Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1898-04-08
= PROVED. -


Bridegroom in perspective. Every
body Chat was anybody knew that
Coleman Burke hal retired from busi-
ness years before, worth half million
OF money, and had made fortunate in
vostments since. That he was decked
in fashions latest styles, wore dia-
mond studs and ring, cwried a switch
caue, drove file team and occupied
expensive rooms at the hotel, all could
see for themselves
Very som after he came, another
fact was patent to all observers that
he was very attentive 10 Miss Lucia
Frothingham, the belle of many sea-
sons.
Mrs. rockingham hoped in her
heart that Lucia would not be a fool
and would remember how far Mr..
Coleman Bnrke's pocketbook out
weighed his nephew's; also that an
old mans darling was far more apt to
have every whim gratiied than
yonng mans slave. Having delivered
this maternal lecture, the widow di-
lated upon the expenses of the Sara
toga trip and was rather marked in
her emphasis upon speedy subjuga-
ton of the elderly lorer.
And Miss Lucia shrugged her fair,
siopilg shoulders, threw over them a
cloud Of black lace and descende to
the porch, whore Mr.. Burke waited to
csc lrt her for drive. His manner Of
woeing was certainly more business
like than sentimental Where Frank
la grown eloquent over the beauty
Of the liquid dark eyes. his uncle di-
lated upon the suitability of diamonds
for brunette beauty. Where Frank
tenierly quoted poetry de icsipsive of
the slender grace Of the willowy fig
ure, his uncle thought velvet was the
most becoming wear for slight fig
ures
As they drove, the fat old gentleman
asking her opinion of his horses, also
obtained her description of the most
suitable carriage for laly's exclusive
use. Likewis3 he expressed a con
tempt for an Inilia shawl folded' d'upon
u seat near the lake as one far below
the quality he would purchase to deck
a lady's shoulders.
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia in
formed her affeationate pareat, Che
was a little spooney, pressing her hand
and rolling up his pale blue eyes over
the rims of his spectacles, like fat
old porpoise."
But, as a rule, he was simply de-
voted in his constant attentions. A
bouquet of rare flowers ia the morn
ing, followed by call; drive in the
afternoons a walk in the evening or an
offer Of escort duty at ball became
the usual daily routine. But the ell
DERBY wooer was an energetic and per-
sistent one, and even Lucia, vain of
hec conquest, was bewildered by the
rapidity of the courting. Only fort
night ago she ha Il but a bowing ac-
quaintance with Mr. Burke, and now
h had positively offered a plrure of
expensive camers for her acceptance.
''A letter from Frank Coming to-
day. mused Mr.. Coleman Burke,
reading an epistle handed in at his
door. Surprised to find me away
from home Hopes | have seen his
dear Lucia in II kinder light than the
one had previously had. Hem-yes
well"
And so Mr.. Burke mused aud NUT
tered as he donae1 his most exquisite
salt, h most da .zling necktie and
fastene bouquet in his buttonhole.
Bless my soul, Uncle Coleman,
what swell you arel"
And then Frank was in the room,
aud the two exchanged cordial greet
ings.
And Lucia?" Frank questioned;
sis she well2"
She was perfectly well last evening
when took her for a drive"
"You?"
Certainly. You do not suppose
have failed in attention to my future
niece, do you?'
You are are always kindr' was the
quick reply.
''You like her better than you did?"
continued Frank, almost pleadingly.
See here, Frank, the old man
said, ''atilsa!y wheeling round from
the g ass to face his nephew. 81 have
bargain to make with you. If,withiu
one hour, l prove Lucia false, mer-
cenary and traitor TO her promise to
you, will you give her up? Stopl If
she is true, loving aud faithful, | with
draw my harsh words and will give
her the love | always hoped TO rive
yonr wife "
"But how can you find out?" said
the young man, astonishel az his
uncle's energetic proposal.
''it is yon who are to fnd ont. i
am afeady satisfied You are to 60
to the centre window Of the small
drawing room on the porch and listen
to the conversation / an to have by
appointment with Miss Frothing-
hamr
'Eayesdroppingw
"Neyer mind that grand air Of con
tempt. am to have my way for Just
one hour, and you can take yours
afterward for a lifetime Will you
go?"
II you SAf 20.
$50, then.
just little later Miss Frothng-
ham, all smiles and white muslin,
sailed into the cast drawing room to
greet heg elderly admi-er. With an
air Of deepest devotion he raised her
hand TO his lips and greeted her with
ilowery compliment
81 presume, he said, in low, ten
der tone, ''you are not at loss to
guess the reason why have yentured
to summon you here. You must have
understood the meaning of my atten-
tions. Need ! tell you how dear
you have become 10 me9 Need |
speak of the love you have inspire -"
"Yon are so kind, " she murmured.
II am eontemp ating speedy re-
! turn to the city, and l wish to arrange