The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1896-02-11

five weeks at Saltburn, in large
house which MIR. Vane had rented for
the summer Henry Vane, Esq.
owned n good-sized mansion in Bel
gravia, where he had lived for the
past eight years during the London
season; and an estate near Noting
ham, amid picturesque scenery, where
he generally resided when not in Lon
don. Each summer, however, he
rented his house at Saltburn: for not
only Emily, but himself too, was
charmed with the quiet, beautiful
Yorkshire watering place From all
of which it will be Mt once surmised
that Henry Vane, ESQ, was n man Of
wealth.
His money had been acquired
abroad, and though of his family
nothing or little WAS known by society,
he was received by some excellent
houses; for even titled person does
not care lightly to offend one whose
income is Gi0, 900 a year.
Emily Vane saw neither sen nor
hills. Her thoughts were wholly oc-
cupled by two letters in front of her.
Both had come that morning, and
both were proposals for her hand.
The first of them was from the Earl of
Seacroft, who for some time had be en-
paying Miss VaLe noticeable atten-
tions, and who, both as regarded per-
Fonal qualities and position, was in
deed no bad match for any English
maiden. He was yet young and fairly
wealthy, aud for some months in
fact, since Emily had "come out
had been a victim to her beauty and
charms. She admitted to herself that
Lori Seacroft's proposal was not one
to be lightly set aside.
The other letter was from Mr.. HUI
bert Wells. Emily had met him about
SIX months ago, at a country house,
since which time he bad been her de 4.
voted admirer. She frankly con-
fessed to herself that she liked him,
that she liked his society, that she
knew that lie loved her But Hubert
Wells was not rich, and had no par
ticular position. He had only about
GiOO n year, which his father, long
since dead, had left him to live upon,
Emily Vane still sat, looking first
at this proposal, then at that. She
had for the past week or two expected
both, and so unsettled and doubtful
was she that she had given neither
sutton any chance Of proposing per-
sonalIy. Bat now it had come both
on one morning. The ordeal had to
be faced; tho decision to be made /
Her pride, her love for her father. her
wish TO raise the name OF Vane, snid
"5eacrolt;" yet there was small
voice underneath which whispered
"Hubert.
In her perplexiiy she picked up the
letters, and went TO see her father in
MS study. Emily Ynue's mother had
died Mt her birth; her father was her
closest conidant As Emily entered.
he rosed mp and kissed her lovingly,
then, smoothing her hair, said quietly
(which OF the two is IL TO be love ?"
The beautiful girl gazod at him with
eyes half dimmei with tears, as she m
swered, blushlugly:
Which ever my papa likes Tic
always chooses for the best
"WeU, my dear, suppose I should
say Lord Seacroft? T havs alwavr
wished such husband for you
titled, yet noble in natures best
ways
''Ies, papa.
"Yct ! like Mr. Wells"
Emily's heart beat n shade quicker.
'Jo cannot give you what The Earl OF
Seaoroit can, and what have so often
pictured you; and yet anil yct-he
is J.s fathers son l'
4Ha gr. pazed, MALT Don lear and as.
Constituent, for her father was as pale
as death, md shook yisibly
What is it, pGpa? she said.
"5t down, my loyc,' replied Mr..
Naue "It has only come, rs felt
certain some day it wolld. God has
brought 10 ont in His time. Z must
tell Won now Don't be afraid, Emily.
u is The secret O, my life which I've
hidden for thirty.fve wears; now YOU
must sharc it, I feel ! should not be
doing right il let you choose to-day
without ticking you OF IT, When you
Lave heard my story You must choose
Tor yourself, and be assured your
choice, whichever it is, will please me.
rs for what you will hear, it will re.
main your secret and mine; & shall