Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1896-01-10
THE NEW MAN.

urc 10 INC DSSb huNhuttG6.
1t was warm summers day, and the
mingled scent of mignonette and roses
Iame in from the garden through the open
French window. Some fancy needlework
lay ON his knees untouched. His domestic
duties were done for the day, and Reggie
was alone with his thoughts, which were
very pleasant ones.
Would she como that afternOony
Would she-ask him-to be her hus-
bandP
Was he worthy Of her, and fit man to
become the lifelong companion and help
meet of such n woman as Frances Dun
combe?
He was conscious Of his incapaeity to
rise to her intellectual level, to share in
her lofty aims and wide feminine interests.
But she would not forgot that he was only
man. At least he would be ablo to give
her that loving sympathy and tender de-
votion which are what wife so needs in
tho midst of her toll as tho breadwinner
and in her rough buffGtings with the
world, and can "a man have any nobler as
pirations than to secure, with never ceas-
ing caro- and solictude, those domestic
comforts and attractions which make the
real "home" for the woman he loves?
So Reggie's thoughts were running
when familiar step was heard upon the
gravel paUh-a firm stride that he knew 30
. well-followed by a powerful double
knock at the door. There was slight
interval, during which the visitor was
heard to softly whistle the melody of what
Reggie believed to be one of those music
hall airs that were played on the street
nrfy aud fhpT thn announced
"Miss Duncombo"
Tho woman who entered was tall and
heavily built, with dark and short cut hair
and resolute features. She was far from
handsome but the deep set, penetrating
eyes, high forehead, aquillne nose and
firm mouth were strongly feminine and
showed that will and decision of character
which a gentleman most admires in
woman. Her plain costume of dark cloth
was tightly fitted to her broad shoulders,
and her divided skirt was well raised from
the tops of her thickly soled laced boots.
AS Frances Duncombe bent over Mr..
Reggie Maxwell and took his little fingers
in her own capacious hands his poor, flut-
tered heart beat fast against the ruflles of
his spotless shirt front.
"Beastly hot day, isn't itP" snid Miss
Duncombe. "You appear to be quite
alone"
Eyes; dear papa has gone out to do
little shopping and make few calls OF
course mother won't be home from the
city for some hours. She has been work
ing very hard lately, and papa and have
been very anxious about her"
81 thought she looked rather over
worked when l met her at tho club the
other night"
"And do you know, Miss Duncombe,
the dear old lady is getting quite bald?"
"Well, badness is quite u recommends
ton to a woman, Mr.. Reggie. l was
thinking this morning, with satisfaction,
that my own hair is beginning to get thin
on the top"
81 should think it must be very dread
full"
"Of course it would be in your case
with the fair sex, Mr.. Maxwell. Gentle
men are the ornamented sex, you see"
Papa was telling me this morning that
some dreadful society has been started for
the assertion of mems rights or some
thing Of the sort"
Eyes; some stupid movement got up by
few ugly old gentlemen who have failed
in finding any women to marry them. A
mans work in life is to look after the
home. He is not fit, either physically or
mentally, to battle with the world, as he
was made to do IN the dark ages"
THAT is just what papa and l were
saying. These forward, unsexed mcn
don't seem to SEQ that if we gentlemen
insist on our rights, whatever they may
be, we shall have to give up our privileges
and forfeit that chivalrous treatment from
women to which we owe so much"
Every sensible words, my dear Mr.
Reggie. Just what should have expected
from modest and charming creature like
yourself"
Il am afraid you are q flatterer, mad
am, said Reggie, bending over his needle
work to hide his bushes
Il swear am not, Mr.. Reggie" Miss
Duncombe replied drawing her chair to-
ward him. Ever since l first met you
my admiration for you has increased.
Never, in any young gentleman, have L
seen SO many virtues, so many accomplish
ments and such an admirable DISPOSE
tom
"Madamw
81 insist upon going on, Mr. Reggie
Cannot you guess what has brought me
here today|
Reggie shook his dropping head, and
Miss Duncombe caught his hand in hers,
and, falling upon one knee beside the sofa,
I went on:
"Mr. Maxwell-Reggie-I love you!
Will you be my husbandH"
Reggie did not speak. His heart was
too full for words.
II know l am rather II rough sort Of n
follow, but will devote my life to making
you happy. Only be my husband, little
man, and 1 will do anything in the world
to please you. I'll never attend another
prize fight, I'll give up horse racing I'll
cut every woman at the club, I'll even
throw away my pipes and smoke nothing
but cigars. Speak, Reggiel Say you will
be mine"
She paused. The silence was only
broken by the quick breathing of Reggie
and the twittering Of the sparrows in the
garden.
"Say yes, darling Reggie"
1t was only little sibilant sound that
reached her ears, but she knew the word
had been spoken. Miss Duncombe folded
her dear one in her arms and imprinted a
kiss on his smooth brow.
"And now shall get your mothe-'F
consent In the city tomorrow. Oh, Reg.
gle, my angel, you have made ME so hap
pyl p
"Stop, dear! Here is dear papa COM