The Advocate and news., 1899-04-05

be together when Mr.. Cadwallader
called at whichever house he should
come to first (there was little doubt in
my mind which one it would be), and
that we should walk into his presence
together What fun it would be and
how Crestfallen he would look when he
found that we knew each other We
imagined his embarrassment as hewould
stammer and bungle in trying to explain
his position before both Of u.s.
Monday afternoon came. was in my
room, dressed and ready for the expect
cd summons from Lydia, when, to my
surprise, my maid brought me Hiram's
card. told her to fly with it to Mrs.
Lydia Cadwallader. In ten minutes
Lydia was with me, having entered
through the area, her head wrapped in
veil. We waited few moments until
we were more composed and then de-
scended the stairs together.
We entered the parlor hand in hand
and stood before our former husband.
Hiram rose and shook hands, first with
me, then with Lydia. "This is an un-
expected pleasure, he said to her. He
did not seem to be greatly embarrassed.
He resumed his seat and waited ex-
peCtantly.
1t did not seem nearly so funny as l
had expected. felt very i'll at ease as
Lydia and stood side by side, but it
was my cue to speak.
"Well, Mr.. Cadwallader, said,
"now that you see us together perhaps
you will decide which Of us you really
want.
Eyes, will you please make your
choice, sir2" said Lydia, with a cOur-
tesy.
"Decide2 Choose2" he repeated cool
ly. 'Do these words pertain exactly to
the present ?"
/ did not quite understand what he
meant by this, but the remark had an
unpleasant sound to my ears.
Between two ladies, each Of whom
/ know to be so charming and agreea-
BILE, " he went on, sit would be most
difficult to make q selection. I am
afraid it will be necessary to consider
the matter from a business point Of
view, much as dislike to give it so
prosaic a turn. To you, madam, he
said, bowling to me, II made a PROPOSE
tion last Monday I have called with
the understanding that I am to receive
your answer today. Am I right2"
"You are, sir" I replied, feeling
that Hiram was getting rather the best
of the joke.
"And the answer isT'
"a decided MOI"
He bowed again. ''I cannot question
the wisdom Of that decision, coming, as
it does, from one who has ever shown
such excellent taste. 4"
"From you, madam" continued Hi
ram, looking at Lydia, "Ihave received
letter intimating that you have some
kind Of communication to make to
me. A little later I should have called
at your house, as you requested, to
learn the nature of it. Perhaps you
will be good enough, since / am so for
tunate as to find you here, to deliver
the message to me now"
Certainly, " replied Lydia. ''It is
this, sir-I will never marry you"
"YCu will never-I beg your pardon.
/ did not quite understand that last. ="
"Marry you, repeated Lydia family.
"Oh, yes; thank you'll mean thank
you for repeating the words, said Hi
ram. who, l was very sure, now had the
best Of it, "And now that the business
part of our interview is go quickly and
so happily settled perhaps you will
permit me to say to you ladies, as to
two old and dear friends twas there the
slightest emphasis on that 'oldH') that
expect to be married in April. will
send you both cards, and it will give
me pleasure to have you at the we'd
ding and meet my bride, whom You
cannot holm admiriDCy for hey. boou41, -