Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-06
A Modern Miracle.

1t was the last day or the Ola year.
London had recovered from its Christ
mas festivities-and their after-effects
and was preparing to see the new
year in.
In the misty hours of the December
afternoon, two young men were gazing
through the windows of a Piccadilly
club at the people who We're hurrying
up and down that popular thorough
fare.
We'll. Densham,'' said the younger
and darker of the two, are you medi-
tating any lofty and noble resolutions
for the new year,"
Il am afraid that is not much in my
line replied Lord Densham in a
slightly affected tone. why do you
ask? Are You going to turn over a
new leaf, as our spiritual pastors and
masters call it?"
I've turned over many new leaves.
said Cecil Briarley lightly; but the
same old tales, the same moth-eaten
jokes of fate, seem to be written on all
of them. No two years are the same,
but they are all beastly similar
"Ah, Briarley, 1 am thinking of max
ing a great alteration" said Denshan,,
| tive though serious, mood.
Really, Are you going to change
your tailor. or only to let your mus
| tache grove
Don't be fippant," said his lordshir
in quite melancholy tone. THE fact
is, Briarley, old boy, I'm in hole!'
| You in a hole! It's not money!
| ''Of course not-it wouldn't be much
use coming to you if it were. would it?
No. I'm going to get married" This
was drawled out slowly and with a
| deep sigh. as though the speaker fel,
he was making some mighty self
sacrifice for the benefit of humanity.
Il thought you looked jolly blue
about something; but wherefore thf
hole?" asked Biiarley. Nobody COM
pels you"
My dear boy. everybody compels
| me-" said Densham, gazing thought
fully at his white and well-kept hands
and finger-nails, and adding pathetic
ally, ''Of course. you don't know wha'
it is to be highly eligible
No" replied Briarley with grin
smile.
But unfortunately L shall have tt
marry in self-defence," proceeded nj.
lordship, taking no notice of hi:
friends remark. 1T is Sickening Il
feel that you are being run after by al
the girls and all their match making
mammas.'
Poor. poor Densham,' mulmuret
i Briarley No wonder you are in 6
hole
Yes. but the worst of it is that I've
| r;,.1c I can't for m
life of me decide which of them t
have
And who are the favored couple be
tween whom Paris the Second has U
judge" :
"One is Daisy Molyneux-the hvel.
little thing with the blue eyes and tn
good figure, you know. OF course. ~
is very jolly and awfully fond of me
Yes; and the other?'
The other is Sybil Castlemaine."
Who"
"Sybil Castlemaine, your-er-secon
cousin isn't she?"
Good heavens!' muttered Briarley
What did you say?'
Nothing. Do you think Sybil care
for you?'
Il am afraid there is not much doub
of it, old man." said his lordshi
. mournfully as he languidly stroked hi
! clean-shaven chin. Il used to fame
.. YOU were rather fond of her at on
time. but. of course, it is impossible.
. Utterly"
well, look here. old chap.
shouldn't ask everybody. but which c
the two girls do you advise me t
have"
Cant you have both?" asked Cecl
rather savagely.
Now. come on, old fellow, give m
your honest opinion. They're bot
nice. loving little girls, and it's an aW
full bore to have to choose. While
would you ask?"
Well" said Briarly slowly, and wit
a bitterness his companion did not al
pear to see. lit certainly is incredib
that any girl could refuse the hont
and privilege of being Lady Denshan
| wearing the Densham diamonds, an