Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-06-04


ana .Lissis. In the most friendly way,
and Lottle and Cornie seemed already
to regard him In . very sisterly man.
ner. We read, walked and talked to-
gethcr, and night after night his deep,
| rich voice would accompany those Of
my sisters, while I played the old "a
miliar tunes upon the piano. -
fancied that my own voice might
have lost little Of its early sweet
ness. and 20 did not attempt to Join
the others, whose melodies were 80
harmonious.
Several other Invitations were sent
as OF yore to Misses Whitaker, and I
was fast forgetting that ! was an old
maid when, at an evening party I
overheard the enyious and ill-natured
remark, "Just see that Elizabeth Whit
taker. What youthful airs she does
put on! Trying to catch Mr.. LOTUS, !
dare say" 81 /. Y.
How those words rang In my ears
long after the lights, the music and the
dancing we're shut out, and was alone
in my own room. How I catechised
myself, and tried to reason with my
poor, foolish heart. Yes, had been
trying to look young, and had appro-
priated Wills attention as q matter Of
course.
What right had l to monop0lize his
time? Was 1t not far more likely that
he would choose Lottie or, Cornie-tf
indeed he were to pay court to any Of
us? Even this was by no means GER
tain; he might 60 again as suddenly as
he had come; and was startled to
find what sad void his departure
would make In our. circle, and still
more in my own heart.
All. Elizabeth, Elizabeth" solilo-
quized, take warning ere too latc!
The next morning rose with new
resolve firm in my mind; would not
yield to the sweet delusions Of love-.
would not, unasked. give my heart.
The world should not have cause to
laugh at the silly fondness Of an old
maid. Strengthened by these purposes.
was the better fitted for tho trial
that awaited me.
That very day Will LOTUS came, and
inquired for me alone. caught q
quick glance passing between Lottie
and Cornie as / left the room, and
there was a more rapid pulsation at
my heart as entered the cool, dim
room where he was seated.
elizabeth" he said tenderly, as he
took my hand, do you know what
priceless treasure I have come to ask?
hardly dare to be SO bold, and yet,
faint heart never won fair lady, and
must not lose my courage"
How very timid he has grown" I
thought. Can he not see that he has
but to speak in order to VIM"
l smiled assuringly, and he proceed
ed.
'Do not think me precipitate In my
affection, though the acquaintance has
been so brief, for cannot be mistaken
in my feelings. and only wait your per-
mission to offer my hand to your pet
sister, Cornie You stand in the place
Of parent to her, and therefore I
asked your consent"
All, Will, viii! It was we'll you
could not read my heart just then!
With a mighty effort choked down
convulsive sob, and replied that he
had my full, free permission; and add
Ing that I would send Cornle to him
directly, left the room sadder and
a wiser woman. IN
There Is not much to add. Comics
love was already given to the hand
some man so recently stranger; and
a very few months later she became his
wife.
Lottie was q fair and stately brides
maid, while / witnessed with maternal
complacency the ceremony which unit
ed the destinies of the only man
had ever loved and my child-sister,
C0rnie.
Peace and contentment were my
guardian angels that night, and with
serenity that was sincere and unaf-
fected / returned the kiss which the
bridegroom gave me, as he said ten
derby and gently, Sister Elizabeth!