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


to the centre window of the small
drawing room on the porch and listen
to the conversation I am to have by
appointment with Miss Frothing.
ham!''
"Eavesdroppingw
"Never mind that grand dir of con.
tempt. I am to have my way for just
one hour, and you can take yours
afterward for a lifetime. Will you
go?'
IF you say 500
go, then"
just little later Miss Frothing.
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
hand to his lips and greeted her with
a fowery compliment.
II presume" he said, in a low, ten
der tone, "you are not at loss to
guess the reason why I have ventured
to summon you here. You must have
understood the meaning Of my atten-
tons. Need I tell you how dear
you have become to me? Need I
speak Of the love you have inspired?"
"You are so kind" she murmured.
81 am contemplating a speedy re-
turn to the city, and I wish to arrange
for the wedding, if I can obtain any
expression Of your wishes. Do you
object to an early day?''
"Any day will be supremely blest,"
she said, softly, "that makes me your
wife,"
"My wife! Bless my soul, my
nephew told me-
"Oh, Mr.. Burke, you do not mag
inc I have encouraged that boy?" with
al accent Of most magnificent scorn.
"He is an amiable young fellow, and I
have been kind to him. But love be-
tween myself and boy Of that age is
simply preposterous.
II am aware that the disparity Of
years"
my dear Mr. Burke, do not speak OF
that. To me there is dignity and
nobility about man who has passed
middle life that can never be attained
without the experience Of years. Be-
lieve me, your having slight advan-
tage Of me in years will but increase
my respect and detract nothing from
my affection"
"You are only too kind. Then I
may tell Frank that you-''
"Why talk Of Frank? Surely you
may choose wife without your neph'
ew's interference.
II choose wife! My dear young
lady, what are you talking about?
have no intention of seeking wife. y
MISUNDERSTANDING wife
Have you not just made me an offer Of
marriage?"
"Not at ALL" was the cool reply. 81
was under the impression that you
were engaged to my nephew. As
Frank is my nearest relative and my
heir, was anxious to win the affec'
ton of his promised wife. But since
there is no engagement between
you-"
"Oh, Mr.. Burke, you must have mis-
understood me. My only fear wa:
lest you should not sanction our love-
Dear Frank has often spoken to me
of your fatherly love for him. You
will not repeat to Frank the converse
ton we have had? I-my confusion
you will forget my wild words?'
"But I shall not!''
The blinds parted as Frank spoke
, revealing his white face and anger
lighted eyes. Miss Frothinghan
screamed, and Uncle Coleman said
: quietly:
care you convinced?"
"Fully! The boy, Miss Frothing
ham, thanks you for showing him tn
, folly of trusting in the love of co
! ouette. You have given me sharl
= lesson, Uncle Coleman; but than
! you that my life has not been blighte
by woman's treachery."
The pale face vanished. Uncle
, Coleman, with ceremonious bow, too
his departure, while Lucia Frothine
q ham went into genuine Mysteries o.
, the sofa.
. Uncle Coleman joined Frank on til
porch and, linking his arm in hi
nonhav's said kindly:
f ''Forgive methe pain I cause yo'
q for the love I bear you. :"
:. 81 thank you," was the reply. "Yo
have saved me from a life of misery b
v showing me mercenary woman
# treachery. I shall never feel an
emotion but gratitude that youprove