Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1903-09-11

as the one most nearly interested II
the consequences of your acceptance
or refusal of his offer, should surely
be able to make up your mind how tc
treat it and him."
II should be, as you say" responded
the sister-in-law But l cannot"
She was a handsome woman, in the
prime of early maturity, whose face
seldom wore, in the presence of others
the perturbed expression that now be-
gloomed it.
"That does not affect the fact of your
duty" answered Mrs. Romano, with
considerable severity. There are times
and circumstances in which vacillation
is folly-criminal weakness. You have
known Mr.. Withers long enough to
form a correct estimate of his charac-
ter. In means and in reputation he is
all that could be desired, your brother
says Either you like him well enough
to marry him, or you do not Your sit
uation in life will be bettered by an
alliance with him, or it will not. These
are the questions for your considera-
ton. And excuse me for saying that
woman of your age should not be at
loss in weighing these"
Again Constance had nothing ready
except weak phrase of reluctant ac-
quiescence. Il feel the weight OF your
reasoning, Margaret. You cannot de-
spise me more than I do myself for my
childish hesitancy. Mr.. Withers-any
sensible and honorable man deserves
different treatment. If l could see the
way clear before me l would walk in
1t. But, indeed, am in sore diem
ma" She turned away, as her voice
shook on the last sentence, and affect
ed to be busy with some papers upon a
stand.
Mrs Romaine was just in all her
dealings with her husbands sister, and
meant, in her way, to be kind. Con-
stance respected her for her excellent
sense, her honesty of purpose and ac-
tion-but she was the last of her
friends whom she would have select
ed, of her free will, as the confidante
OF such joys and sorrows as shrink
from the touch of hard natures-refuse
to be confessed to unsympathizing ears.
Her heart and eyes were very full now,
but she would strangle sooner than
drop a tear while those cold, light orbs
were upon her.
In consideration of the weakness and
ridiculous sensitiveness of her compan-
ion, Mrs. Romano forbore to speak the
disdain she felt at the irresolution and
distress she could not comprehend. rs
Mr.. Withers personally disagreeable to
your" she demanded, in her strong con-
tralto voice.
II liked him tolerably well-very
we'll, in fact, until he told me what
brought him here so regularly" Con-
stance stammered. Now I am embar-
raised in his presence-so uneasy that |
I wish sometimes could never see or
hear of him again"
Mere shynessw said Mrs. Romano.
Such as would be pardonable in a |
girl of seventeen. In woman of seven
it is absurd. Mr.. Withers
Is highly esteemed by all who know
him. Your disrelish of his society is
caprice, unless"-the marble gray eyes
more searching-"unles you have a
prior attachment"
Constance smiled drearily. II have
never been in love in my life, that l
know Of"
"You are none the worse for having
escaped an infatuation that has wreck
I'd more women for time and for eter-
1ity than all other decisions combined.
A rational marriage upon
mutual esteem and the belief that the
,ocial and moral condition of the par
les to the contract would be promot-
ID thereby-is the only safe union. The
7oung, inexperienced and headstrong,
.epudiate this principle. The mature
n age know it to be true. But, as l
lave said, it is not my intention to d.
cot your judgment This is momen
GUS era In your life. I can only hope
md pray that you may be guided
right In your decision"
Left to herself to digest this morsel
4 pious encouragement, Constance
rev a low seat to the hearth regis
or, clasped her hands upon her knees,
nd tried, for the hundredth time that
ay. to weigh the facts of her position
airly and impartially.
She had been an orphan for eight
ears, and a resident in the house OF
er elder brother Her senior by more
han a dozen years, and in the excit-
n swing of successful mercantile life,