Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1896-08-29

I am tired to death of society, the exer-
tion of dancing -smiling-"and the
bother of being agreeable to people that
one doesn't care a rap about, so have
half made up my mind to marry and
settle down in the country-that Isl
slowly-"if can persuade the girl I
love to consent to bury herself for my
sake.
Miss Gresham looked down. Her face
had lost little of it's bright color, but
the pallor was in no way unbecoming.
II thought the best thing to do was
to come and talk over the matter with
you," he said after somewhat awk-
ward pause. "You always help fellow
SO with your advice. ="
II imagine" she replied, "that If
woman cared for man she would go
with him anywhere. -
Exactly, but that is the question
does she care for me? You see'-gaz-
ing at her steadily-"she is a society
girl, used to good deal of gayety and
movement and excitement, and it doesn't
seem quite fair to ask her to come. down
here, does it? 1t looks conceited and
selfish, as if one thought good deal of
ones self, don't you knowp'
She looked at him gravely.
"Do know her?" she asked. els she
some one you have known long timer"
"Oh, yes since was quite boy"
els she pretty?"
"Of course; you ought to know that. "
"And clever?"
every"
II suppose"-slowly-"she never
says unkind things or sees through peo-
pie, as-as-some of your other friends
do?''
"Unkind things? No. But as to see
ing through people"-breaking into a
laugh-"I am obliged to admit that
she does. You see, she has been out a
lot, and the rosy bandage is bit out Of
place natural enough, don't you think?"
81 suppose so," doubtfully. Zone
can't go through life with ones eyes
shut-that is, if one has any brains, and
yet, somehow or other, don't quite
like the description. You are such
good fellow, Tony, for all your affecta-
tion, that you ought to marry somebody
very much above the average"
"And SO shall"
"You always said," she went Oh,
"that might choose wife for you.
Don't you remember, just before you
went to college, that last ride we took?"
"Assuredly."
"How we agreed to ask each others
advice about the people we should mar
ry, and how we promised that neither
of us would get engaged without the
others consent?"
"Of course remember, and I am
quite willing to abide by the old con-
tract. shall never marry without your
permission.
"Oh, Tony, really?"
Really"
Che gazed at him with parted lips
and shining eyes.
"You are very trusting-how do you
know that 1 shall not take base ad-
vantage of your confidence and refuse
my consent altogether? You don It know
how lonely it will be going out next
winter without you. l have got SO used
to having you around that I don't be-
lieve I'll enjoy myself in the least un-
less you are there"
She pondered a moment.
Come" she said, "I will compro-
mise. Iwon't forbid the banns altogeth-
er, but you must not think of marrying
until am tired of society and ready to
take the fatal step myself. How will
that suit you!''
Perfectly, if you won't put it off too
long,"
"Oh. we'll, that 1 don't know. have
about decided to be a spinster.
Come, now, that isn't fair. Suppose
we agree to be married the same day?
That meets with your approval? Well,
to keep that promise fresh in your men,
ory," reaching over and taking her
hand, "wear this for my sake
He drew her glove off very gently
and slipped hoop of diamonds on her
finger.
The blood flashed to her cheeks.
"Tony," she cried, the full meaning
Of her action breaking over her, "Tony,
don't understand! T.
"Oh, yes, you do," he answered,
drawing reassuring arm about her,
"but for fear you might make a mis-
take and go off and marry another fell
| low I will make my meaning even
clearer. love you'll have always low
ed you. have never dreamed of asking
any one else to marry me- Iwould have
told you SO before, but you are such a
dreadful little flirt that was afraid to
| test my fate. What say you, sweet
heart? Shall we marry and settle down
at the old placer"
"And it was I all the time," she muir
INJURED, "and thought you MEANT
"Who?" asked Markland curiously.
"Oh, never mind'-hastily- see
now what an absurd idea it was So
you always loved me, ever since 1 was
childa Well, really, Tony, it was on
| ly fair, for never cared for any one as
I cared for you. Come, let us go in and
tell Betty.
Malicious.
Ethel-I suppose shall have to wear
this veil; it's the only one l have. It's
SO thick one can hardly see my face