The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1900-06-07

BILE glimmer Of individuality may nave
been born with the offspring OF the
methodical and practical parents. Con
stance found them extremely uninterT
esting. notwithstanding the naturai
love for children which led her to court
their companionship during the carrier
weeks of her domestication IN theii
house. 1t was next to miracle that
she did not stiffen in this atmosphere
into a buckram image OF FEMININE pro-
priety-a prodigy of starch and virtue,
such as would have brought calm ue-
light to the well-regulated mind OF her
exemplar, and effectuaily chased al
thoughts of matrimony from those OF
masculine beholders. Had her discon-
tent with her allotted sphere been less
active. the result would have been GER
tain and deplorable. She was, instead,
popular among her acquaintance OF
both sexes. and had many friends, II
few lovers. This latter deficiency had
given her no concern until within two
years. At twenty-five she opened her
eyes in wide amaze upon the thinning
ranks Of her virgin associates, and be-
gan seriously to ponder the causes that
had left her unsought, save by two very
silly and utterly inelig BILE SWANS, whose
overtures were, in her esteem, pre-
sumption that was only too ridiculous
to be insulting. Her quick wit and
knowledge of the world helped her to
solution OF the problem. Il am poor
and dependent upon my brothers char
ity," she concluded, with a new and
sitting uprising of dissatisfaction with
her condition. Men rarely fall in love
with -such-more rarely WOO them"
She never spoke the thought aloud, but
it grew and strengthened until 1t re-
ceiyed startling blow from Mr.. With
ers' proposal of marriage.
He was a wealthy banker from
neighboring city, whom business rela-
tions with Mr.. Romaine drew to his
house and into his sisters company.
His courtship was all Mrs. Romano
could desire. His visits were not too
frequent, and were paid at stated inter-
walls, as befitted his habits of order and
punctuality. His manner to the lady
honored by his preference was replete
with stately respect that was the an
tipodes of servile devotion, while his
Partially for her society. and admira-
ton for her person, were unmistakable.
He paid his addresses through Mr.. Ro-
maine as his fair ones guardian, offer
ing voluntarily to give his beloved
whatever time for elaboration upon the
proposal she desired.
you had better think it over for a
week" advised her brother, when he
had laid the case duly before Con-
stance. at is too serious a matter tc
be settled out of hand"
After that, neither he nor his wife
obtruded their counsel upon her until
the afternoon Of the seventh day. Then
Mrs. Romano, going to her sisters
chamber to communicate the substance
OF telegram just received by her hus-
band to the effect that Mr.. Withers
would call that evening at 8 o'clock,
was moved to grave remonstrance by
the discovery that she whom he came
to WOO had no answer prepared for
him. Constance was nc nearer ready
after the conversation before recorded
II cannot afford to be romantic"
she had reminded herself several
times. "And who knows but this IRA
tional repugnance may pass away when
have once made up my mind to ac-
cept him? This may be-in all likeli.
hood 1t is-my last chance of achiev.
ing an Independent position. 1t has
been a long time coming, and my
charms will be on the wane soon. True
marriage with Elnathan Withers i.
not the destiny Of which / have dream
ed, but then dreams are but foolish va
carries after all. Life is real and ear
| nest"
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