The Mena weekly star., 1908-07-09

l NlAAkSQ Hg HuuQpH uEB&hAatG W0b OA such a nature that it would admit of no delay; but that hoped to come back again as soon as 1t was complet- ed. Somewhat modified he permitted me to depart, and an hour later l was on my way to town on one of the most curious errands fancy it has ever fallen to the lot of a lovelorn man to execute.
 Having arrived in the city hailed a cab and drove to certain club where expected to find the man I wanted. My lucky, or unlucky, star as you may please to call 1t, was in the ascend ant, for he had just arrived. That he was surprised to see me admitted of no doubt.
 What on earth has brought you to town?" he cried, throwing down the paper he had been pretending to read.
 "I have come to see you" l replied. T want to have little conversation with you"
 Not about Muriel," he answered There Is nothing to be gained by it and it can only mean pain for both of us."
 Walt till you have heard what I have to say to you. I presume there is not doubt as to the stability of your affection for Miss Beverley?"
 Look here, Briggs, I can't tell what you are driving at, but don't you think It's trifie hard on man to hit him when he's down? I have loved that girl ever since was boy, and shall continue to do so till the end of my life. If had been rich. I might have been able to marry her; but as I am only poor fellow with no pros pects-"
 She marries me? Yes. I see the position exactly. We'll, as 1t happens. I had talk with the young lady this morning. If I were a vain man l should not have been fattered by what she said to me-but as am only an ordinary commonplace individual put my pride in my pocket and come to you. Is 1t true that you are clear ing out of the country?"
 Quite true he answered "I en. gagged my ticket three days ago"
 And what do you propose doing now?" I asked.
 q shall try my luck somewhere else"
 Very good. In the meantime, how ever. you will marry Miss Beverley"
 heard him gasp and he turned un- deniably pale.
 What do you mean?" he asked In a husky voice. "Is this one of your jokes?"
 No I replied, but you may call 1t so. if t gives you any satisfaction"
 Well, if 1t is, 1t is one that l am unable to appreciate. I am not very keen on that sort of humor myself. Even if she were not engaged to you. how could marry her? You know as we'll as I do that am as near poverty as man can we'll be and manage to kep his head above water. Besides. knowing how fond you are of her. is it likely you would give her up to meg'
 My dear Gainsborough. when . young lady tells me to my face that her affections are bestowed elsewhere and that she is only marrying me for the sake of her family. I should be less than human. if were to accept such sacrifice at her hands. Therefore with the best grace I can muster, l yield to circumstances and resign her to the more favored suitor."
 My goodness, Briggs. you are a man,--but it is impossible for me to accept"
 "In which case you will break her heart. The poor child loves you"
 But I tell you I have no money
 Well, I have proposition to make you. You have doubtless heard that Briggs Patent-Long- Burning Candles according to the advertisements--il- lumine the world We'll, there's one part of it In which they burn to con siderable extent, and that is in the salubrious atmosphere of the Argen- tine I have big horse-farm there and l am on the lookout for man. ager. As cavalry man you ought to h0OW SOE8ttHlnS dDout HUI nCc4 the girl of your heart, will take care that the father offers no objections. and go out. It all depends upon your self then whether you are happy or not"
 The silly fellow got up from his chair, tried to speak. but could not ut ter a word Then he shook me by the hand and went to the other end of the room to look out on the street Up 10 that moment had always regard ed him as heinz a somewhat common place young fellow. l was mistaken in that. as l was in several other things.
 That afternoon we returned together to Beverley. where spent . somewhat uncomfortable half an hour with the worthy old gentleman However, persuaded him.
 All this happened IS months ago. Next month propose going out to south America to pay the young cou pie a visit and to inspect and pass my opinion on my godson.
 Dread of Marble Portraits.
 One peculiarity of human nature