Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1900-05-31
CHAP TER XVIII.
A Magnificent Offer.

A Magnificent Offer.
That same season a new star ap-
peared in the fashionable horizon. The
young Duke of Southmead who had
been abroad since he attained his ma
jority, returned to England, and be
came the observed of all observers.
There was no fair gift of earth that had
not been layished upon him; he was
young, rich. and handsome, not more
than twenty-five years of age, and 1t
was generally believed that he was one
of the wealthiest men in England
He was the fortunate possessor of
three magnificent estates in England
Burlinghame Abbey, Lanyille Court
and Glaston Hall Glendon Towers
and Heatherbrae in Scotland also be-
longed to him; and he had an aecumu-
lation Of money in the Funds which
would have made any ordinary man
| rich. To add to his unbounded wealth.
coal had been discovered on one OF his
English estates. which had more than
! trebled it's value.
The Duke of Southmead was a hand
some man; he had a fair frank. Saxon
| face, laughing blue eyes, a head COW
cred with fair clustering hair, and a
beautiful mouth. His figure was tall.
he had broad shoulders, a dignified
easy carriage, a charm of grace and
manner which alone would have made
him popular. His Grace Of Southmead
was clever, too he was blessed with a
clear intellect, sound common sense
and good judgment; he was eloquent of
speech, with a flow of original thought
expressed in elegant language He was
a truthful honorable gentleman. than
which no brighter praise cou.. given
to him.
1t was well known that the Duke of
Southmead was looking out for a wife:
he had been heard more than once to
say that the only gift wanting to him
was that Of a fair and loving wife.
When the fact became known. Bel
graviau mothers looked hopeful. Who
could wish for any daughter gairer
lot in life than to be Duchess Of South
mead? Money jewels, maguliicence OF
every Kind would be her portion. She,
the fortunate one. would be euvied by
all other women
No man was more popular than this
young duke; it was not altogether be-
cause of his vast wealth-the hand
some face and graceful, chiyalr0us
manner had something TO do with IT,.
Ladies declared that no man had a
more beautiful smile
Fair young debutantes were almost
t,m.d in his presence, for they had been
told what great prize was TO be won
Ia the matrimonial market
Anxious mothers had suggested that
they should wear blue His grace had
been heard 70 say that blue was his fa-
rorite color They had been told 20
spare no pains over their singing, for
bis grace was fond of music.
When he entered a room there was
"a thrill of excitement Ills taste was
really good and he was q passionate
admirer OF beauty. Happy the girl
whom he honored with his attentions,
she was looked upon with something
like envy by her companions.
Bat the young duke was very eau
uoas, he never went beyond the merest
admiration Tie had seen the loyellest
women n Europe 3uJ had not fallen IN
love with any one of them
/ He had enjoyed many dirtatlous; he
/ lad been like butterfly. roaming from
/ flower 90 flower. but he had not seen
/ the woman whom he cared to make
/ Duchess Of Southmeal
Al Lady Crane fancy bah he met
/ Ethel 81 Norman ana for the first
I time 5ei deeply in love. Her beautiful
a,e with rs proud. sad sweet mouth,
and dreamy lovely eyes charmed him:
still more be Was ir-oslstibly eapa-
N4,ed by her manner
NN rs continued