The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1900-08-09

81 SHOULD THINK YOU WOULD WELL
COME HARD WORK AS a
PLEASANT CHANGE"
lation. and ever after met his calm cour-
tesy with an equally reserved defer
cnce. The abnormal situation, which
at first was maintained only by an eff
fort on the part of the young girl, lost
with time much of its strangeness, and
ultimately cry sta'llized under the POI
tent force of habit, go that it was ac-
cepted by the two as the natural out
come of their relationship.
In the first pang of her bereavement
and disappointment Agnes had turned
: for consolation to her books and be-
ing left free TO dispose OF her life as
she saw fiji. she had planned course
of study. which had in due time re-
ceived its conservation at one OF the
leading colleges for women.
Upon her return from college she
had, as far as she was permitted, taken
charge Of her fathers household, and
had presided with charming dignity
and grace over the social functions for
which DR.. Murdocks house now be-
came famous. Up to the time of his
daughters advent the chemists rela-
tons with the world had been chiefly
through the clubs and scientific bodies
to which he belonged. He was well re-
! ceived in the homes of the members of
| New York society; but in the absence
| of a woman to do the honors of his own
home he was unable to return the hos
pitality which he enjoyed. Now, how
ever. everything was changed. Agnes
was glad to find an outlet for her en-
ergies in the task of receiving her IA
| Tiers guests. and, being a girl of re-
| markable intelligence and tact she sue
ceedd in creating a salon, in the best
sense of the word. Many OF the shin.
| ing lights of the world of art litera-
| ture. science and fashion were among
| the regular devotees at the shrine OF
this superb young goddess.
| Among the younger men more than
one gay moth, dazzled by the light of
| the girls beautiful eyes, had been
| tempted to hover near the flame, only
to scorch his wings. Miss Murdoch
| had already refused several of the
best matches" of the city during her
| ,wo seasons, much to the relief Of
| those Young men who had not yet sum-
| Moned up courage enough to try thei2
| tate. and much to the disgust of a few
| amablc young women and several de-
| signing mammals. The latter could not
help but deprecate the wicked selfish
ness of a young girl who Hypothetical
and thus rendered temporarily un-
| available much potential matrimonial
stock. which. in the nature of things,
| would ultimately be thrown back on
| he market upon the selection by the
fair one of that single bond to whose
exclusive possession she was limited
| by the laws of church and state.
The fact of the matter was, that
Agnes Murdocll's ideal Of life was high.
Che was deteru' ned. il She ever en-
parked upon d matrimonial venture,
o do so only with reasonably good
prospect of finding in the welded state
satisfactory outlet for the depths of
affection which had remained so long
unapplicd in her tender maiden heart.
No one among the young men who
had sought her hand had seemed
worthy of the great love she was ready
to hcstow She was, therefore, still
awaiting her fate.
You wished to see me, sir?" the
Young girl gently insinuated,
Yes" said Murdoch, with great de
liberation; u wished TO speak to you
about"
lie watched her face intently as if t.
read the eject which his words would
produce. The light in his eyes was
pivost tender; but Agnes was not
KILLED in reading their scarcely yer.
cePtiblc shades Of expression. Sh'
looked up inquiringly, noting only the
Slight hesitation IN her fathers speech
about u young man continued
Murdock. with a quizzical smile.
\ flush mounted TO the girls cheeks
and she fixed her eyes upon space.
"a young man who admires yol
greatly, and who"
Has he asked you to tell me this?'
inquired Agnes, somewhat impati' ntly
"Oh! dear no." laughed the chemist
self. He is most impetuous f'llow
Bat thought it best to prepare you
May | ask the name of your pro
tege?" interrupted the young girl.
Did | say he was my protege?'
asked Murdoch, gently. 81 certainly
had no intention OF conveying any
such impression. lis name is Chat
ham-Thomas Chatham"
\ look, half of amusement, half o
veNation, came into the girls eyes. j
did not escape Murdook's clost
scrutiny.
II judge from your reception Of tn,
rcntleman's name. that his suit is no
likely to meet with much favor in you
eyes"
81 am not aware that / have eve
given Mr.. Chatham any reason TO be
Geve that il would" answered Agnes
stiffly.
And yet you must have understood
the drift of his attentions during tn,