The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-07-15
A Mutual
Surprise.

MY Deal DaugHtel; l nave long felt
how much my home and children needed
a mothers love and care. | have been
willing in this respect, as in every other,
to sacrifice my own feelings to their good,
but it is not an easy matter to find Just
the right person to fill so important a
position, and do not wish to act hastily.
"a few weeks ago I was introduced to
widow lady by the name of Norton, find
ing her, on further acquaintance to be all
that | could desire, either as companion
or as mother to my children.
She is most kind and excellent lady,
and | trust that you will be prepared to
extend to her that respect and affection
that are due her.
''She has one son, who is away at
school, which will be pleasant for you, as
you have no brother
''We shall be home Thursday.
''Your affectionate father,
'HoWARD LESLIE"
"P. S.-Iou were very wise in not en-
gaging yourself without consulting me to
the young man you mention. A young
girl like you don't know what love is.
Five years from now will be time enough
for you to think of such a thing"
This was the letter that Anne Leslie re-
ceived from her father, in reply to the one
she had written him, overlooking with the
glad anticipation to which her new born
love had given rise.
For a time she sat speechiess with anger
and amazement.
The idea of her father ever marrying
again had never once entered her mind.
Why should he? Was she not there to
keep house for him: And when she left,
as, of course, she should in time, would
not Marion then be ready to take her
place? She never heard of anything so
ridiculous.
And to think that her poor mother, who
had been hardly two years in her grave,
should be so soon forgotten
If she thought that her adored Charles
Edwards would ever be so false to her
memory, she was sure that it would break
her heart
But the postscript was the unkindest cut
OF all. The sighting manner in which her
father alluded to "the young man." whose
name she had written to him in full
Charles Edward FitzHenry Stubbs-was
more wounding than the harshest invec-
tive.
And to presume to think that she knew
nothing Of love, who had experienced it in
fullness and power.
Full of these indignant thoughts Anne
sat down and penned an epistle to her
adored Charles Edward detailing her
grievances and ending with the declara-
ton that she would never, never submit to
be domineered over by step mother, and
that she would ever be true to the first and
only love of her life
The next mail brought a reply, stating
together with many protestatons of indy
ing affection, that he could truly sympa-
thize with her feelings, in view of her
fathers marriage, having just received the
intelligence that his mother was to take
another husband. She had given him one
step-father when he was a boy, and he
would never submit to the rule of another.
''He would be there in person TIC demand
her hand of her father. If he refused they
would fly together to some happy place,
where cruel fathers and stepfathers were
unknown"
Charles Edward was as good as his word.
Promptly, on the following Thursday,
he made his appearance at the house of the
father of his adored Anne.
Scarcely was the first rapturous greeting
over when the sound of carriage wheels
were heard,
Anne turned pale
"They have comet she cried starting to
her feet
Let EN- come, P" responded Charles Ed
ward, defantly. You are not afraid, |
hope, when l am here:'
As she said this curl osity impeled him
to turn his eyes to the window, they fell
upon the lady who was alightng from the
carriage, why it looks like-but no, it
can't be-"
Mr.. Leslie led his wife up to where his
daughter was standing.
As Mrs. Leslie turned from the con-
strained greeting Of her new daughter,
her eyes fell upon the young man back Of
her. who stood staring at her in speechless
amazement.
'Why, Charles!'
"Why, motherm
81 never thought of seeing you here"
"Nor youH'
"Who is this?" inquired Mr.. Leslie
looking in bewilderment from one to the
other.
at is Charles Edward that | wrote you
about" said Anne blushing.
''It is my son, Charles, said Mrs. Leslie.
Charles, this is your stepfather.
''And my future fatherin-law, trustW
responded Charles Edward, as he shook
hands with his mothers new husband.