Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-01-06
Continued.

knows there are plenty Of sweet. I'M
selfish, guileless American girls, who
are absolutely incapable OF sucn I'M
blushing MISUNDERSTANDING as hers,
but what else could be expected
from Marcia? Her grandfather, the
navy, had but recently become en-
dowed with Pilgrim Father Ancestry,
and her maternal uncle was a boast
full pork-dealer In Cincinnati. 1t was
her bounden duty to ennoble the fam
lily somehow. surely, II any ono had
q right to BIO ambitious. she was that
one! And while proud dreams OF her
future passed through her brain, little
Lord Algy Qutvered moekly under her
turned from him 80 long that the
gentle little lord was surprised. He
approached her more closely and took
her hand-the hand that had played
with tho drops In the fountain. 1t
WAS such an astonishingly small hand
that he raised 1t to his lips and gave 1t u
kiss, and returned 1t with all tho en-
thusiasm OF Which hs was capable.
One or two flint misglvings troubled
him as to whether he had not been just
q little too hasty In making q serious
bona fide offer OF marriage TO the
young laAy by whose Pilgrim progeni-
tors he was not deceived. He knew
we'll enough what her antecedents
were, and faint shuddor crossed him
a. he thought OF tho pork-dealing
uncle. who would by marriage, become
his uncle also. He had long been
proud OF the fact that the house OF
MaSheryllle had never, through the
course Of centuries, been associated.
even In the remotest manner with
trade--and now!----.
yet. after all" he musod, "the Mar
Quis OF Londonderry openly advertises
himself as coal-merchant, and the
brothers-in-law OF the Princess Louise
are In the wine trade and sUockbroking
business, --and all tho old knightly
blood of England Ia mlngling itself by
choice with that OF the lowest com
moners-whats tho use of remaining
aloof, and refusing to 30 with the
spirit of the age? Besides, Marcia loves
me,--and It's pleasant to be loved"
Poor Lord Algy. He certainly
thought there could DO no question
about Marcia's affection for him. lilo
little dreamed that 1t was to his title
and position she had become 30 deeply
attached, Tho could not guess that
after he had married her there would
be no more Lord Masherville worth
mentloning-that that individual, once
Independent, would be entirely swat
lowed up and lost In the dushlng
personality OF Lady Mashervllle, who
would rule her husband as with rod
OF iron.
He was happily ignorant of his
future, and ho walked In the gardens
for some time with his arm round
Marcias waist, In very placid and
romantic frame OF mind. By-and by he
escorted her into tho house, where tho
dancing was In full swing--and she,
with u sweet smile, bidding him wait
for her In tho INSTRUMENTATION
sought for and found her mother, who,
as usual, was seated In quiet corner
with Mrs Rush Malvelle, talking
scandal.
"Well?' exclaimed these two ladies,
simultaneously and breathlessly
Marcias eyes twinkled. Guess he
came In as gently as q lamb!" she
said
They uulerstc cd her. Mrs. Rush
Maryelle roso from her chair In her
usual stately ana expansive manner.
Il congratulate you, my doar!" kiss
Ing Marcia affectionutely on both
checks. Bruce Burlington would have
been better match, but, under the
circumstances, Masherville Is really
about the best thing you could do
You'll find him quite easy to managed"
This with an air os though she were
recommending quiet pony.
That's so!" sala Marcia carelessly,
Il guess we'll pull together somehow.
Marina" to her mother" yew kin
turn on the news to all tho folks yew
meet--the more talk tho better! I'm
not partial to secrets!" And with u
laugh, she turned away.
Then Mrs. Van Clupp laid her plump.
acknowledged hand on that OF her
dear friend, Mrs. Marvelle.
You have managed the whole thing
beautifully she said. with Il grateful
heovo of her ample bosom. Such Il
clever creature as you are!" She drop
ped her voice to mysterious whisper.
You shall have the cheque tomorrow,
my love!"
Mrs. Rush Marvelle pressed her
fingers cordially.
Don't hurry yourself about ill.,
she returned in tho same confidential
tone Il dare say you'll want mo to
arrange the wedding and the crush
afterwards. can wait till then"
No, no! that's separate affair"
declared Mrs. Van Clupp. Il must in
sist on your taking the promised two
hundred, You've been really so very
energetic!"
We'll, / have worked rather hard"
AMID Mrs, A., ,,yith .~tr