The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-09-21
Looking Forward,

|
plished its insidious purpose. A few far
seeing men had even in the nineteenth
century uttered a note Of warning as 10
the logical consequences Of the married
woman's property act, and the dangers
that might accrue from allowing ladies,
both spinsters and widows, owning land
ed property TO will them to members Of
their sex.
Upon a bright spring morning we'll
equipped brougham drew up outside the
well-known matrimonial bureau Of Miss
Letitia Belts and a lady, young, hand
some and attired in an elegant half
mourning robe. Rlighted, and, giving her
card to the clerk in the outer office, ask
ed the young man if Miss Belts were
disengaged.
The visitor was ushered in and accom-
modated with a chair
well, Miss Belts" she began, coming
to the point with the frankness that char
acteriZed the women of the twentieth
century, you can guess my business,
though 1 suppose my name IS unknown
to your"
Pardon me, but I have heard of you.
Lay MacGregor. I remember also read
ing in the papers of the death of your
| husband six months ago"
The widow put away the tear and the
|
the virtues of the defunct Sir Douglas,
and assumed an air of interest.
II think l should prefer title"
"All ladies whose income is over e10,000
year can have the choice of my best
men-absolutely without reservation.
Who are in the mems smoking-room 90
she asked the clerk
Lord Sevenstars, the Hon. Algernon
Highstep, and Mr.. Plantagenet."
Tell them to come here; you are really
fortunate" pursued Miss Belts.
Good morning, gentlemen" she said,
! acknowledging their bows, ''let me intro
duce you to Lady MacGregor, who has an
income of over ten thousand a year and
is thinking of marrying again.
Which is Lord Sevenstars?" inquired
Lady MacGregor.
The young lord, bowling, approached her
chair, while the other two remained out
of earshot.
His appearance pleased the lady. what
have you got to say for yourseif?" she
said, somewhat graciously.
His lordship smiled deprecatingly. SCI
have excellent testimonials from my re-
lations," he said in his soft, l1igh-bred
voice; my disposition is amiable and I'M
assuming, though I'm not clever ike my
brothers, or I might be earning my liv-
ing. Unluckily, 1 have no business ca
pacities; they have at least, Simon has.
He," he went on proudly, SIS head clerk
to the Misses Moxon, the conveyancinS
solicitors, and earning two hundred and
fifty a year. Edward IS head gamekeep-
er to Lady Strange. Should you accept
me as husband L would, OF course, de-
fer to your wishes in every particular,
and attend to your comfort with the ut
most care
Lady MacGregor nodded approvingly.
! ''I loke your appearance and manner"
she said slowly, you may suit, but be-
fore deciding I should like 70 nterrCgate
those other two men"
Obedient to her nod the Hon. Algernon
approached, while Sevenstars drew to one
side. There was about the newcomer an
air Of gayety and sprightliness that the
modest young Sevenstars lacked; Lady
MacGregor surveyed him rather douot-
! fully.
WELL" she said tell me about your
self; you are, of course, relation to
Lord Highstep?"
First cousin, Lady MacGregor," re-
piled the young man in an easy tone.
II am we'll known in society, and have
the entree into the best houses. To be
/ the husband of so charming a lady as
yourself would render me the happlest
| of mOrtals."
Have you followed any professioa?"
inquired the lady coldly
mo, I have not; indeed. until recently,
| there was no need for me to do so. When
was d I came into possession of FIVE
| thousand pounds, willed me uncondition-
ally by my grandmother. That was near
| ly six years ago, and I've run through
| III,
What cried Lady MacGregor, angri-
| ". OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Five thousand
pounds in five years! And you dare %
expect me to continue to support you in
! your wicked extravaganza I to dream
Of marrying such a spendthrift; why, the
| chose of my dear Douglas would rise
! from his grave were I even to seriously
consider it. Go, sir leave the room"
The abashed young man precipitateIy
retired.
| The red flush Of anger was still on her
! cheeks as the third candidate advanced
and bowed before her chair.
Lady MacGregor" he said, calmly
meeting her look, eff you are DESTROYS Of
knowing why I desire to embark in the
| career Of natrimony. I reply. because
there is nothing left for me to do. Your
sex has absorbed the highly-paid posts
and sinecures; monopolized all lucrative
! appointments; both the land and wealth
of the country are yours. I love ease
and idleness and all the Injuries that
money commands; give me these and
| in return will promise to make you hap
Ply"
Miss Belts overhearing the speech ex-
/ pected the speaker would be hidden to
follow the Honorable Algernon, but
Lady MacGregor yelled her eyes before
this confident wooer and murmured:
"Will you?"
"On certain stipuations. really must
/ insist on pound a week pocket money
for myself; also a smoking-room in your
| house where I can receive my friends
without question. and where you will
only be a visitor by invitation"
Few husbands expect such privileges"
protested Lady MacGregor.
It know it. but I rely on your good
sense TO grant these concessions"
You will Of course. not visit your
tailor without first asking my leave7 7
always chose Douglas clothes for him;
he acknowledged I had most excellent
taste"
Yes" said Mr.. Plantagenet with some
reluctance only I must select my own
ties"
Good graciousi Do you think you can
do that better than I cam
Il prefer" he answered evasively, "to
rely on nay own taste"
You are terribly independent" said
the lady in half reproaeh. but there was
a sub-curre1t Of admiration at the au-
dacity OF his demands. The young man
before her waited her decision with easy
confidence: she rose and turned 70 Miss
Belts.
4 have decided on Mr.. Plantagenet.
she said half rerv0usIy.