The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1902-11-11
CHOOSING A HUSBAND

eyes became hxed on vacancy.
Thinking which Of the three you will &C.
eept, dearl' inquired Mrs. Roman, quietly
A slight flush tinted the girls delicate
complexion as she replied: How did you
guessY
Il have been through the wood myself.
dear, and | know how perpiexing it is"
"Perplexing is nc name for it," cried
Blanche. IL wish youcould help me-"
Haven't you any preference Don't you
care little more for one than another?'
asked the old lady.
Not bit. They are all splendid fellows,
and equally eligible. In fact, feel some.
times as though l should like to be fe-
male sultan, and marry them all"
If you accept Sir Harry Knnaird you will
obtain title" suggested Mrs. Roman,
which is certainly consideration"
Yes, but he's SO fearfully headstrong,
you know"
How about Capt. Dlwyn, then? You
won't find a handsomer man, nor a drawer
one, if you hunt all England through"
Yes, Dicks awfully good-looking, isn't
he. But don't you think he's inclined to be
jealousg | couldn't stand jealous husband
at any price"
Mr. Manly hasn't that fault, at any
rate, and | am sure he's very fond of you"
Il believe he is; but he's 80 masterful,
and he always seems to look upon me as a
little child"
1T seems to me, observed Mrs. Roman,
that If there was only one of them you
would take him and be thankful; but, as it
is, you are suffering from embarras de
richesse."
Perhaps you're right" admitted
Blanche. but | wish it could be settled one
way or the other, for l can assure you it's
getting on my nerves"
You may depend that you will have to
settle it yourself" said the old lady. And
then, with smile, she added: you should
draw lots for them"
I've tried that" replied the girl, plain
lively. But it was no use, for | had to do
1T three times to be fair, and each time it
came different one"
Then, really, don't know what you are
to do, unless you make up your mind to ac-
cept the first one who proposes"
III did am sure should be sorry after
wards, which ever one | had; but have
great mind to let them decide the matter
What do you mean, child?"
Why, suppose | was to fall overheard
and agree with myself to choose the one
who was brave enough to jump in after me
and save my life?"
But think how wet it would make YOU.
and 1t would be sure to take your fringe out
Of curl; besides, you might be drowned"
oh! | should make that all right with
life belt underneath, and l am not a bad
swimmer, either. | think III do it,"
My dear Blanche" appealed Mrs. Ro-
maine, pray consider"
Yes; that will remove the responsibility
rom my shoulders" decided Blanche.
And, of course, dear Mrs Roman, shall
rely upon your honor not to betray me in
any way
Mrs. Roman had chaperoned Blanche Or
monde ever since the death of her last sur
irving parent three years previously, and
she knew that when once the young lady
lad taken the bit between her teeth in that
manner remonstrance was useless, and so.
with gentle but pathetic sigh, she resigned
lerself to the inevitable. In due course
hey arrived at Southampton and took the
'oat to Cowes, where they found the yachts
zig awaiting for them.
1t had been proposed to weigh anchor the
morning, and proceed for a sail
oundIthe island; but the almost dead calm
hat prevailed precluded that plan being
ollowed. Most of the guests went ON shore.
tut Blanche pleaded the necessity of writ
ng some important letters, and on coming
n deck when she had finished her CORE
pondence, she found only her three admir-
RS, who were evidently awaiting her pleas
re, and Mrs. Romain who was pretending
0 read, under the awning.
This was her opportunity A butterfly
hat had lost its way afforded her an excuse
'r approaching the open ganaway. A sud
en- stretch, an effort at recovery, a faint
cream, and Blanche was floating on the
bb tide.
Without moments hesitation, or stop
ing to remove any article of clothing, Kin
aird Immediately jumped after her, and |
eing at the best of times an Indifferent |
was soon vainly struggling to |
eep himself above water.
Capt. Dilwyn quickly took off his coat.
licked off his shoes, and then dived over |
ne side in manner that showed he was
ute at home in the treacherous element.
few powerful strokes brought him
longside his rival. and in an instant he per
sived that it was all up with him unless he
as rendered immediate assistance.
A painful position to be placed in, with
lie girl he loved in the one balance and his
d school friend in the other
Heaven only knows how it would have
cen settled, but just then Kinnaird decided
lie matter himself by Selling the captain
18th the desperation and tenacity of grip
lat is only known to man who has been
'wn once and is on the point of sinking
yain
In the meantime Manly quietly descend
the accommodation ladder, stepped into
he dingy which was alongside, and casting
the painter, commenced sculling after
le rapidly disappearing young lady.
Having assisted her in over the stern. he
as able to turn his attention to the Others
nd was Just in time TO prevent them swal
wing more salt water than would hav,
cen altogether beneficial for their consti
itions.
"Oh, my dearl" exclaimed Mrs. Roman.
hen the ladies were once more safe in the
clusion of their cabin, "how magnificently
s lordship plunged in after you'll Wasn't
noble of him? OF course, you will decide
pom him nowP
"Of course ! shall not" replied Blanche.
Do you think I'm going to marry a man
no has not sense enough to look before he
apsg"
Then | suppose you will accept the cap.
ing If it had not been"
mo, indeed" interrupted the young lady.
lup n