The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1866-07-19
exhibition in which my own life or death
was concerned, you may imagine my feel

life to me! But, though tone and manne
said this, his words did not say it; and
knew the reason. He believed me already
betrothed
William Willis was the son of New
York merchant who had been a schoolmat,
with my father. 1t was my fathers wist
that we should be married. loved my ia
ther, and was anxious to be pleased with
his friends son. Young Willis had been 6
frequent guest with US, and many consid
cred US already betrothed He was ar
agreeable companion in the parlor-a gooC
dancer, and all that; but | cared more fol-
one look of Joseph Harrison's earnest, hon
est grey eyes, than did for William Willis
whole composition.
According to previous appointment, Mr.
Willis came to the Falls during our stay
He arrived on the evening of the day that
witnessed Mr. Harrison's narrow escape
from death. He came out upon the piazza
where we sat that evening; and we shook
hands. The gentlemen were slightly &C.
quainted, but it was plain that Mr.. Harri-
son did not like Willis tso much; and with
a playful "lcb puSs soeggeh6n," to ME, he
rose and went into the ball room, very DO.
litely offering bis seat to Mr.. Willis.
Several days passed. While actually in
the position of a rival toward Mr.. Willis,
Mr.. Harrison by no means permitted him
self to act as if he were such. He was very
courteous to Mr. Willis, and quietly yielded
all preferences relating to me and my socie-
ty. He seemed, however, to be studying us
weighing the evidence of regard between
us-trying to form conclusion as to the
probable extent of our relations matrimony-
ward. Ohit did seem to me as if he might, 80
brave man as he was-plainly put a few
questions to me on the subject | would
quickly have assured him how little Mr.
Willis was to me.
At last, had nearly made up my mind
to desperate thing nothing less, indeed,
than to seek the intercesSon Of his cousin,
my friend Belle. would tell her how much
| loved MIR. Harrison, and beg her to inform
him in some sly, feminine way, that sohuld
meUer mary Mr.. Willis, and that we were
not engaged" However, neglected to dc
this, just one day too long.
1t was a Monday-the last day of our
intended stay at the Falls. Mr. Willis invited
me to ride. l had no courteous refusal al
hand, and | consented to go with him. In
deed, | had half promised him some DAYS
before. There was New York friend of his
staying at the Falls, who had with him a
favorite horse-a fiery, handsome animal
and Mr. Willis had repeatedly invited me to
ride behind him. could put off the ride
no longer, of course.
l did not much like the vicious uIanner
In which the horse at starting, laid back his
ears and bounded away; but said nothing
We had not been riding many minutes. ere
the animal chose to take fright at the flap.
ping of line full of newly washed clothing,
In the dooryard Of q house near the river
bank; and, taking the bit in his teeth, he
ran away. Our road Law along the bank
safe enough, certainly, for a ride with a
horse under control but decidedly not the
best place for runaway, because there was
a spot, not over half mile distant, where
the chances were frightfuly great that we
should be thrown over the precipice and
killed. At the rate we were now going,
we should reach that dangerous place soon
William Willis, looking ahead comprehend.
ed the dangers, and his face blanched.
"Good God - he CRIED "it's death ~
With that, he threw up the reins, and
jumped out Of the buggy, striking rock,
aud breaking his collar bone-as found af
forwards
AS for me, kept my seat. If it should
become necessary for me to Jump, then
would jump but was determined not tc
take that venture till it was imperatively
demanded, by imminency Of danger at hand.
So long as there was a possibility that the
horses progress might be arrested, held
to that hope; because, when horse is
running furiously down smooth road, there
is no choice between jumping spots, till the
crisis is at hand.
While | sat, clinging firmly to the seat
and looking out sharply ahead, for the dan.
gerous place must now he drawing near, 9
man-it was MIR. Misunderstanding with
astonishing agility at the horses head, from
among some trees at the roadside, caught
the bit, jerked it back and out af the borse's
teath, and actually tore the animals lips, sc
that blood flowed, so energetic was the &C
ton: There was no resisting the iron will
backed by the iron nerve. The runaway
came to stop Mr.. Harrison drew him t.
the side of the road, and examined the har
ness and buggy carefully.
Nothing broken" said he. "a YER,
narrow escape, Miss Monroe. | saw vol
coming and had just time to get my wit
in order. There, don't thank me; / didn'
know it was you, and should have done Jus
the same for any one else.''
''But you are hurt" said /, noticing tina
he limped.
Eyes the horse trod on my foot"
'Oh, how unfortunate! Shall get out !?
NO. said he that is, it is unnecessar,
that you should. Sit still and get rested
He will run no more to day, promise you.
He came around, and placed his famed foo
carelessly on wheel Of the buggy, and spok
in his usual calm tone
"When horse has a fine. lively RIM I;lx
that, he is inclined to be quiet for the res
of the day. You can drive him back i,
perfect safety. But did not know Va,
were fond Of taking drives all alone by your
self, Miss Monroe"
Il was not riding alone,'' said l, en-,
driver jumped out"
''And left you ?" said be, astonished
! Yes"
"He ought to be horsewhipped Nav
ask the towards name?
Ills name, said I, sis William Willis.
MT. Harrison started, amazed.
willis! beg your pardon, Miss Mon
roe. " This very coldly. Il should not hay
spoken in those terms if had known ths
your companion was your -" He stoI
ped and bit his lip.
"My fanes, you would say" made quic
response. ''But he is not nv faace, M
Harrison. ] would sooner marry woma
/ than such a coward
spoke with some heat. and he looked l
at my excited face with his dry smile,
"Will you marry me- Miss Monroe ?''
''Yesl" said l.
And did
1t was a queer place for proposal, WI
it mott But my husband is not like 9th
men. He always has his aeits about hin
Here l had finished; but my husban
reading what had written, made this COZ
ment; (which few men do when tn,
pop the question, my dear, aicbt agshr.