Gulf Coast breeze. [volume] (Crawfordville, Fla.) 1897-19??, 1898-05-13
s. PROVED.


him was costing the old man torturing
thought. Active opposition would
only strengthen what was now but n
boyish infatuation, and yet saved he
must be. Suddenly light broke over
Coleman Burke's face, and he rose
from his chair and went to n long mir
ror in the room. The reflection was
not calculated to waken vanity, yet the
old man smiled, we'll pleased.
IF can only carry it out, it will be
proof positive" he thought.
Short, fat, nearly bald, with spec
tacles and a cane, Coleman Burke was
certainly n strong contrast to the tall,
handsome fellow who had won Lucia
for his promised bride, yet he said
aloud:
"I'll cut him outI"
A week later all the fashionables ut
the c 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 n 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 a 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 u
cloud OF black lace and descended TO
tho porch, where Mr.. Burke waited to
escort her for drive. His manner of
wooing WIS 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
a lady's shoulders.
Sometimes, indeed, as Lucia in
formed her afiectionate parent, 'he
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 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 aud 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. mused Mr.. Coleman Burke,
reading an epistle handed in at his
door. Surprised to find me away
from home. Hopes l have oeen his
dear Lucia in kinder light than the
one had previously had. Hem-yes
we'll"
And so Mr.. Burke mused aud NUT
tered as he donned his most exquisite
suit. his most dazzling necktie and
fastened a 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.