Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1902-05-15
Confirmation
Of q Bachelor
Nv IuInnIHM ENNIS.

: by u1nhIHM ENNIS.
;+.*************** ~
II AM not by nature a cruel or violent
man, and as hear Master Charles
and his sister are going about accus-
ing me of being all this, think it is
due to myself to write out true ac-
count, from the beginning, of this mis-
cradle affair. My arm still aches, but
l will set down the facts while they
are yet fresh in my memory.
1t was on November 6 that l re-
ceived the invitation. I have it be-
fore me as write. It is as follows:
"Mr. ]. Holt Leigh: Mrs. Stephen Fresh
field. At home, Monday, December z.
Dancing, 1880. Fancy dress"
My name and the words fancy dress
were written, the rest was printed.
I would here mention that, at that
time, I entertained feelings of sin
cere admiration for Mrs. Freshfield's
daughter Dolly. She was more than
ordinarily good looking, and in addi-,
ton, I thought, well-mannered and OF
anice disposition. Ut only shows how
one may be deceived.) Nothing is to
be gained by the concealment of the
fact that I aspired to her hand. A
match with her had seemed to me, aft
er mature deliberation, eminently de-
sirable, though the balance of the ad-
vantage would have rested with her.
She, as I have said, was young and pref
ty. Her father was in business, and
certainly not wealthy. I, though just
past middle age, am well preserved and
have ample means. lam barrister-at-
law. but I do not practice. Not dis
used lawyer, understand; Ihave never
praGticed. I do nothing. In addition,
my family is, of course, of infinitely
better standing than hers. It would,
in fact, in the eyes of many of my rela-
tives have been mesalliance. I had
not yet, in so many words, disclosed
my intentions to her, but by frequent
visits at her house, and in many little
ways-entirely correct, I need scarcely
say-I had shown was partial to her.
Her attitude to me was always re-
spectful, though it lacked the warmth
that / could have desired. That was
one of the reasons why I had not ac-
tually proposed matrimony. There
was nothing to be gained by rushing
matters, and felt sure that it would
only be matter of time before she
reciprocated my feelings of affection.
- lo o+h 1or nd +o1s-
tanned sincere regard for me. Her
mother was an invalid, and one seldo
saw her; but felt that she, too, liked
me. The only other member of the
family was Miss Freshfeld's brother,
Charlie. He was ten years old, and
this boy, for some reason or other, took
dislike to me. He was boy of the
most Objectionable type, impish and
rude. Miss Freshfield, curiously, was
attached to him. Being boy, and the
only one, he was spoiled. One often
sees it. I made several attempts to
become friends with him, for the sake
of his sister, but twas no good. The
vileness of his character may be evil
denced by the fact that he would take
a bride from me on one day, and yet
be as irreconcilable as ever on the
morrow. f
In appearance he was like an ape.
Well, I spent some time in thinking
out what costume I should wear. l
finally decided on clowns dress. Peo-
ple who know me will be surprised at
the choice. But there were reasons.
I specially wanted to please Miss
Freshfield at the dance. Herself being
young, she was fond of all sorts and 1
knew she thought me too serious. She
as much as said so one day. Not that
I am ashamed of being serious; quite
contrary. There are, in my opinion,
a great deal too many wags and fools
nowadays. But I wanted to create a
good impression on Miss Freshfield
that evening, for thought that if she
seemed sufficiently sympathetic might
disclose the state of my feelings to her,
and did not see why should not give
myself every advantage. After all,
for all knew, there might be younger
suitors.
The dress was truly wonderful Gre
alton. I went to the best costumer's
to have it made, and let them know
they were not to consider expense, but
to do the thing well. 1t was made part
" of satins, not of cotton like the com
nor clowns things. On the chest part,
which was red, there was huge vel
low donkey, and there were comic ami
mails in other places. The whole eff.
feet was entirely absurd, as, of course
was intended, though I resolved that
it was the last time that would sub.
init to tomfoolery of this kind. She
would not find me so tractab1e after
marriage.
The night Of the dance arrived. ]
drove up in a brougham. aggravat
ing incident at the start was that quite
number of gamins sighted me near
the house, and ran after the carriage
ut the door. This was especially an
moving to me. I hold that it IL only