Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-05-10
A HUSBAND OUTwITTED.
Or Two can Play at that Game.

Or Two can Play at that Game.
A week at the watering place, and
most of the time each day spent in the
company of Mr.. MAXWELL, the gentleman
Miss Elsworth's old friend, Ned Whitta-
ker bad introduced to her one morning
on the piazza. She had sailed with him,
mad stroIled with him, or ridden with
him along the shores on the moonlight
evenings, and she had danced with him
in the thronged drawing rooms.
Miss Ellsworth was not fiirt, who dis
tributed her likings among many gentle
men; and she had found her ideal well
nigh realized in Mr.. Maxwell. Only the
evening before, their talk had Withdrawn
itself from general topics, which to each
other had been congenial, and 10 her ad-
miraIiOn for his intelligence aud manli-
ness. she had encouraged an approach TO
that sort of personal conversation which
relates 10 love and matrimony.
And now to find Mr.. Maxwell this
morning with his coat off and smiths
apron on, engaged in mending a 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 aud gentlemen were sitting or
promenading.
Ills back was toward her as she ap
preached, leaning on the arm of her
friend, Annie West. She recognized him,
looked intently at him. gave her compan-
ion over to a party of young ladies Lear,
and spoke to him.
DO you like that sort of work, Mr.
MAXWELL
Il DO, Miss Ellsworth. l believe 1 am
a natural mechanic
1t appears odd to see you doing this.
1T is my trade he replied, rising
from his work and turning to her.
Her cheek blanched a little. Your
trades she said family.
Ny trade Miss Ellsworth. The pro
pr;etor said the lock needed mending,
and | told him | could mend it for him
The party of girls came along just
then. After wondering at Mr.. Maxwell
awhile and laughing at him, they propos
ed ride. There were three carriages
among them all: these would take the
party.
Ned Whitaker joined them.
What the deuce are you about hare 2
be exclaimed TO Mr.. Maxwell. 'Ah,' be
added as the latter turned and glanced
at him; but while you are here you
might as well enjoy yourself
Mr.. Maxwell excused himself from
joining the party, and they all went away
leaving him to complete his work.
Miss Ellsworth left him without word
at parting.
II is WE'LL be muttered to himself
If she cannot take me as | am she il
not worthy of me. The woman thai
marries me must take me for myself
He stood and looked after her until
she had disappeared. She did not ono.
turn to look back.
He gave his shoulder a shrug, com
pressed bis lips. uttered a cynica
-'humphP and turned to finish his work.
Let it be So he muttered. when b.
was through and was putting on his coat
Il thought that perhaps l had found I
woman after my own heart. But let i
be so. Amidst this world of wealth anC
fashion, she, too, has lost her soul. lie
her 60
Eis avoided her thereafter. He die
not seek to catch her eye for a bow o
recognition. When she entered tht
DRAWN room where he was. he would %
out by another way. But he was NOR,
than ever in the company of Ned Whit
taker. Ned, in passing to and fro be-
tween Miss Ellsworth and him, seryeC
still as sort of link beween then.
You are a cynical fellow said Nee
one day. WHY don't you take peopl,
as they arei You will find good enough
IN Them
But they won't take me as | am; tina
is the trouble
'POohi You see she allows no othel
!suitOrs to accompany her. Don't yor
see that she is alone, or with the girl,
most of the timeF
Her heart is full of vanity
'Pshawi She is trained to luxurious
notions. that's ALL
Mauwelfs trunk was awaiting hin
and the stage, outside on the piazza, a
the time this conversation was going on
On the the trunk were bis initials, &C
NJ Miss Ellsworth, passing that way
saw the initiaIs-not by chance, for sh,
had been very busy scrutinizing the
trunks that lsy together in a pile-anC
when she saw the initials she started auC
turned pale. She recovered herself, and