Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-04-27

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Il Was Bestowed.
~ By F. A. MITCHELL o
Copyright. 1910. by American Press
Y Association. p
o-O-o-O-o-O-o O-O-O-o- 900
In March, 1853. there appeared in
the London Chronicle the following ad
vertisement:
A living Of E100 . year will be given to
curate on condition that he marry the
giver. He must be young. well recon-
mended for morals and good temper and
firmly attached to the present happy es-
Enlistment Answers may be left 1t the
bar Of the Union Coffee House, Strand
London. directed to 2. L. The utmost
crecy and honor II to be depended upon.
Gerard Wentworth, young man Of
twenty-five. saw 1t and was attracted
by it for the following reasons: He
had barely completed his studies pre-
liminary to taking orders when stimuli
taneously a lawsuit involving the fam
lily property was decided adversely
and Gerard's father died. This left
the young clergyman on the thresh-
old of life with two sisters and
mother to provide for. He was think
ing Of giving up his profession and
accepting clerkship In mercantile
house where he could earn more mon
ey than in the church when his eye
fell on the advertisement
els there not in this" he unused, "a
chance for me to follow the career
love and am fitted for? If should
marry this woman l might eventually
become bishop"
| So he left note at the Union Coffee
House stating that he would be happy
to meet the holder of the living and in
due time received an Invitation to call
at Twickenham. suburban town a
couple of hours ride from London.
Mr.. Wentworth alighted from the
coach at an imposing gateway and
walked up through attractive grounds
to a manor house. Dreams Of marry
ing a fortune were kindled in his
brain, but they were soon put to fight
| by a housemaid who answered his
knock, pointing to a dilapidated look
ing cottage In one corner Of the In
closure and telling him he would find
| the advertiser there. With a sigh he
turned and, walking over to the house
in question. knocked again. A serv-
ant who had apparently left the wash
tub replied to the summons and show
ed him into dingy living room. the
blinds to which were all closed. Pres
emily an angular woman Of fifty en-
tered and announced that It was she
who had the disposal Of the living.
Wentworth was too much Of a gen.
tleman to get up Immediately and take
his leave. He talked In desultory
way and among other things told the
lady that his purpose In getting the
living was to be able to continue In his
career and provide for his mother and
sisters. whereupon the woman told
him CURLY that his application would
not be considered for a moment
Wentworth rose to go, but the wom-
an asked him to wait few minutes.
She then left the room and was gone
some time. When she returned she
said that, after all, his love for his
mother and sisters had affected her
favorably toward him and that she
would think the matter over. Would
he call again In few days?
Wentworth said, Thank you"
which might mean anything or moth.
ing and took his leave As the door
closed behind him a figure emerged
from the manor house-a young girl
dressed like a lady and withal comedy.
She and Wentworth met at the gate,
and it seemed to him that she must
know that he was an applicant for the
living to be disposed of. for she looked
amused. Wentworth. who had reach
ed the little gate beside the driveway
few PAGES before her. paused to let her
go through. taking OF his hat politely.
81 wish you Joy with your living
and your BRIDE" she said. a snap in
her eye and pair Of dimples on each
| cheek hanking smile.
II have not yet been accepted, nor
| have accepted" he replied, walking
on beside her.
why should a young man Of your
age need to marry an old woman for
| u NV luR Oh - sue QeSltdleQ.
Zone hundred pounds" he supplied.
He told her that he was bound by hon.
or and affection to consider his moth
er and sisters
The girl walking In the same direc-
ton as the curate. they continued to-
gether to the inn from which the
coach started When they parted she
said to him:
Come and see me. I have a friend
who has at her disposal living much
better than the one you have applied
for. You needn't marry her. but
can introduce you and will use my In
fuence In your favor. l think when /
tell her that you are ready to sacrifice
yourself for your mother and sisters
she will be disposed to help you. Our