The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-07-02
: PROVED. : :


bridegroom in perspective. Every
body THAT was anybody knew that
Coleman Burke had retired from bust
ness years before, worth half million
of money, and had made fortunate in
vestments since. That he was decked
in fashions latest styles, wore dia-
mond studs and ring, carried switch
cane, drove fine team and occupied
expensive rooms at the hotel, all could
see for themselves.
Very soon after he came, another
fact was patent to all observers-that
he was very attentive to Miss Lucia
rockingham, the belle of many sea-
sons.
Mrs. rockingham hoped in her
heart that Lucia would not be 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 within gratifed than a
young 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 adorer.
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 drive. His manner of
wooing 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
ures.
As they drove, the fat old gentleman
asking her opinion of his horses, also
obtained her description of the most
suitable carriage for lady's exclusive
use. Likewise he expressed con-
tempt for an India shawl folded upon
a seat near the lake as one far below
the quality he would purchase to deck
lady's shoulders.
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia in
formed her affectionate parent, she
was 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 in the morn
ing, followed by call; drive in the
afternoons 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
her conquest, was bewildered by the
rapidity of the counting. Only fort
night ago she had but bowling ac-
quaintance with Mr.. Burke, and now
he had positively offered parure of
expensive canoes for her acceptance.
"a letter from Frank! Coming to-
day!' unused 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 kinder light than the
one I had previously had. Hem-yes
we'll"
And so Mr.. Burke unused and NUT
tered as he donned his most exquisite
suit, his most dazzling necktie and
fastened bouquet in his buttonhole.
"Bless my soul, Uncle Coleman,
what swell you are!"
And then Frank was in the room,
and the two exchanged cordial greet
ings.
"And Lucia?" Frank questioned;
sis she well?"
'sShe was perfectly we'll last evening
when 1 took her for drive"
"You?"
Certainly. You do not suppose I
have failed in attention to my future
niece, do your"
"You are are always kind!'' was the
quick reply.
"You like her better than you did?"
continued Frank, almost pleadingly.
''See here, Frank" the old man
said, suddenly wheeling round from
the glass to face his nephew. 81 have
a bargain to make with you. H,within
one hour, I prove Lucia false, mer-
cenary aud traitor to her promise to
you, will you give her up? Stop! If
she is true, loving and faithful, I with
draw my harsh words and will give
her the love I always hoped to give
your WIFE"
''But how can you find out?" said
the young man, astonished at his
uncle's energetic proposal.
SIT is you who are to find out. I
am already satisfied. You are to go
to the centre window of the small
drawing room on the porch and listen
to the conversation 1 am to have by
appointment with Miss Frothing-
hamr'
''Eavesdropping!"
''Never mind that grand air of con-
tempt. am to have my way forSust
one hour, and you can take yours
afterward for lifetime. Will you
go?"
''f you say so."
SEQ, then"
Just little later Miss FrotHtng-
ham, all smiles and white muslin,
sailed into the east drawing room to
greet her elderly admirer. With an
air of deepest devotion he raised her