The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1898-08-23
RACE FOR A WIFE.

If l only knew, auntier'
To one even less versed in the char
acter of the girl than Mrs Preston the
sincere regret in her tone would have
! been ample assurance that neither CO.
quetry nor vanity had induced such
reply.
The elder lady observed her curiously
for moment and then said:
''Since both men are handsome and
equally eligible, you should trust en-
tirely to your heart to decide.''
"But, auntie dear, my heart speaks
as favorably for one as the other. Henry
and Philip have been my comrades, my
cavaliers, from childhood. 1t would
seem unnatural not to love them both.
feel that / could marry either tomor-
row and never regret my choice. l am
sure love them equally. Was ever
poor girl in such a pitiable condition Of
uncertainty? Do choose my husband for
mel' she entreated, as she dropped
upon a cushion at Mrs. Preston's feet
The aunt gently patted the head upon
her lap.
"It's great responsibility, Meta, to
place upon my shoulders. What if, aft
er all, should choose the wrong one?
But [ have plan, at least. How feast
BILE it may prove you are the one to de-
termine.
AS Mrs Preston unfolded her scheme
Metals dropping head was lifted; then
smiles of delight chased each other over
her features, and finally, as the elder
woman finished speaking she sprang to
her feet, exclaiming joyously:
Just the thing, you dear, original
auntie! Now take this and this and
thisl' and, laughing merrily, she kissed
her again and again
There, sweetheart, there! Better
wait and learn the success of the plan, -
exclaimed Mrs. Preston. "Those letters
must be answered Immediately, she
added, pointing to the crumpled mis-
sives on the floor
Eyes indeedI' the girl replied as she
picked up the letters. sob, it's too
funnyr' she added as she ran gayly
from the room.
That evening, in response to the in
vitations she had sent to them, Henry
Davis and Philip Stanton called upon
her Mr.. Davis arrived few minutes
later than Mr.. Stanton, and look of
disappointment was plainly apparent
upon the face Of each at the unexpected
presence Of the other Miss Randall,
however, was in the best of spirits, and
she talked gayly upon minor topics IN
til feeling of mutual fellowship was
apparently established between the
men. Then, with womanly tact, she
gravely introduced the subject which
concerned them all.
"Henry-Philip, she began, II
have invited you here, not indeed to
answer the question which both of you
have SO honored me by asking, but to
make a proposition to you. You will
think me an odd girl perhaps, but at
least you cannot reproach me for either
coquetry or dishonesty when | tell you
that my answer holds condition. First
1 want to ask you one question: Have 1
ever, by word or look or action signi-
fed to either that he was a favorite in
my regard? In all the years of our
friendship have I ever manifested any
affection for one that have not as free
ly accorded to the other?''
The flush which gradually suffused
her face displayed the excitement her
candor had provoked, and she drew
deep breath of relief as both men stimuli
taneously answered:
"Neverl''
Thanks Now, listen to my frank
admission. AS far as l have been able
to analyze my feelings, l am sure love
you both equally. As can accept but
one, the question must be decided for
me; hence the condition. If either or
both refuse to accept it, must stipu-
late that our past harmonious relations
be sustained without any future refer
ence to the possibility of marriage with
either. And now the condition.
1.-THE condition r. both men quickly
repeated.
81 propose a bicycle race between us
three. am to have the precedence of
one block in starting. 1t is to be three
mile race upon the macadamized road
between this house and Crystal spring.
The one who overtakes me before or as
we reach the spring will not only be the
winner Of the race, but also of wife
If you overtake me at the same time,
you will draw lots to see who is the
victor.
The faces of the men wore an odd ex-
preston, but they promptly exclaimed;
1--WE agree. -
1t was beautiful May morning, and
spring was am appropriate one for a
race which must in any case afford ro-
mantle ending. 1t was bordered with
hedges and stately trees odorous with
tender buds and leaves, from among
which busy little builders caroled merry
Accomplishments to their unceasing Ia
Dor.
The novelty of this race for wife
excited much pleasant comment from
the group of friends and cyclists who
had gathered in Mrs. Preston front
yard, responsive to her invitation to
watch the start of the trio and accom-
pany them upon the race.
1t was just 10 O'Clock when Meta
Randall, neatly attired in a cycling suit
of olive green with glinting silver trim
ming, passed out of the house and greet
ed her friends with a pleasant good
morning.
A murmur Of admiration rose from
the feminine portion of the company as
she stood for a brief second beside her
wheel. Self possessed but modest, in
the cool green of her costume she APP
peared part of the natural picture
which surrounded her. A bed of daffo-
dis grew close to her feet, and she
stopped and gathered bunch of the
brave yellow blossoms and fastened
them securely at her belt.
Then, with merry laugh and grace
full toss of the head toward Davis and
Stanton, at the quick ring of bicycle
bell, the signal for starting, declining the
proffered assistance of the competitors,
she mounted her wheel and sped quick
" down the road. She had nearly reach
ed the first corner when, at second
signal, the two men were away. A
third ring. and the merry company
mounted, following as rapidly as posi-
BILE the two flying contestants.
"What a glorious spinp' thought
Meta, as the swift motion sent the ex-
ultant blood leaping through every ar
terry, and every fiber of her body thrilled
with the exuberant joy of living.
Faster and faster she flew along, un-
til her efforts seemed involuntary. To