win ne; would wait for
years Tor me. oh. this humiliation is
awful! / sll;ll"-
''Lulu!" said voice behind her.
Reggie! You: Where have you been,
poor boy, and what have you been do.
ing:"
Il have been at the Cape, ana have
been making my fortune And you:'
81 hear you arc fre:"
"Yes!'
Going to marry again?"
Perhaps Is that what you came
back from the Cape to say?"
eyes. Any chance for me, Lulu"
"What will you do if l say nor
$50 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
Oh his shoulder; he kissed her many
times. He called her by name, but she
only sobbcd, for she was very happy
Women arc strange things Pick Me
Up.
Il