The Opelousas courier., 1898-06-18
PROVED. -

bridegroom in perspective. Every
body THAT was anybody knew tina
Coleman Burke had retired from bust
ness years before, worth half a million
OF money, and had made fortunate in
~vestments since. That he was decked
II fashions latest styles. wore dia.
mond studs and ring, carried a switch
cane, drove a fine te: N and occupied
expensive rooms at tie hotel, all could
see for themselves.
Very soon after lie anne another
fact was patent to all observers-that
he was very attentive to Miss Lucia
rockingham, the belle of many sea-
son
Mrs. FrothinGham hoped in her
heart that Lucia would not be a fool
and would remember how far Mr..
Coleman Burke's pocketbook out
weighed his nephew's; also that an
old mans darling was far more apt to
have every whim gratified than a
Young mans slave. Having delivered
this maternal lecture, the widow di-
lated upon the expenses of the Sara
toSa trip and was rather marked in
her emphasis upon a speedy subiuga-
ton of the elderly alorer.
And Miss Lucia shrugged her fair,
sloping shoulders, threw over them a
cloud OF black lace and descended to
the porch, where Mr.. Burke waited to
escort her for a drive. His manner of
Woolng was certainly more business
like than sentimental. Where Frank
had grown eloquent over the beauty
Of the liquid dark eyes. his uncle di-
lated upon the suitability of diamonds
for brunette beauty. Where Frank
tenderly quoted poetry descriptive of
the slender grace Of the willowy fig
ure, his uncle thought velvet was the
most becoming wear for slight fig
AS they drove, the fat old gentleman
her opinion Of his horses, also
her description of the most
suitable carriage for a lady's exclusive
use. Likewise he expressed a con
for an India shawl folded upon
4 seat a the lake as one far below
he quality be would purchase to deck
lady's shoulders.
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia in
her affectionate parent, she
vas a little spooney, pressing her hand
md rolling up his pale blue eyes over
he rims of his spectacles, like a fat
I'D porpoise."
But, as a rule, he was simply de-
'oted in his constant attentions. A
bouquet of rare flowers in the morn
ng, followed by a call; a drive in the
fternoon,a walk in the evening or an
fer of escort duty at a ball became
ne usual daily routine. But the ell
.erly wooer was an energetic and per-
one, and even Lucia, vain of
er conquest, was bewildered by the
Of the counting. Only a fort
light ago she had but a bowling ac-
uaintance with Mr.. Burke, and now
e had positively offered a parure of
expensive canoes for her acceptance.
"a letter from Frank! Coming to-
ay!' unused Mr.. Coleman Burke,
an epistle handed in at his
COR. Surprised to find me away
ON home. Hopes I have seen his
ear Lucia in a kinder light than the
he I had previously had. Hem-yes
And % Mr.. Burke unused and NUT ,
red as he donned his most exquisite I
lit, his most dazzling necktie and !
stoned a bouquet in his buttonhole.
"Bless my soul, Uncle Coleman, J.
hat a swell you are!" :
And then Frank was in the :
ID the two exchanged cordial greet !
gs.
'sAnd Lucia?" Frank questioned; $
s she well?' r
'fShe was perfectly we'll last evening d
hen I took her for a drive" e
"You?" a
Certainly. You do not suppose I
We failed in attention to my future v
ece, do you?" I
''You are are always kind!" was the 0
lex reply. t.
''You like her better than you did?" Ii
ntinued Frank, almost pleadingly. t.
See here, Frank" the old man
ID, suddenly wheeling round from S,
: glass to face his nephew. IT have b
to make with you. If, within 81
e hour, [ prove Lucia false, mer- d
nary and a traitor to her promise to fl
u, will you give her up? Stop! IF b
is true, loving and faithful, I with
wv my harsh words and will give g,
the love I always hoped to give v,
II wife" !.
But how can You find out?" said p;
young man, astonished at his i,
cle's energetic proposal. &C
1T is you who are to find out. I -,
already satisfied. You are to go
the centre window of the small Z,
wing 0 or the porch and listen Z,
the conversation I am to have by ST
with Miss Frothing- e
a." ST
sEavesdropping!" II
Never mind that grand air of con- Ii
lpt. / am to have nay way for just u
hour, and you a take yours ~
srward for a lifetime. Will you Ia
If you say SO" "
Go, then" oil
ust a little later Miss Frothing- oV
4, all smiles and white muslin, be
ed into the east drawing room to pr
ct her elderly admirer. With an 10
Of deepest devotion he raised her pc
d to his lips and greeted her with 81
owery compliment. ST.
I presume" he said, in a low, ten
tone, "you are not at a loss to
So the reason why [ have ventured