Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1901-11-01

T.. 49,. "a 80 { !: !
II SHOULD THINK You WOULD WEI
PLEASANT CHANGER ::
lation, and ever after met his calm cour-
tesy with an equally reserved defer
ence. The abnormal situation, which
at first was maintained only by an ef-
fort on the part OF the young girl, lost
with time much of its strangeness, and
ultimately crystallized under: the po-
tent force Of habit, SO that it was &C.
| cepted by the twoas the natural out
come of their relationship. E,..~
In the first pang of her bereavement
and disappointment Agnes had turned
for consolation to her books; and, be-
ing left free Ito dispose of her life as
she saw fit, she had planned a course
of study, which had in due time re-
ceived it's conservation at one of the
leading colleges for women.
Upon her return from college she
| had, as far as she was permitted, taken
| charge CT her fathers household, and
had presided with charming dignity
| and grace over the social functions for
| which DIR. Murdock's 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 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
theirs guests, and, being girl of re-
markable intelligence and tact, shesuc
'ceedd in creating 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
two seasons, much to the relief of
those young men who had not yet sum-
noned up courage enough to try their
fate, and much to the disgust of a few
amiable young women and several de-
signing mammas, The latter could not
help but deprecate the wicked selfish
ness of young girl who hypothecated
and thus rendered temporarily I'M
available much potential matrimonial
stock, which, in the nature of things,
would ultimately be thrown back on
the market upon the selection by the
fair 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 Murdock's ideal of life was high.
She was determined, if she ever en-
barked upon, a matrimonial venture,
/ to do so only with reasonably good
prospect of finding in the welded state
a. satisfactory outlet for the depths OF
affection which had remained so long
Hunapplied in her tender maiden heart.
No one among the young men who
had sought her hand had seemed
i worthy of the great love she was ready
to bestow. 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; 81: wished to speak to you
! about" .a:.... .-s., =. -. y i: F..
/ He watched her face intently, as if to
! read the effect which his words would
+ produce. The light in his eyes was
AMIDST tender; but Agnes was not
skilled in reading their scarcely per-
,Eteptible shades Of expression. She
I looked up inquiringly, noting only the
Eslfght hesitation in her fathers speech.
:.AAbout young man continued
Murdoch, with a quizzical smile. :. 7
A flush mounted to the:girl's cheeks,
and she fixed her eyes upon space s ;: ::
~ $50! "a young man who admires you
greatly, and who ~. VI. "a:
to Has he asked you to tell me this?"
Inquired Agnes, somewhat impatiently.
'fOhl dear no" laughed the chemist;
Tho Is only too anxious to do 20 him
f5en, He is q: most impetuous fellow.
/ But I thought it best to prepare you
/ S:slfay I ask the name Of your pro-
Eteg4?' interrupted the young girl. is IS
&: ibid / saw he Was' nv nrot0Re3s'