The Sketcher.

Western Star, Issue 2218, 1 July 1898, Page 4

The Sketcher.

A Doubtful Case.

It is pitiful to think how easily and positively wilfully girls of this age may be misled, with regard to love affairs, and 1 may slate for example an incident brought forcibly under my notice some years ago. I had been staying for some months in a village on the English coast, where, as is not the case in “ Auld Reekie,” eligible youths were in the majority. The village tailor had an only daughter, 2t>, passably good-look-ing, well dowered and domesticated ; but, for some reason or other, none of the village “ eligibles” had as yet " speired her price.” She was there fore generally set down as an old maid like myself—and you may imagine tin* excitement when it transpired that sin l was “ engaged.” Having developed a thorough rustic curiosity, it was with inward delight, that I hailed an invitation to the Hlakes’ to meet the unknown suiloix and specially was 1 interested to learn that he was a brither Scot.

I went according to appointment, and no sooner there than 1 could see that inIciise excitement prevailed. The paterfamilias was walking about in tin* front shop, looking still’ and uncomfortable in a new suit of gray and a stiff and uncomfortable collar. The lady of the house, who met me at the door, was resplendent, and decidedly comical in white lace cap and apron, several yards of gold chain carefully displayed, and a few rings ditto. The sons of the family, aged respectively 18, 20, and 22, typical country youths, were attired after the manner of their father, and, like him. starched and ill at ease ; and I could not but reflect, as I followed my hostess upstairs, what a terrible waste of time and trouble. I was ushered into the drawing-room, introduced to the gentleman, whom I found agreeable and entertaining. Miss Blake and be bad tea with me, but tiie rest of the family did not appear. 1 saw nothing lover-like in 1.. e demeanour of Mr. , and, considerably disappointed and puzzled, took my leave shortly after the repast. Next evening I called again by request, and this time got the details from the fond mother, who, poor sold, was once more in ordinary and rational attire. “ Well, you know, I must tell you it will be a splendid match for Lizzie, for Mr. has a grand business about forty miles off. Father deals with him. and be has come here for years now. Me has always shown a preference for Lizzie ; lie always asks her out a walk when he comes. Of course he only stays a night when lie comes, and doesn’t, see much of her at a time.” “ I presume he comes often?”’ “Oh, yes. lie conies every six weeks, aim would come ofleuer, only, you know, business must be attended to. Well, of course, I hey quite understand each other, and he has been telling the dear girl that he would like to be married in July. So he lias shown her the patterns of the different suites.-and she has been very busy making things to match. 1 should think we have laid out £l. r > at least.” ” Of course, he has asked your permission and all that sort of thing V” —“ Oh dear, no ! I have not. in any way interfered ; I have left it all in their own hands.” “ Well, excuse me, Mrs. Blake, hut I really would have a more definite understanding, and not build on false hopes.”—“ Now, Miss Brown, you know how ‘canny’ you Scots are, and what a great deal a word from you means.” It docs indeed,” 1 assented eagerly.

"and all the more reason why you should have that word.”—” Really. Miss Brown, you are too imbelieveing. but perhaps you have not much experience in love affairs.”

T said nothing more, and it. was only when Lizzie’s handiwork had been seen and admired that the lady was restored to anything like good humour. I though! it wiser not to call again. July came, and one morning I was startled at breakfast with a message that I was particularly wanted by Mrs. Blake, and would I go at once. I seized my hat, and hurrying down the street entered, without further ado. the kitchen, where a startling scene awaited me. There on the couch lay the daughter of the house in a faint, pale and cold, and around were the family in despair, with water, Ac., &c. The eldest son. clenching teeth and hands simultaneous |y, was muttering something about “ kill the heartless scoundrel.” I believe the father was indulging in an occasional swear as he stamped up and down, and the mother was sobbing loudly by the unconscious child. And on the table lay the cause of it all—a box, newly arrived by post, wedding cake, and a card bearing Mr. and Mrs. 's compliments. The Scotsman had kept Ids word and married but not the "dear girl” who thought to he Ids bride. Well, Miss Blake came out of the faint, screamed when she saw tlie cake, and went into another and yet another, till somebody pitched the thing in (he lire. She recovered after a great deal of petting np and extravagant holiday-making, but from then till now she iias not. to my knowledge, had (he shadow of an ofter. nor have I been able to find out what led her to think she had one then.—B. M.. in the " Weekly Scotsman.”