The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1902-11-18
Confirmation
OF a Bachelor
BY guInnIHM ENNIS.

$&$*aSF$&$&a$s$+s .
Y AM not by nature cruel or violent
man, and as 1 hear Master Charles
and his sister are going about accus-
ing me of being all this, think 1t is
due to myself to write out a true ac-
count, from the. beginning, of this mis-
cradle affair. My arm still aches, but
/ will set down the facts while they
are yet fresh in my memory.
1t was on November that / re-
ceived the invitation. have it be-
fore me as ] write. 1T is as follows:
mr.. J. Holt Leigh Mrs. Stephen Fresh
field. At home, Monday, December e.
Dancing, 1880. Fancy dress"
My name and the words fancy dress"
were written, the rest was printed.
/ would here mention that, at that
time, l entertained feelings of sim
cere admiration for Mrs. Freshfeld's
daughter Dolly. She was more than
ordinarily good looking, and in addi-
ton, / thought, well-mannered and of
nice disposition. ct only shows how
one may be deceived.) Nothing is to
be gained by the concealment of the
fact that | aspired to her hand. A
match with her had seemed to me, aft
er mature deliberation. eminently de-
sirahle though the balance of the adj
vantage would have rested with her.
She, as have said, was young and pref
ty. Her father was in business, and
certainly not wealthy. /, though just
past middle age, am well preserved and
have ample means. am barrister-at-
law, but I do not practice. Not a dis
used lawyer, understand; Ihave never
practiced. l do nothing. In addition,
my family is, of course, of infinitely
better standing than hers. 1t would,
in fact. in the eyes of many of my rela-
tiyes hive been mesalliance. / had
not vel n so many words, disclosed
my iutep ions to her, but by frequent
visits er house, and in many little
ways--eu rely correct, need scarcely
say bad shown was partial to her.
Her attitude to me was always re-
spectful. though 1t lacked the warmth
that could have desired. That was
one Of TIE reasons why | had not ac-
tuallv nosed matrimony. There
was n ng to be gained by rushing
matters. and l felt sure that it would
only be matter of time before she
reciprocated ~ feelings of affection.
Her father, on the other hand, enter
tanned a sincere regard for me. Her
mother was an invalid, and one seldom
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
a dislike to me- He was boy of the
most Objectionable type, impish and
rude. Miss Freshfield, curiously, was
attached to him. Being a 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 it was 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 irreconcllable as ever on the
morrow.
In appearance he was like an ape.
Well, | spent some time in thinking
out what costume | should wear. /
finally decided on a clowns dress. Peo-
pie who know me will be surprised at
the choice. But there were reasons.
/ specially wanted to please Miss
Freshfield at the dance. Herself being
Young, she was fond of all sorts and |
knew she thought me too serious. She
as much as said so one day. Not that
am ashamed of being serious; quite
Ahe contrary. There are, in my opinion
great deal too many wags and fools
nowadays. But / wanted to create a
good impression on Miss Freshfielc
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 ere
alton. ! went to the best costumer',
to have it made, and let them know
they were not to consider expense. bu
to do the thing well. 1t was made part
iy of satins, not of cotton like the com
mon 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 resolved tina
1t was the last time that would sinh
init to tomfooiery of this kind. Sh
would not find me SO tractable afte
marriage.
The night of the dance arrived.
drove up in a brougham. An aggrava,
ing incident at the start was that quit
a number of gamins sighted me nea
the house. and ran after the carriae
at the door. This was especially al
Boying to me, hold that it is onl