Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1897-07-30

NOT GROOMSMAN
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''No," said Madeline; che is not
blind, or lame, or seeking after your
fortune. " She hesitated for moment,
and then continued slowly: "He is
neither very young nor very old, very
kind nor very cross, very good nor
very bad, very rich nor very poor
but think he likes me-"
'Of course he has told you so in
most affecting tones" muttered
Gaffer ironically.
no" she said, quietly, ''he has
not. "
Madeline, you are crazy, or going
into dotagel Why did you not tell
me that you We're so anxious to get
married and l would have advertised
in all the daily papers for "a suitable
lover for a widow not very far
advanced in life, well preserved and
anxious to leave CATER Hitchcock p
Why did you not tell me all this?"
aud his face clouded wofully. 'It's
too bad, Maddy l would never have
believed you would go away again. 1t
was bad enough to leave me when
sister was here, but now, now, why,
Maddy Maddyl think better of it
do, and don't leave me alone, child"
Madeline's fingers worked nervous
ly. How she longed for the knitting
work "Gafer," she said, without
looking up, perhaps tomorrow you
will not feel so badly about it. 1t is
no sudden thing, my determination to
get married l have thought about it
for over a year, and yet last night 1
would have said there was no telling
when the wedding would take place. "
Poor CATER seemed perfectly un-
done at the news Madeline had
impaired, but at her last words he
started from his seat, and, drawing
up chair, took seat in front of her.
''It is not too late, then, he said, his
face radiant with hope. "You can
yet retreat Oh ! by the memory of
past days; by the solemn agreement
l entered into with your father, to
guard his little girl; by all the years
| have loved and striven to serve you,
do not leave me now. You know it
would be taking away my life to part
with you" He took the two cold
hands in his. "Will you leave me?
Dare you leave me?" Still no answer.
''If you would be happy away from
me, my dear girl, say so, and CATER
will not say another word. Speak,
Maddy, speak don't mind me-"
The face of the woman was averted,
but the words, though soft and tremu-
lous, were distinctly heard by the anx-
ious mrn before her II never said I
was going to leave you. If ever
marry again it will be to be forever
near you.
The look of anxiety on CATERS face
gave place to one of bewilderment, and
then utter astonishment. 'Do you
mean what you say?" he asked.
81 do, and it is for you to Judge
whether he is blind old dotard, a
sonceited dandy or after GafTer's
money"
Then Gaffer rose, walked across the
room and took his old seat, picked up
the evening paper and asked: "What
time is it?"
"Half-past nine. Goodnight"
Goodnight" he answered as if
nothing had happened; and Madeline
put the knitting in her work basket
and left the room.
The next morning at the usual hour
the bell was rung, and CATER walked
down to the breakfast table in dress
ing gown and slippers, to see Madeline
arranging the cups and saucers in her
own quiet, precise way. They talked
very quietly together until Madeline
asked: when are You going to New
York, Gatler?"
"Not till after the first of the month,
for expect to be married on New
Years day myself"
There was nothing more said, and if
Maddy ate little, CATER ate less
"Maddy," he said, when they had adj
journed to the library, you are
very sensible girl, and L never knew
before last night that 1 needed wife;
but am Is years older than you, and
what will the world say?"
''You suit me-" she answered, put
ting up her face for kiss, ''and we
will not invite the world to the we'd
ding.