Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1902-01-16
es:sStcryette
CONFIRMATION OF A BACHELOR.

am not by nature a cruel or vio-
lent man, and as hear Master
Charles and his sister are going about
accusing me of being all this, | think
It is due to myself to write out true
account, from the beginning, OF this
miserable affair. My arm still aches,
but will set down the facts while
they are yet fresh in my memory.
II was on Nov that received the
invitation. have it before me as
write. II is as follows:
"Mr. j. Holt Leigh: Mr.. Stephen
Freshfield. At home, Monday, Dec. 2.
Dancing. 1920. Fancy dress"
M name and the words fancy
dress" were written, the rest was
piiuted.
would here mention that. at that
time, entertained feelings Of sincere
admiration for Mrs Freshfield's daugh-
ter, Dolly She was more than ordi-
narily good-looking, and in addition, l
thought, well-mannered and of a 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 after ma
ture elaboration, eminently desirable
though the balance of the advantage
would have rested with her. She as
| have said. was young and pretty.
Her father was In business, and Ger.
tainly not wealthy. |, though just
past middle age, am we'll preserved
and have ample means. am a bar
rister.at.law. understand; have never
practlced. | do nothing. In add
ton my family Is, of course. of in
finitely better standing than hers. II
would, In fact, in the eyes of many of
my relatives have been mesalliance.
| had not yet. In so many words. dis
closed my intentions to her. bat by
frequent visits at her house. and In
many little ways-entlrely correct,
need scarcely say had shown was
partial to her Her attitude to mt
was always respectful. though 4
lacked the warmth that could hav,
desired. That was one of the reason.
why had not actually proposed mat
rimony. There was nothing TO be gain
ed by rushing matters. and felt sur,
that II would only be matter of tim
before she reciprocated my feeling
of affection. Her father, on the othe
hand, entertained a sincere regard 70
me. Her mother was an invalid, an
one seldom saw her; but felt tina
she, too. liked me. The only othe
member of the family was Miss Fresl
field's brother. Charlie. He was |
years old, and this boy, for some re,
son or other. took dislike to me. II
was boy OF the most objectionabl
type, impish and rude Miss Fresl
field. curiously. was attached to hin
Being boy. and the only one, he wa
spoiled One often sees II. mad
several attempts to become friend
with him for the sake of his sister, b,
II was no good The vileness OF h
character may be evidenced by I'll
fact that he would take n bribe frol
me on one day, and yet be as 1
reconcilable as ever on the morrow
In appearance he was like an ape.
Well. spent some time in thinkin
out what costume | should wear.
finally decided on a clowns dress. Pc,
pie who know mo will be surprised {
the choice. But there were reasons
| specially wanted TO please Mis-
Freshheld at the dance. Herself b,
ing young, she was fond of fun of a
sorts and knew she thought me 10
serious. She as much as said so on
day Not that am ashamed of bein
serious; quite the contrary. Their
are. In my opinion. a great deal 10
many ways and fools nowadays But
wanted to create a good impression o
Miss Freshneld that evening. for
thought that II she seemed sufficient
sympathetic might disclose the sta,
OF my feelings 10 her. and aid No
see why should not give myself ever
advantage. After all. for all kuey
there might be younger suItors.
The dress was n truly wonda-s,
creation. went 60 the best costumer
10 have n made. and let them kno
they were not TO consider expens