The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-12-08
My Choice
tOriSinal.1

tOrisinal.]
The doctor tells me-" said my fn-
thcr one morning after breakfast, that
this heart of mine is liable to take me
off at any moment. Before / 60 /
wish TO see you married. I would he
glad II you could have romance, but
romances will not be hidden: they
come when they please or not at all.
I must therefore ask you to choose q
husband in conventional way. Three
men have proposed to me for your
hand-Edwarl Hewitt, Arthur Lyons
and Gilbert Lawrence. All are able to
support you; all are mentally and
physically admirable men except Law
renee, who Is cursed with club foot.
believe you know them"
"aIr. Hewitt I have met; Mr. Lyons
know pretty we'll; Mr.. Lawrence
do not know at ALL"
Then I suppose the choice falls be-
tween Hewitt and Lyons1"
was silent. My expression must
have been lugubrlous, for father said,
Poor little girl" Then turned to
him and said:
Send them all to me to make their
propositions direct and will decide
between them"
"On different daysf'
mo; let them all come tomorrow
evening". Put them IN different rooms,
and let them out like bears in menag-
erie, one after another"
Father smiled grimly and went
away.
The next evening l took position in
the small drawing room. Presently
the door opened, and Mr.. Hewitt walk
ed In. He was perfectly self possessed.
advanced to within short distance Of
ME and stood deferentially. He was
fine looking man. though not hand
some. He began to speak in formal
tone.
"Your father has given me the ines
Unable privilege Of laying my heart
at your feet. I have known you long
enough to feel assured Of the loveliness
Of your disposition, the rectitude Of
your conduct, and 1t Is plain to all that
you are beautiful. mention these
traits, since from boyhood have been
resolved that the woman / marry must
possess them. AS to worldly goods, !
have sufficient myself can take care
of you I'm the same fashion as you have
been brought up. You have only to
speak one word to make me happy"
Il duly appreciate" I replied. "tbc
honor you have done me and am pleas
ed to know your requirements In the
woman you shall marry. will hold
your proposal under advisement, and
you will be duly Informed"
His confident manner underwent q
sudden change, and he retired in some
confusion
Ten minutes later Mr.. Lyons came
In. He cast frightened glance ut me,
then bent his eyes to the floor. He did
not come rs near me as his predecessor
and instead Of standing erect bent
low.
II feel,' he said in hesitatlng voice,
that 1t Is a presumption for me to
oIer my unworthy hand to one 30
greatly my superior, one who is known
to the world for her many admirable
traits, rs well as for her beauty. When
asked your father to be permitted to
pay my addresses to you, had no
hope that the little have to offer in
those endowments priced by woman
would be acceptable to one possessing
every endowment acceptable to men.
II yon can find 1t in your heart to IA
vor my suit you will inspire me with a
confidence and happiness never felt
before"
He stood waiting with head bowed
and eyes still bent to the floor.
II assure you. Mr.. Lyons" said,
that, far from feeling too good for
you, / do not feel good enough for
you. I thank you for your high opinion
Of my endowments and for your most
complimentary offer. I must ask you
for n brief period in which to con-
sider."
II am delighted" he said, that you
Will stoop even to consider a proposal
OF one 30 unworthy Of YOU"
] sighed as he went away. Two of