The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-04-01

and the moment for doing go had come.
The fluffy golden head was very near, a
few words had been spoken, when the door
opened and Ella Stanton entered.
A frown crowded the brow OF DR.. Ralph
Stanton, the eminent young physician who
everybody declared would make his fortune
in bis profession, and pretty Nellie Saville
escaped glad to hide her flushed cheeks
from her Cousins jealous eyes.
Mrs Stanton threw herself languidly
into the depths Ct an easy chair.
$50 I have found you at last, my dear
Ralph. / have been seeking you for the
last hour"
He hated this woman, in spite OF her
dark, witching beauty. His uncle had
found that beauty irresistible and by late
marriage robbed his nephew OF the quarter
Of a million which he had taught him to
expect would one day be his.
"What did you want with me?' he
asked curtly
ssYou are GROSS. | wanted your society,
nothing more. Is there anything strange
in thatn'
s.Most flattering of you, my dear aunt l
am sure.
1t was Mrs. Stanton's turn to frown.
"Don't call me by that hateful name
If did marry your uncle, you might re-
member that l am not yet %. By the
way, Nellie Saville quits the teens next
week"
"Indeed?"
eyes. Charming girl, isn't she? Really,
Ralph, if you should see the dismal hole
of parsonage where the girls parents live
you would feel grateful to me for my COM
passionate generosity in taking her from it
for little while. Are you going to Lady
Campbell's this afternoon
mo. detest tea and tennis"
$50 do l. Besides, have headache
Will you prescribe for me?'
After the majority of Mrs. oakbrook s
guests had departed for Campbell House
DIR. Stanton was pacing the lawn with Sir
John Dolby, smoking cigarettes and talk
ing politics, and indoors his relative occu-
pied velvet lounge and tried to read the
last new novel.
He came to her at last, hut it was with
serious face and an open telegram in his
hand.
"My sister has met with an accident.
Levinson wants me to 90 at once.
ooh, Ralph. Is it serious? You will
return here?'
81 think not, he returned, replying to
the latter question
"You will come to Melton willows at
Christmas, Ralpb?"
81 really cannot promise. Good-bye!'
She sat there until the sound OF the
horses hoofs had died away. Then abe
crossed the room and looked at the notes
he had written. One was for his hostess
apology and explanation, of course-but
the other was for Miss Saville. mo-
ment's hesitation; then she tore it open.
"DEAR Miss SAvILLE-Before you see
this you will know the reason of my sud-
den departure. But cannot wait until
our next meeting for the answer to the
question | should have asked you this
morning if Mrs. Stanton's entrance had
not prev vented me from doing so. | want
you to be my wife, Nellie; my loved and
honored wife. Will you? Write yes or
no to your loving but impatient
"RALrH."
A small fire burned in the CRATE. She
put the letter into her pocket and burned
the envelope.
"Dear Ralph" murmured the lady. 81
promised you to write to him for me,
Nellie. He promised to let me know how
his sister was, but suppose he has not
had time. He does not know your hand
writing, | think"
Very soon Ella Stanton had dictated a
gushing, affectiopate letter, and with
blanohing cheeks Nellie had written it.
Don't close it now, Nellie Throw it
aside. There is only one other that need he
written now F."
"What is it?" Nellie asked, trihe
YEARLY.
"Why, you know, dear, Mr.. Graham
wants me to open the Brixton bazar but !
really do not feel equal to the task.
must write to decline. But he always
laughs at nerves. and | do so hate being
laughed at
my DEAR FRIEND-I have thought
fully considered the subject and must de-
cline the honor. | am grieved beyond ex-
expressed to disappoint you; but feeling as
/ do, ] cannot act otherwise. However, !
feel confident that you will meet with one
worthier than ! that what cannot grant
she will joyfully concede. Only one thing
| ask-that this shall in no way interfere
with the friendly relations which have
always existed between u.s.
81 think it is making too much of a
little thing, Ella. You will sign it, Of
course"
T%mya Msg xvn va1sam