The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-05-14
PROVED. =

If I can only carry it out, it will be
proof positive" he thought.
Short, fat, nearly bald, with spec
tacles and cane, Coleman Burke was
certainly strong contrast to the tall,
handsome fellow who had won Lucia
for his promised bride, yet he said
aloud:
'1'll cut him out!'
A week later all the fashionables at
the G. hotel, Saratoga, knew
that Coleman Burke was intending to
take wife. What bird first bore the
news upon the scented air no one
could have told you, but there was no
lack Of information about the elderly
bridegroom in perspective Every
body THAT was anybody knew that
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
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-tha
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 whim gratifed than
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 q speedy subjuga-
ton of the elderly alorer.
: And Miss Lucia shrugged her fair,
slopiug 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 vas certainly more business
like than sentimental. Where Frank
had grown eloquent over the beauty
Ct 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
I asking her opinion Of his horses, also
l obtained her description of the most
: suitable carriage for lady's exclusive
use. Likewise he expressed con-
a tempt for an India shawl folded upon
a seat near the lake as one far below
: the quality he would purchase to deck
= a lady's shoulders.
b Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia in
formed her aAfectionate parent, she
r was little spooney, pressing her band
r and rolling up his pale blue eyes over
4 the rims of his spectacles, like fat
a old porpoise.
But, as rule, he was simply de.
voted in his constant attentions. A
d bouquet of rare flowers in the morn
a ing, followed by a call; a drive in the
l. afternoon, walk in the evening or al
offer of escort duty at ball became
6 the usual daily routine. But the 81
derby wooer was an energetic and per
sistent one, and even Lucia, vain O.
d her conquest, was bewildered by thu
it rapidity of the counting. Only a fort
night ago she had but bowling &C
i ouaintance with Mr.. Burke, and nov
., he had positively offered parure o
in expensive canoes for her acceptance
"a letter from Frank! Coming to
day!" unused Mr.. Coleman Burke
O. reading an epistle handed in at hi
N door. "Surprised to find me ava:
s. from home. Hopes have seen hi
Mt dear Lucia in a kinder light than tn
le one had previously had. Hem-ye
a well.
le And so Mr.. Burke unused and NUT
is tered as he donned his most exqulslt
is suit, his most dazzling necktie an
fastened a bouquet in his buttonhole
H. "Bless my soul, Uncle Coleman
is what swell you are!'
X And then Frank was in the room
is and the two exchanged cordial gree
ed ings.
ID "And Lucia?" Frank questioned
,c- ''is she well?'
" "She was perfectly we'll last evenin
" when took her for drive.
al "YouY'
Nv "Certainly. You do not suppose
n. have failed in attention to my futul
~ niece, do you?" =,
al "You are are always kind!' was tt
N, quick reply. 80,
Id 'sYou like her better than you did
al continued Frank, almost pleadingl
wn "See here, Frank" the old me-
he said, suddenly wheeling round I'd fro