The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-01-14

"Two offers OF marriage in one day
'Well, which suitor is to receive the happy
affirmative, Meta p
The speaker, middle-aged woman, re
garded the girl before her with evident
admiration and affection.
Meta Randall's fair face wore perplexeC
expression, and the sweet voice trembled al
she replied
eff only knew, auntie ~
To one even less versed in the character
Of the girl than Mrs. Preston the sincere
regret in her tone would have been ample
assurance that neither coquetry nor vanity
had induced such reply.
The elder lady observed her curiously for
moment and then said :
"Since both men are handsome and
equally eligible. you should trust entirely
to your heart to decide.'
"But, auntie dear, my heart speaks as
favorably for one as the other Henry ana
Philip have been my comrades, my caval-
iers, from childhood. 1t wonld seem I'M
natural not to love them both | feel that
! could marry either tomorrow and never
regret my choice | am sure l love them
equally. Was ever poor girl in such a
pitiable condition of uncertainty. DO
choose my husband for me ~ she entreated,
as she dropped upon cushion at Mrs.
Preston's feet.
The aunt gently patted the head upon
her lap.
OTIS a great responsibility, Meta, to
place upon my shoulders What if, after
all, / should choose the wrong one? But
have plan, at least. How feasible it may
prove you are the one to determine"
As Mrs Preston unfclded her scheme
Meta's dropping head was lifted then
smiles Of delighs chased each other over her
features, and finally, as the elder woman
finished speaking, she sprang to her feet,
exolaiming ioyously;
"Just the thing, you dear, original
auntie Now that this and this and this ~
and, laughing merrily, she kissed her
again and again.
There, sweetheart, there Better wait
and learn the success Of the PLAN" ex-
claimed Mrs. Preston. CHOSE letters must
be answered immediately she added,
pointing to the crumpled mssives on the
floor.
eyes, indeed - the girl replied as she
picked up the letters. con, its too funny !"
she added as she ran gayly from the room.
That evening, in response to the invita-
tions she had sent to them Henry Davis
and Philip Stanton called upon her. Mr..
Davis arrived a few minutes later than Mr..
Stanton, and look of disappointment was
plainly apparent upon the face OF each at
the unexpected presence OF the other. Miss
Randall, however las in the best of spirits,
and she talked gayly upon minor topics
until feeling oS mutual fellowship was
apparently established between the men,
Then, with womanly tact, she gravely in
troduced the subject which concerned them
all.
Henry-Philip," she began, 81 have
invited you here, not indeed to answer the
question which both of you have so honored
me by asking but to make proposition to
you. You will think me an odd girl pei
haps, but at least you cannot reproach me
for either coquetry or dishonesty when
tell you that my answer holds a condition.
First, i want to ask you one question
Have ever by word or look or action,
signiied to either that he was favorite in
my regard In all the years of our friend
ship have | ever manifested any affection
for one that have not as freely accorded
to the other?
The flush which gradully suffused her
face displayed the excitement her candor
had provoked, and she drew deep breath
OF relief as both men simultaneously an
swered
Never ~
Thanks. Now listen to my frank ad-
mission. As far as | have been able to
analyse my feelings, | am sure | love you
both equally. AS l can accept but one, the
question must be decided for me hence
the condition. If either or both refuse to
accept it, l must stipulate that our past
harmonious relations be sustained without
any future reference to the possibility of
marriage with either. And now the condi-
ton -
"The condition - both men quickly re-
peated,
81 propose a bicycle race between us
three. l am to have a precedence of one
block in starting. 1t is to be three mile
race upon the macadamized road between
this house and Crystal Spring. The one
who oyertakes me before or as we reach the
spring will not only be the winner of the
race, but also of q wife. If you overtake
me at the same time, you will draw lots to
see who is the victor"
The faces OF the men wore an odd ex-
preston but they promptly exclaimed
EIEn fH From US.Jo,rnd'o n Jlsd,cne
III Prof. W. r. Peeko, who
IA VI " ~ makes a speciality of
bffN1ef WI III va doubt treated and cur