The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1857-07-15

friend Mary, nor the grave surprise with
which my conduct was watched by Mr..
| Woodward, but these things only gave me
occasional uneasincss. dts all right"
said I, the loyeliest of her sex shall be the
future Mrs. Jackson"
The term Of my vacation was drawing
to its close. 1t was necessary that
should hasten all matters. I resolved
to-not exactly learn my fate, because
my confidence in the way it would all
end was never shaken by doubtful
| resolved to explain myself the first OPP
portunity, and settle the prelimnaries.
The next day she rode over as usual to
Mr.. Woodward's, and l offered to accom-
pany her back. No sooner were we
started than l determined at once to
break the ice, and open the subject. |
foundit more difficult than | Supposed
The words stuck in my throat. | hemmed
and hawed, grew embarrassed, silent, fdg-
ETY., perspiring, trembling, and nervous.
We rode on mile or two without speak
ing. Ahcekept her head averted. This
/ considered good sign. She was en-
barrassed, too-blushing to her brows,
no doubt. Atlast | urged my horse close
up to hers, and stamered out
"Miss Alice"
There was moments pause. Hero
(this was the name of Alice's horse, as f
jealous of me, began to mend his pace
| pushed up my steed to his side, and re-
peated again, in low voice, agitated and
trembling in spite of me-
'tMiss Alice-I-I|"
Hero shot ahead little. Iurged my
own nag forward. Hero only went the
faster. I was half length behind him.
miss Alice" repeated l, somewhat
louder, 81 desire, Miss Alice, l wish
that is, trust"
Hero broke out into gallop. I struck
forward at the same pace, but in spite of
me nearly length behind 1t was get
ting deucedly awkward.
Il wish, Miss Clare" resumed I, 'sto
confess to you, to unfold, to offer"
Hero began to stretch out in long leaps
Ny nag was an ambitious creature, but
rather short-winded. He didn't Ike this
apparent attempt to leave his company,
and giving his head an ugly shake, began
to try his best.
"Niss Clare" said I, as I got up close
to her side again, "Miss Glare, I love-
offer"
Hero began to gallop at a furious rate.
l urged my own horse forward with whip
and heel. We were going over the
ground like mad. My hat blew of. l
was an uncertain horseman, and thought
I should be bounced out Of the saddle. /
graspod the name with all me might.
'Miss Clare-I off-otff-fer'
stanmered l, still holding pertnaciously
to my one idea, although grasping, be-
wildered, blinded, my stirrups lost, and
nearly shaken out Of my seat.
"Aice-Miss Clare-dear Alice" I
still kept crying out, although now do
gen feet behind her. My horse was
winded, and began to lose the ground
Alice shot ahead like an arrow, never
deigning to give one look. A turning
of the road took her out of sight. A few
minutes more, and my horse was broken
down altogether, and abruptly stopped
I ground my teeth togethed, and even let
out an oath. berated my brokcn-wind-
ed steed with every epithet / could think
Of. In fact, worked myself up into ire
mendous passion. But, ] didn't mean to
give the matter up. | rode back and
found my hat and then deliberately pur-
sued my way to Alice's cottage.
As rode up saw horse, not Hero,
dusty and travel-stsined, standing at the
gate. A visitor, thought | imp.tiently,
and shall fail to find an opportunity az
ter all. However, | rode up, dismounted
and entered.
Alice was there, her riding habit alrea
dy removed. A stranger was present-a
tall, fine-looking man Of not more than
twenty-five.
Both rose as | entered.
"Mr. Jackson, permit me-" said Alice,
with an arch smilc a misehievous glance,
"Mr. Clare-my husband!'
turned white, then red; I sat down,
and stood up: stared, stammered, and
wondered II there was way 10 FaniSn
through the foor-and at last seized my
hat, rushed out, and made my way OF as
fast as possible.
Within two hours, / was on my way to
New York.
I found out all about it afterwards
Mary, the mischevous puss, seeing that
was struck with Alice, and inasrnuch as
Mr.. Glare was absent planned little
sport at my expense-wllich Alice was
very willing to join her in. i
Reader, let me give you two pieces OF
advice:
Be sure the lady you fall in love with
hasn't a husband already.
Never pop the question on horseback.