The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1897-04-28
TESTED.


what shall I do? How shall I act
1t is strange, but | really do not quite
know my own heart in this matter
Thus unused Edith Lyle, as she sat in
one Of the coy little rooms of an eie-
giant mansion, which the death of her
father had a year previous, made her
own. On the table before her lay
three very interesting epistles, each one
in itself being a proposal Of marriage;
and the subject Of her meditation was
what answer to send 10 those by whom
they We're written.
Her great fear was to become the
wife Of any person who sought her for
her wealth, and TO avoid this she was
anxious to adopt any plan
The three proposals above referred
to had come to her within a few days
of each other, no doubt because each
had waited until her father had been
year dead; and she finally concluded
to reply to each-namely, a desire to
await her decision three months, as
there was a certain matter just then
undecided which might considerably
influence it
Regarding her three suitors a few
words may be said Mr.. Harvey Stan
hope was what might be termed a gen
tleman Of leisure having no pretension
to any profession whatever, and al
ways on the alert for enjoyment One
thing was evident, he was rich; any
one could learn that from his extraya-
giant habits. His father had been
wealthy, and had left him sufficient
property to live as his taste dictated.
Mr. Hugh Oswald was the son Of
retired merchant; retired, some said,
because he had become rich enough to
provide for his family all they required;
others said because Hugh was too in
dolent to continue the business, and
otherwise lacked the proper qualifca-
tons TO do so. Be that as it might,
the father was retired, and the son
leading a life Of ease.
The third applicant for the hand of
Edith was a young doctor-"Doctor
James Norton" the sign of his office
door read, and though more humble
than the others, inasmuch as he was
earning his bread by his profession, he
had the claim of priority, for Edith
and they had known each other from
childhood, and strong friendship had
always marked their intercourse with
each other.
As to appearances, all three were con- |
sidered handsome young men, and as
Edith had heard nothing to the con-
trary, she assumed that the character
Of each was what that Of a gentleman
should be.
For sale. Apply to Cummings G
Co."
Such was the notice that appeared
on the door of the Lyle mansion about
a month after Edith had answered her
three proposals, and rather surprised /
Mr.. Oswald, who had come to call on
her
What can this mean?" he said.
cts very strange" and he ran up the
steps and pulled the bell vigorously.
No answer, however, came to his
summons, and he finally learned from
the lady next door that Miss Lyle had
ceased to reside there, and had moved
she knew not where.
Disappointed, and somewhat annoyed
that she should move and not let him
know Of it, he returned home and there
found note awaiting him, addressed
by the fair hand Of Edith.
Hastily opening it he read as fol-
lows;
Mr.. Hugh Oswald:
Dear Sir: AS you see from the above
address, am no longer to be found at
ny former residence, and l hasten to
ct you know the reason Of my removed.
n my reply to your esteemed proposal
said a certain matter, then undecided,
night considerably influence my final
answer. The matter referred to was
case then pending at law, and in
rolved the question whether certain
ecurities could be collected off my es-
ate. The decision is given against me,
md by it l am rendered penniless.
fully understanding the difference in
ly position now and a short time ago.
am constrained, in justice to myself
nd you also, to regard your recent
roposal as not made at all, and forth
nth free you from all obligations con-
ected Herewith. l am at present liv-
lg with friends at the above place.
18th no particular idea as to what my
Iture may be. Believe me,
Very sincerely yours.
Edith Lyle.
The following day brought Edith
liter and two visitors, Mr.. Stanhope
nd DR.. Norton, the latter Of whom
lckily enough had departed ere the
ther arrived Both of these gentle [
zen expressed their concern fer her y
appointment in regard to the law
lit, bat would not allow their pro- p
1sals to be set aside on that ground.
4 love you, Edith, for yourself II
one," said the doctor land whether n
~ are rich or poor, that love remains 2
lperishable. Nay more, / am almost o
lfsh enough to rejoice in the change r
your position, as it removes what I
ways considered a barrier and does &,
way with tie possibility Of having my III
ntlments ascribed to any nerceasry Il
euFe." q