Omaha daily bee., 1905-11-05

- dear Alice, will come up to room
IA ~ 4 for few minutes wish to speak to
Nn 4 you" said Mrs. Maitland in a quiet though
i AVA determined tone of voice, one morning to her
- second daughter
NIUT#Il1 Alice Maitland rose as she spoke, and
- her fair slightly flushed To be asked
to to their mothers generally
meant something serious her young daughters, for
there they had met due punishment for their juvenile Of
and the recoctons of their visits therefore
pleasant But she only hesitated moments indeed,
she knew she would gain nothing by hestating longer
Shut the door, my dear continued Mrs. Maitland,
when they reached her and Alice obeyed her she
went on: my dear" said, looking at her, some
thing has occurred this morning that has pleased
much"
This letter" went on Mrs Maitland laying
held i'm her hand the table beside her is
from Col Osborne and contains an offer OF marriage for
you"
stn Alice speak but her lips quvered slightly.
lie says" proceeded Mrs. Maitland " that he has
noticed you for some time and he has come to the con-
cusion that you will make him most excellent wife"
Motherr' exclaimed Alice from her parted lips.
prepared for little surprise" said Mrs. Matt
land calmly, but you many middle aged men like
young maids, and of in all other respects it is
most excellent match. Osborne is well off, indeed
rich, his house family connections everything, in
fact, all that be desired. My dear Alice
graduate you sincerely congra tuate you and Mrs Matt
held out her hand, but Alice did not take it.
But mother" she began.
Well what, my dear?"
IL could feel towards Col Osborne what-a
wife ought to feel-I-I-could never care for him."
"An that will come, child; many things help to
happy marriage well as a1oolSh teeHng OF
Money does thing and he has that and besides
you ought to consider your sisters"
But mother there is something else" went on Alice
almost passonatey. "II-care for else-I
for George Osborne"
my dear, George Osborne, happily for himself and
else is quite out of the He is about to
sail for Australia"
Australian echoed Alice, with sort Of cry.
Yes, that stupid little affair is over, and
let us talk sensibly Osborne is coming this after
noon and to put your blue muslin
make yourself look pretty for the lover
think much of looks"
Alice made answer she clasped her hands together
a thought had rushed into her mind
When he comng2" she asked in faltering accents
Mrs. Maitland looked at her watch
why my dear" she said sharply; "he'n be here
Directly rush and exchange dress and battle
your face get your pretest all ready I'll
see him first then I'll call you down"
So Alice went away and presently while she was
changing her dress she heard the house door bell ring
bit her lips and determined look into her
she did But quite quarter of an hour passed
before mother called her down to the drawing
when she heard her mothers voice she proceeded
slowly downstairs and entered the room below
AS she did so, her mother, who was standing by the
window turned round.
Well Alice, my dear" said addressing
with smile, here is Col Osborne
you, think" she added gayly Z" 1 had better now
and look after household duties and leave you two
to have little chat"
Alice did speak; she opened her lips but no
forth and the next moment tall haired
sitting chair by the fire. and
forward towards her and took her hand in his
Well. my dear" he said " and how your
Still Alice did not speak; then with little friendly
nod Maitland left the room, did So Col
Osborne again addressed Alice.