The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1901-01-05

tall handsome, sei.cons ious man, turned
and greeted him warmly.
Howard was very much surprised. 81
really do not understand, sir, how came to
receive this honor from you Can it be
at is very easily explained. returned Mr..
Fontaine. II came to thank you for your
very gallant conduct toword Il very dear
friend of mine, Miss Sykes.
Howard flushed. Indeed sir, you are
making too much OF that he said at was
merely n common act of courtesy. Any one
would have done the same under like cir
cumstanccs."
at is very well for you to talk in that way
responded the great man almost impatiently,"
but you saved that girls life. | cannot be
grateful enough to you for it,.
as she--is Miss Sykes related to you?''
Howard asked, trying to draw the visitors
attention from himself.
eyes, was the response. "shc is my nj ece
The child Of an only sister
"Ah" Howard felt relieved. He scarcely
knew why. After little more coyersation.
an invitation to call, and the promise of Il
future visit, Towards distinguished guest
took his departure, leaving his host in II
whirI Of excitement.
To think that he Howard Gates, mad
saved the life Of the niece Of the Honorable
James Fontaine 1t all seemed like a dream.
In Il few days ne called at tho Fontaine
mansion and was deeply impressed with the
beauties Of the place. II was a perfect
palace. A large brown stone building,
shaded 10y live oak and magnolia trees and
surrounded 10y extensive grounds. Miss
Sykes received him graciouSly, nay cordially.
and was very entertaining ard dangerously
fascinating during his call.
The next fortnight was As one blissiui
dream to Howard Fun of walk, rides and
as it became only too evident, the idol of
HOward's heart The two had become very
friendly: were remarkably congruial and,
although there was II great deal Of company
at the great house, Howard had much more
than his rightiul share OF Miss Sykes time.
1t was the last evening OF Howard'z visit
He and Miss Sykes were alone on the broad
piazza. Dorothy was beautiful in soft
yellow silk, which glimmered and glisteued
as she moved in the moonlight Howard
had told Dorothy that he must leave on the
morrow. Then they were silent for long
time. Suddenly Dorothy asked, "Did you
meet Frank Stevens, while he was here?"
"Yes" was the reply ia perfect stick,
wasn't he?"
"Rather"
"By the way, he left very suddenly, what
was the hustle? Propose and wasn't ac-
cepted? Dorothy nodded.
GLOW many proposals have you had since
l have been here?" Howard asked laugh
ingly.
"Seven!' was the wrathful answer, land
I'm tired of it, "Of course you are"
Howard assented, "the man who is good
enough for you has not put in his appear
ance yet. He must be wealthy, handsome
talented, and have dozen other virtues, in
fact growing suddenly earnest, "a man
half good enough for you, Dorothy Sykes,
will never be found
Dorothy blushed, smiled and looked more
beWltcnlnS IMAM ever
'Poor me- Howard continued jestingly
81 will never marry. have been hunting
wife for the last eighteen months | have so
many faiings and so few virtues that no
woman wants me. | have given"
THAT is not so, and you know it, Dorothy
contradicted warmly, "a man with your
good looks, steady ways aud excellent posi-
tion could find wife easily enough if he
wanted. Why nearly any girl in the country
would be glad to marry you.
"Would you?n Howard asked coollv but
tremblingly, surprised at his own boldness
"Yes, > Dorothy answered slowly.
Howard left the next morning, but it was
with light and happy heart,
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