Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-04-01
TESTED.

"what shall do? How shall act?
1t is strange, but l really do not quite
know my own heart in this matter"
Thus unused Edith Lyle, rs she sat in
one of the coy little rooms of an ele-
CANT mansion, which the death OF her
father had, year previous, made her
own. On the table before her lay
three very interesting epistles, each one
in itself being proposal of marriage;
and the subject of her meditation was
what answer to send to those by whom
they were 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
a year dead; and she finally concluded
to reply to each-namely, 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 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 extrava-
CANT 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 a
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 qualifica-
tions to do so. Be that as it might
the father was retired, and the son
leading life of ease.
The third applicant for the hand Of
Edith was 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 &
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 a 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
my former residence, and l hasten to
let you know the reason of my removed.
In my reply to your esteemed proposal
] said a certain matter, then undecided,
might. considerably influence my final
answer. The matter referred to was
a case then pending at law, and in
volyed the question whether certain
securities could be collected off my es-
tate. The decision Is given against me,
and by it l am rendered penniless.
Fully understanding the difference in
my position now and short time ago,
I am constrained, in justice to myself
and you also, to regard your recent
proposal as not made at all, and forth
with free you from all obligations con-
nected Herewith. / am at present liv-
ing with friends at the above place
with no particular idea as to what my
future may be. Believe me,
Very sincerely yours,
Edith Lyle.
The following day brought Edith G
letter and two visitors, Mr. Stanhope
and DIR. Norton, the latter of whom
luckily enough had departed ere the
other arrived. Both of these gentle
men expressed their concern for her
disappointment in regard to the law
suit, but would not allow their pro-
posals to be set aside on that ground
II love you. Edith, for yourself
alone" said the doctor, land whethc-
you are rich or poor, that love remains
imperishable. Nay, more, / am almos,
selfish enough TO rejoice In the change
In your position, as II removes what ]
always considered a barrier and does
away with the possibility of having my
sentiments ascribed to any mercenar5
motive"