Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-02-27
T II E CO @ q E T T E
By ANNA WILMOT.

, QcI ClNc. ilSl CHltL plCdeUAO oVoiHo"
to be in extortins admiration from the
other sex, and then sporting with the
feeling she had awakened. In at least
half dozen instances young men had
been encouraged to pay attentions for
1onths at time, and when confident
having won her regard, they came
orward with serious offers Of marriage,
,e threw them from her with an indif
erence that was both notifying and
PAINFUL.
But, like most of those who play this
game with the feelings Of others, Ada
was made to taste cup as bitter as any
mixed by her hands for the lips Of her
victims.
A young physician named Bedford,
whose prospects in life were much bet
ter than are usually presented to the
eyes of graduates in his profession, met
Ada one evening and was exceedingly
pleased with her-aud no less pleased
was Ada with the young phoslcian. A
wish to make good impression, added
to her usual habit of putting on her
best grace when in company with
young men, made Ada more than usu-
ally interesting, and when DR.. Bedford
separated from the bcwitching young
girl, he was completely enamored. He
took. an early opportunity to call upon
her and was received in a manner that
encouraged him to repeat his visit.
Never were visits more agreeable to
any one than were those OF DR.. Bed
ford to Ada Glenn. But her spirit had
not died out, and really hattered as
she was by the young mans attentions,
Ada was tempted to give him a speci-
men of her power and independence.
No very long time elapsed ere Dr.
Bedford laid his heart at Ada's feet
With thrill of pleasure could she have
accepted the proffered gift of love, but
to yield at once seemed like becoming
too easy a prize, and she therefore at
fected profound astonishment ut the
Doctors proposal, treated it rather
slightly and deeply wounded his natu-
rally sensitive and Independent feelings
by too marked an exhibition Of dis
dain.
Doctor Bedford retired with his mind
in fever Of excitement. His admra-
ton Of and love for Ada had been of
the warmest character. Judging from
her manner, he had felt warranted in
believing that the regard he felt fer her
was fully reciprocated; and when he
approached her with confession of
what was in his heart, he was prepared
for any reception but the one he receiv-
ed. 70 be repulsed, then, coldly,
proudly, and almost contemptuousl,y,
was to receive a blow Of the severest
kind, and one the pain of which he was
not likely soon to forget.
From the Dwelling Of Ada, DR.. Bed
ford, retired to his office with his mind
greatly excited. There he found a
young friend with whom he was ihti
mate aud to whom, as he could not
hide his feelings, he communicated his
interview with Ada. To his surprise,
the friend said:
Il can hardly pity you, doctor. l
saw you were pleased with that gay hirt,
who is fascinating enough but l did
not dream that you were serious in
your attentions to one known every
where as most heartless coquette.' %
DR.. Bedford looked surprised, care
you in earnest? % he said.
In earnest? Certainly! Diln't
you know this was her character 2"
IL had not the most remote suspic-
ion"
"Strange that it shouldn't have como
to your ears. [ can point you to three
she has alrted within my own know
lcdge.''
''If that is her character" said the
doctor, rallying himself with strong
effort at self control, and speaking in a
composed and resolute voice, 81 will at
once obliterate her image from my
mind. It is unworthy to rest there. -
I did not love, but fair ideal of wo-
manly virtue that vainly believed she
embodied"
"You are right. She is not worthy
Of you, my friend beautiful, intelligent
and interesting as she is
ono. She is utterly unworthy
Fortunate am that she did not accept
my offer.''
1t required on the part Of Ada a
strong effort to assume toward Dr..
Bedford false exterior, and when he
withdrew from her presence, composed
and digniied in his manner, she more
than half regretted her folly. But she
forced back this feeling with a gay
smile and toss Of the head saying half
aloud:
"He'll be here again before a week
goes by
But Ada was slightly in error The
week passed without bringing her lover.
And so went by two, three and -four
weeks. But in vain of her power over
the other sex, Ada still endcavored to
maintain confident spirit, though there
were times that the sudden thought that
Dr. Bedford would never again seek
to win her favor, made the blood gather
q chill aroun her heart.
About this time friend gave little
fancy dress party, and ada learned
much to her real delight, that the indi
vidual. who, of all others, had mos
struck her fancy, was to be present.
This was to afford the first opportunit,
for meeting since her half naughty re-
pulse, the man who had offered her, il
all sincerity, true loving heart.
An over weening vanity made AID;
confident of her power over any of tn,
sterner sex and she believed that only
1.