Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-10-14

settle with Tom.
But, Lydia, You forget that Sir
George hasn't actually proposed to me
yet"
But he is madly in love with you,
St write to Tom, and when he does YOU
can post il; you oushtn't to keep him
in suspense" She pushed a table
with writing materials upon it toward
me.
What are you going to say?" she
asked.
Il don't know .sl.led, With a sud
deu laCs4aae4oA TO cry.
Let me help you" said Lydia.
In a fw minutes the letter was
Written: with shaking hand l
directed it TO Thomas Goodhart, Esq
Nj D., closed and stamped it and took
l. home.
Nora, IRE you awake?"
Come in, please | replied.
Mamma opened the door of my room
and drawing chair near to the fire,
sat down beside me,
There was silence for moment or
SO. twisted the buttons OF my dress
ing gown and mamma toyed With her
rings. At last she said:
My darling have something 10 tell
you. Sir George called to see me to-
day"
"Yes?" l tried to look unconcerned.
Must | tell you or do you think you
can guess?"
Il think | can guess" answered,
calmly.
Il hope you are not cross with me
for receiving him, dear. You have
always liked him, haven't you? He is
such a thorough gentleman, so true
hearted and kind" said mamma with
warmth. I've been thinking how nice
it will be for you; l am able to take
you about SO little that it will be very
delightful to haze someone to look
after you in future"
Just what Lydia says" | remarked.
'Lydia!" said my mother in surprise,
y
ia-I had no idea that anyone had the
least suspicion. We wished to keep it
so very quiet"
Il don't see why | Interrupted.
Perhaps not, dear Well, Sir George
was so veXed to find he had missed you
when he called, but he is coming again
tomorrow morning; you will see him
then, will you not, my darling?" said
mamma, anXiously
She was twisting her fingers ner-
yously. She is very pretty, rather a
dainty figure, and with d clear pink and
white complexion. Though she is AZ
she looks much younger than many a
girl of rs.
On, yes, certainly" | replied
And you quite approve of it? You
are not yeXed with me for what have
done?"
Il don't see how you could do any
thing else," | said echoing Lydia. DO
you think he is very much in love?" |
asked
What do you Think" she asked.
DO you think when | see him tomor-
row he will want to kiss me?" stam-
mered
Il should think so, said mamma.
when must it be-the ceremony" !
asked.
oh, l don't know! You are rather
premature, my dear"
What shall | choose for my dress?"
asked, presently.
Il am sure don't know, dear.
haven't given it a thought as yet
HIM! white corded silk would look
nice!" | said, musingly.
What did you say?"a asked mamma
abstractedly. White? Yes, white
always suits you admirably My dear
girl just look at the time!" she exclatm-
ed the next moment, as she rose to go.
Il had no idea it was so late
Upon her leaving the room | arose
and fiinging myself on the hearth rug.
sobbed for an hour. ooh, Tom-Tom!
] don't think / can bear it," cried.
In time grew calmer. "A pretty
object shall lock tomorrow"
thought, as | caught sight of my re-
flec..on in the mirror.
odthed my eyes and felt better.
Then | thought of what Lydia had said
a the bills.
After all" ] reflected, sooner or
later, | should have had to choose some
one. can't teach or write, or do any
thing to earn my living; and it would
have been very selfish Of me to have
married Tom. One must face facts.
Mamma can't live forever, and when
she dies shall be alone in the world,
without enough to live on. Oh,
why wasn't | taught to do some ing
like other girls are! Unless ] marry
someone | must staTve. Well, 1t is all
their fault; they nave driven me TO it,"
IF you please, miss, Sir George is IN
the drawine-roon
"Vc,y we'll; ! shall he down present.
IT," replied
won't hurt him 10 wait bit,
thought, "ani ! won't try to look Il tn