The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-06-20
miSrellamp.
A STORY OF LEAP YEAR.
BY AMY RANDOLPH.

one Of those young men who, believe most implc-
itlv in themselves, and are consequently, be-
ieved in by the world in general.
But Mr.. Vanes bevy of pretty cousins evident
" differed from him this once. NJ
"NonseRse, is ~ said Barbara Drewitt. Just
wait and see, Master Royal. Leap-year is sol
id fact you'll find and no fiction y
ITO be sure" added Anne Tighe, holding up
a screen between her plump face and the fire, II
know ever SO many old MAIDS and widows who
have only been waiting for the dawn of the year
1868, to assert their new rights and privileges"
Royal looked from one to the other little du-
biously.
''Yes; and do you know" added Mary Drew
lit, in a mysterious whisper, "there has been a
regular list of bachelors and widowers printed
for private circulation, and Royals name is on
it,"
Have you got copy" demanded Vane.
"Of course l have"
'Let me see it--theres a jewel'
"Indeed, no." said Mary, shaking her head until
the yellow curls danced like fairy feet about her
temples. .-. .-..... .
''Honor among womanhood! All 1 have to say
is, look out for yourself, Royal If you are not
married before the year is up I, for one, am
nightly mistaken
II can't very well be married against my will,
Isuppose!
Cant you though. There's no saying what
may happen when two or three hundred thous-
and energetic woman make up their minds"
Royal Vane moved uneasily in his chair, and
laughed forced laugh.
you really want to make one believe that
there are women actually bold and unfeminine
enough TO-"
ITO demand their rights; yes, that is exactly
the idea | wish TO convey
Rights, indeed . what do you call their
rights!'
Mary Drewitt glanced up at the clock.
ats altogether too late to begin tonight, on
the yexed and disturbed question of woman's
rights Why, it would take us two hours to de-
fine our platform, wouldn't it, girls Take your
hat, Royal Vane, and go home, and pray to your
guardian saint whoever he may be, to protect you
from all old maids and designing Widows"
Mr. Nane departed, rather dscomftted by this
novel view of the perils and dangers of gay young
bachelors life.
"They can't be in earnest--it's only their non
sense" he muttered to himself, as he strobe mood
lily along the streets "but if there should be any
shadow of foundation to it"
He inyoluntarily wiped the cold dew from his
forehead.
Meanwhile the merry group of girls he had
left behind him were comparing notes very
much to his disadvantage.
Hes conceited popinjay, if he is my cousin"
said Barbara Drewitt; 'and the way he has
treated Constance Martin is perfectly disgrace
tul-hrting with her until the poor little thing
was ready to believe him desperately in love.
and then cody turning round to sun himself in
the light OF some newer attraction
"lts shame" said Anne Tighe. "They say
Constance is just going into decline
More fool she, to let any man alive exert
such an influence as that over her." said Ma1y.
"But you know, Mary, we're not all consti-
tuted alike" ohimed in the soft-hearted Alice
Bruce.
"Well, at all events, he ought to be punished
for trifling so cruelty with her affections" said
Barbara.
"And he shall bew pronounced Mary Drewitt,
with an emphatic nod of the yellow curls
"Come girls, here's an opportunity to avenge the
wrongs of the sex just all of you keep still--stop
whispering, Alice Bruce-and I'll tell you the
incest idea that ever popped into an eighteen
year-old head
And to rapt and listening audience, Miss
Drewitt sketched an outline ofaction that would
not have discredited Bismark's self.
Royal Vane was sitting in his Office, the next
afternoon, smoking very excellent cigar, and
leisurely looking over pile of legal documents,
when there came resolute "thump, thump,
thump," at the door of his room.
"Come in said our hero, laying down the half
consumed weed.
The door swung open with creaking sound,
and there filed in an apparently interminable
procession. First came a venerable old lady, in
Dlack pompazine, spectacles, and mouse colored
furs next skinny female, hopeless, and atten-
uated IN inquire; next plump old maid, in glass
es and full suit of Bloomers; next-but here
Royals eyes became bewildered. He dragged
forward chairs and stools with reckless haste.
"Be seated, ladies, pray. What can have the
pleasure of lOinp for ln, this of
The Bloomer lady, who had taken up her
stand on the hearths rug, with her back to the
fire, in rather masculine attitude here con sult
ed paper which she took from her pocket.
'Let-me-see-you are Royal Vanc, believe
lawyer by Observation-Disclosures years old
and unmarried"
a chill pang struck to our hero's heart Was
that paper the dread "List" he had heard of, and
was he now the victim of female Vigilance
Commlt'ee!" He bowed and awaited further
developments, with sort of forced calmness.
well, Royal, old boy" said the Bloomer Civ
ing him an atfable slap on the shoulder, dts
hlgh TIME you were married. How do YOU like
me 7"
Like YOU" stammered Mr.. Vane, flushing
to the very roots of his hair; "I-I-don't like
you at ALL
"Mlttened, eh !" was the fair ones comment,
"Wel I've tried my chance and failed. Hope
the next fellow will have better taste. that's ail
Come on, Amarinthia Fowle; it's your turn
ROW."
And Amarinthia took her turn and so did the
Old lady in bombazine--the "Widow Hotchkiss. /"
by name; and SO did Maria Means and so did
but at this stage of affairs Royal Vaue Jumped
over Widow Hotchkiss' hastily interposed um.
ereiia, rushed down stairs, and made straight
!or MS poarding.honse, never resting until he
mad locked, barred and bolted himself safely IN.
GOOD Apollo" he gasped, wipins the streams nj,