Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-05-16

eSShAeJ 4 n1OW <sASt HOSS hSdie 4
can trust. It is more than likely
that my fortune will attracts admir-
ers, men of every age and position,
and induce them to sue for my hand
while, perhaps, their real motive
would be the possession of my mon
ey. In order to avoid the advances
of such adventures, propose to
turn the scale and seek suitable
husband myself. / am aware that
this procedure is contrary to the
general law and order of things, but
/ think my peculiar position will
justify me in assuming the rights
universally confined to the other
sex. To you, my dear friend, | am
indebted for securing to me my good
fortune, hence lam under the strong
est obligations to you, and as the
only offer / can make as a reward
for your invaluable services, give
to you my hand and my fortune.
Monroe Allison, who expected
anything else more than such prop
osition, started, was dumfounded.
Nine out of ten men, would, doubt
less, have unhesitatingly, accepted
the offer. But not so Monroe Alli-
son. Without a moments hesita-
ton, in all due Difference to the lady 8
gratitude, candor and sincerity, he
expressed his surprise at such a
proposition.
He said he felt and appreciated
the magnanimity of his friends, that
he esteemed her above every other
one as friend and lady, but that
esteem, however deeply rooted IN
the mind, was not love in the heart,
such love as should permeate the
hearts of man and wife. He added
that he felt more like generating her
as a mother or elder sister, than en-
bracing her as a wife.
This answer, though thoroughly
correct and reasonable, did not
change the lady's purpose. She said
that what he urged was no more
than she expected from man of
his character. But she desired him
to understand that she made this
proposition, not on the ground or
expectation of a reciprocal, ardent,
youthful love, but merely ON the
strength Of their close and warm
friendship for each other, or, in 9TH
er words, she did not expect any
thing beyond platonic love which, in
these days, was not uncommon and
sometimes paved the way for very
enjoyable life. There would, in this
case, be no occasion for jealous feel
ings. Her object in a word, was to
place SO deserving person in more
advantageous circumstances.
After discussing this matter for a
long time, and with the kindest feel.
ipgs aud purest motives, Allison
was gained over by this charming
woman, and soon thereafter they en-.
tered the marriage relation and
their union proved to be as satisfac
tory and pleasant as a union based
on mere feelings of genuine friend
ship could make it; and Allison, in
the possession of wealth, faith.
full companion and the esteem of the
community, lived the life of sim
ecure and was apparently contented
The society of congenial friends o.
intelligence, and their frequent inter
changing visits dispelled ennui and
| humdrum, and life to them was
pleasant for many days, their friend
ship being pure, their love platonic.
Among the ladies of their socia
gatherings, there was one who had
been married but short time. She
was very handsome, of pleasant ad
dress, amiable and intelligent. She
was, in all respects, so superior tc
the rest, that Allison admired bel
very much, and was drawn towards
her on account of their congeniality
in taste, disposition and similarity
of views on most subjects. He gen
orally sat by her side at the table
always was ready to offer his arm fol
a walk, always engaged her more
than any other one in their social
chats, always was ready to coincide
with and sanction her views.
All this was natural, and Allison
was far too honest and noble to cher
ish any other motive than that OIL
enjoying that Of social and literary
intercourse. But the vigilant eye Of
a wife is apt to possess keener pen
etration than that of her husband.
Alice could not help but draw infer
ences from her husbands attitude
to this charming young woman. But
she submitted to it with a grace that
proved the goodness of her heart,
and the unselfshness of her nature.
She manifested no trace of suspicion
in word or manner. Her bearing
towards this lady was always the
same, and even society did not seem
to regard the social intimacy of these
parties as improper.
Thus matters continued several
years when the husband of this lady
died. He was considerably older
than she. Their marriage had been
greatly matter of policy. Never,
theless, the widow mourned the death
of her husband in becoming man.
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