The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1869-09-30
THE DOUBLE GAME.

THE DOUBLE GAME.
A week at the watering place, and
most of the time each dav spent in the
company of Mr. Mainvell the rentle-
man whom Miss Ellsworth's old friend,
Ned Whitaker, had introd ced to her
one morning on the piazza. She had sail
ed with him had strolled or ridden with
him along the shore on the moonlight
evening, and she had danced with him in
thronged drawing rooms.
Miss Ellsworth was not a girl who dis
tributed her likings among many gentle
man; and she had found her ideal we'll
nigh realized in Mr.. MAXWELL. Only the
evening before had their talk withdrawn
itself from the general topics which to
each had been congenial, and in her adj
miration of his intelligence and manli-
ness, she had encouraged an approach to
that personal sort of conversation which
relates to love and matrimony.
And now, to find Mr. MAXWELL this
morning, with his coat eff and smiths
apron on engaged in mending lock He
was doing it publicly. The lock was on
the door that led to the middle of the
front piazza, where the fashionably dress
ed ladies and gentlemen were sitting Or
promenading.
His back was toward her as she ap-
preached, leaning on the arm of her friend
Anna West. She recognized him, look
ed intently at him, gave her companion
over to party Of young ladies near, and
then stopped and spoke to him.
''Do you like that sort Of work, Mr..
MAXWELL ?' she asked.
II do, Miss Ellsworth, [ believe | am
natural mechanic.
SIT appears SO odd to see you doing
this.
st is my trade" he replied, rising
from his work and turning to her.
Her cheek blanched little Your
trade |" she said family.
My trade, Miss Ellsworth. The pro.
prietor said the lock needed mending,
and Itold him [ could mend it for him.
The party of girls came along just then.
After wondering at Mr.. MAXWELL a
while, and laughing at him, they propos-
ed ride. There were three carriages
among them all. These would take the
party.
Ned Whitaker here Joined them.
"What the deuce are you about here?'
he exclaimed to MAXWELL.
All he added when the latter turn
ed and glanced at him. But while here
you might as well enjoy yourself"
Mr.. MAXWELL excused him Self from
joining the party and they all weat away.
leaving him to complete his work
Miss Ellsworth left him without word
of parting.
1T is WE'LL he muttered to himself
'If she cannot take me as | am, she is
not worthy of me. The woman who
marries me must take me for myself
He stood and looked after her till she
disappeared. She did not once turn to
look back.
He gave his shoulders shrug, COM
pressed his lips, then uttered cynical
hump |" and turned to finish his work
LET it be so, he muttered. when he
was through and was putting on his coat.
Il thought perhaps | had found a wo-
man after my own heart. But let it be
so. Amidst this whirl of wealth and
fashion she too has lost her sui, Let
her go.
He avoided her thereafter. He did not
seek to catch her eye for bow of recog
milton. When she entered a drawing
room where he was. he would go out an
other way But he was more than ever
in the company of Ned Whitaker. Ned,
in passing to and fro between Miss Els
worth and him, served as sort of line
between tkem.
"You are a cynical fellow said Ned,
one day. why don't you take people
as they are? You'll find enough in
them
But they don't take me as [ am.
That is the trouble.
''Poh You SEE for yourself that sh
allows no other sutton TO accompany her.
Don't you see that she is alone or witt
the girls most of the time ?"
Her heart is full Of vanity"
''Pshaw. She is trained to luxurious
notions, that's all. "
"MalnwellS trunk was awaiting him
and the stage outside, on the piazza, at
the time this conversation was gong ON.
On the trunk were his initials, Or. NJ
Miss Ellsworth. passing that way saw the
initials-not by chance. for she had been
very busy scutinizng the truks that lay
together in plle-and when she saw the
initials she started and turned pa.e She
recovered herself,a and withdrew with hel
companion little way, and they stood
still ard watched. Presently Mr.. Main
we'll came out with Ned upon the piazza
lie CHANGED to turn toward her, their
eyes met.-met for the first time since
she lad left him while he was at work
upon the lock. She did not turn away
her eyes. She bowed He lifted his hat |
The ice was broken. He approached TO
bid her good bye.
w hat the conversation was that ensu-
ed between the two when they were left |
alone by means of NeI's ingenuity in
spiriting away the rest of the COMPANY
Is unknown. save the following:
But l am locksmith, said Main
well.
No matter"
Are you willing to live as the wife of
one who with his hands earns his daily
bread p
Il am willing to undergo ANYTHING to
be with you. | have suffered enough
Dlring these last few days have learn
81 what 1t is to despair of being unite
with the one [ love-
But your mother-your father"
Unless | am willing to leave them for
your sake. | am uworthy of you.
But then, the loss of wealth, of posi
lon. OF the surroundings Of refine
do not say anything more. / am
willing to leave all for your lake. I am
weary of being without YOU -
IVY ould you be willing to become my
sxife this dav this ho,r3 ", q IL