Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1904-06-11

\ Used to marry young De-
s A s lano:'
z1Uwk MIS- MIS-. Hartford looked up
with grave surprise into Helen Mays
soft brown eyes.
Helen was slight, rosy little dam.
sci, with cherry lips, cheeks bright as
a June sunrise, and general pretti-
ness that was very attractive, al
though it scarcely deserved the name
of beauty.
"But. Helen, he is poor and obscure,
while you--"
"While l am only little Helen May,
quite ready to be contented with the
love Of true and manly heart. In.
deed, Aunt Mary, Robert Delano de-
serves better wife than t.
THE world judges these things diff
ferently. Helen" said Mrs. Hartford,
passing her hand fondly over Helen's
bright hair. "By the way, isn't he
some relation of yours, on the fathers
sideW
Only distant cousin Aunt Mary"
"1f it was essential to your happi-
ness to bear the name Of Delano,"
said Aunt Mary, roguishly, "why didn't
you take his brother Clarence? l am
sure he is much the handsomer Of the
two"
II don't think so, aunty. Clarence
is too conceited-too proud of his own
talents. He thinks little Helen May
an Insignificant country girl, and won-
ders at Roberts folly in selecting me
as wife. All, am no fortune teller.
aunt, but Clarence cannot hide his con-
victions from me-"
Hush" said Mrs. May, lifting up
her finger. "There is a ring at the
bell rather thing, my dear, that
Robert and Clarence are both coming
here to spend the evening with you"
And Helen ran out Of the room to
smooth her brown hair, and to rear
range the ribbons Mt hnr throat before
greeting her lover.
by the way, Miss May" said Clar.
ence Delano that same evening as he
Are, s yoa .n nsyI"sGits
don't you? Dorchester, in Pennsyl.
vanla?"
II believe so, Mr.. Delano."
"Well, now, I'll tell you what" said
Clarence, running his fingers through
his scented curls, that's a regular CO.
incidence. Did you ever meet our rich
cousin, Miss Tryphosa-the old miser-
ess, if there's such a word, who owns
half the county?'
"Occa sionally," laughed Helen.
. "Well. l was telling Bob this morn
Ing. when he was lamenting the need
of little ready cash to help him start
The world as man should start it,
who intends to get married-don't
frowt,. at ME, Bob, it's Gospel truth,
and you daren't contradict me"
go on" said Helen, merrily.
II was saying, why shouldn't we dip
our hands into the old cats boards?
Let's make use Of our relationship
we are fortieth cousins I've heard
Bob and l will write dutiful, cousinly
letters, and borrow, say, ten thousand
dollars eachw
always supposing that Miss Try
phOsa will lend It,"
Yes, of course, always supposing
that she will lend it. for I've an idea
that she's stngy old harridan. Once
borrowed, why, nobody's ruined If
we never repay it,
Robert Delano's square, handsome
brow had been contracting as his
brother spoke, and at this juncture
he interrupted him.
Clarence, You are talking in man.
ner that l for one cannot counter.
ance. II l should apply to Miss Try
phOsa for money, l should regard it
Is n sacred duty to repay the loan as
early as possible-the kindness I never
could repay"
Clarence arched his eyebrows with
angry scorn.
was his mnttered comment. "What do
you say. Miss Helen? Would the rich
old maid lend the funds if we wrote
nice, cOusinly letters?"
II should think it very possible that
she might"
ats worth trying at all events"
And the next time Mr.. Clarence De-
lano met Miss May, she archly asked
him:
well. have you written to your rich
cousinY
"Oh. yes, Miss May-and she is to
give me audience at Miss Harford's
next week. In congratulate you on the
prospect on long inhiction of country
cousindOm."
: Helen bowed with mock dignity
that Clarence scarcely knew how to ill.,
terpret.
by jove. she is pretty" thought the
young man. upon my word, I'm
rather disposed to worry Bob. II it
wasn't that rich wife was essential
to my plans in life. I'd go in for the
little May blossom myself"
"Ten O'Clock OH the eighteenth of
June-that's the hour that was indi-
Gated by the rich old spnster. Come,
Bob, IL you're so everlastingly long
adjusting your white tie, she'll dis
Inherit u.s." laughed Clarence. "lt's
half-past nine now"
II am ready" said Robert. quietly,
and the brothers set out toward Mrs.
Harford's residence.
miss Tryphosa May is upstairs"
said Mrs. Hartford. meeting them at
the door with smile.
"And Helen?" questioned Robert.
"Helen is with her." said Mrs. Har.