The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1871-07-15

GREETED the loss of their favorite.
"Harry," said one of the gentlemen who
were standing under the elm tree shade after
dinner on lovely day: "Harry say, don't
forget Miss Ewing this afternoon, and enjoy a
boat ride with u.s.
1t was Frank Palmer that spoke; a small
sized man with grizzly moustache, and nc
great favsrite, either, with the lady Just men
toned by him, or with any other lady of the
party.
''Perhaps may, Palmer" SAID Harry, shut
you must first promise that the wine and
sandwiches will be plenty; tor don't relish
the idea of becoming hungry and thirsty out
on the lake. BY the way, could we not in
vite some of the ladies p
mo, We had better not. Let us keep this
affair to ourselves" remarked one Of the gen
tleman.
| They did keep it to themselves. for it was
not until the ladies behcd the boat far out on
the lake that they knew the whereabouts of
! their gallants.
And what scene that boat offered when
the desired shore was reached. Sandwiches,
glasses and bottles lay promiscuously around,
| while here and there could be seen a boot, pa
per collar, or fragment Of a hat. Evident
" . struggle had TRANSFERRED. Harry Adams
is resting on the grassy bank; he does not
look injured. All hut here comes Palmer.
The gentleman is decidedly Unlocking. If
he had been through "mill" with one of our
noted pugilists he could not have appeared
worse. He comes forward to Adams, and IN
low voice speaks,
"Harry, l am sorry, extremely sorry, that
this unpleasant encounter has come between
US. However, let it be forgotten let us
think no more. of our past quarrel. That l
have been in the wrong, admit what more
can gentleman do"
II accept your apology, Palmer" returned
Harry, ~ also was to blame for my hastiness.
Here is my hand
The two friends then went to the boat, to
drown their sorrows in the last bottle Of
champagne.
It seems that during the sail discussion
arose As to who IN the company was looked
upon most favorably by Maud Ewing.
The decision was given in favor Of Adams,
but Palmer broke forth, saying, 'Harry, be
not fsttered, you have not yet thought of
Wilmot Evans, who l think, is Mauds prom
ised husband"
They thus began, and from slight remarks
generated foolish quarrel.
If Harry Adams had been close observer,
he would have detected in Palmer's voice,
during his apology, touch of irony Pal
mer was not one to be easily vanquished by
an opponent; SO failing to gain his point by
physical means, he determined to adopt an
other course. His apology was prelude,
and he WAS satisfied with the beginning.
Adams had no reason to fear Palmer's in
tluence He knew that the gentleman was no
general tavorite; thus he trusted in his on.
We'd situation.
..rnO N.Es from, lttl. .on,,>, ...,,,, .
the adage, and seemingly to verify this, Pal
mer rapidly grew into Mauds favor.
Never was mortal 50 much surprised ms
Adams. when lie realized this fact. Nay. he
would hardly believe his eyes when he saw
Maud and Palmer walking near the lake shore
every day.
The summer passed away. Autumn came,
bringing pleasure to some, but pain to others.
Maud had returned to the city, without once
hearing from Wilmot Evans Autumn, in.
deed. brought pain to her. Letter after let
ter she directed to Rome, where Wilmot had
told her he would go. No answer Could
he have forgotten her! Thus the autumn
went by, and winter came still not one word
from the absent one
|. Christmas arrived with its thousand reioic.
ings. AN elegant party was given by Maud.
Adams and Palmer were both there, and be.
fore the supper hour Maud had received their
declarations Of love. Her answer was, "Wait
until this time a year"
| 1t Was long time to wait: but how many
have waited even ten years, and no. obtained
their hearts object.
| Spring, Summer and Autumn again came.
Not a line from Wilmot Evans. Maud often
heard lndstnct murmurS of wonderful
artist that was soon to visit America. But
what cared she She did not know that the
publiC's admired one was her own Wllnot
She did not know that his letters had been
intercepted by Harry Adams. Neither did
Adams know that his reputation had suffered
considerable At the hands vt Frank Palmer.
Christmas eve came. BY seemingly
strange coincidence. the two aspirants for the
hand of Miss Ewing, called at the same hour
ut the residence OF that lady. Each remain
ri IN the parior. wishing the other to 90.
When nlne O'Clock struck, ring was heard,
and 10 WiIr.", Evans entered the room.
"Wclcome, WIImot =" said Maud and then
turning to Palmer and Adams, gently remark
Ell:
"Gentclnan promised TO give You An an
sw-r tonight. Mr.. Adams, your intcrception
"f Wilm"''- letters has availed you naught
And you, Palmer, you slandered Harry
ADAMS to II" purpose. DO not think tina.
should have married either of you. | kept
YOU in suspense ON account of the Joy cXhiDi
ted 10y you 1T the departure of Wilmot from
the farm house by the lake. Your deceit has
been discovered Wilmot has explained all
to-day. have one request to make OF you