Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-08-16
What does this mean2" he asked

What does this mean2" he asked
feebly.
"I thought / would arouse you. Isn't
it. glorious to be such an actor on the
stage of life?n Mr.. Somers said, malici-
ously.
Richard stared at him blankly.
"Ohl don't feign innocence, young
man. This scene is about played, and
we will excuse the prime actor"
The rejected lover arose, seized his
pistol, and left the room, looking rather
cowed.
Philip, he is not my victim, after
all; and now can you forgive me for
my share in the late scene2"
Il am bewildered. feel like one in
a dream" he replied.
ALLOW me to read this note, and per-
haps it will relieve your mind of all ap-
prehensions."
She drew Richards letter from her
pocket and read:
DEAR CHUM: / received your letter
some time ago, and seize my first oppor-
tunity to respond; but as my mind is
wholly occupied with the subject OF
matrimony / can think of nothing else.
"The elite of this little two-wheeed,
four-by-six town think me model
young man, thanks to the art of decep-
ton. | have baited my matrimonial
hook to catch golden fish. She is the
only child of old Dan Somers, and he IS
as rich as fool, and Agatha-well,
she's proud and starchy, and | think
I've made good impression on her soft
heart
II wouldn't have any doubts in regard
to my success if Phil Tasso we're in the
bottom of the Red Sea-hang him. He's
the coolest-headed fellow ! ever knew;
one of the sanity fools that are too
proud to tell decent lie. He won't
even honor a saloon with glance, but
turns his face away as he passes one, so
as not to inhale the perfume of the old
king alcohol. But will checkmate him
yet, and as the duns are beginning to
come thick and fast must bring matters
to a focus. Women are soft-brained
fools, and am the one to teach them a
lesson. I'll propose this evening, and if
she rejects me I'll commit suicide with
paper wad) and fall at her feet. She
will then throw herself upon my defunct
body, kiss my pale lips, and implore me
to come back to life for her, and of
course I'll come. Isn't it glorious to be
such an able actor on the stage of life 7
But such things will play out; I've
worn my moral cloak so long that it is
getting threadbare, and if | don't secure
the heiress soon, it won't conceal the
dark spots on my character. If old
Somers gets an inkling of my ten
nights in bar-room, it will be good
by, John with me.
You must hold yourself in readiness
to be first gIoomsman, as shall call
upon you shortly to act in that capacity.
I'll write anon and give you the de-
tails of my proposal. Yours truly,
RICHARD ANDRE"
This letter was addressed to me
through carelessness, and thereby the
true character of the poor wretch was
disclosed. Can you now forgive me for
smiling over his supposed dead body2'
Mr.. Somers wisely left them alone,
and Philip seated himself beside her,
and raised her hand to his lips.
Dear, brave little woman, can you
pardon my crnel wordsT o.
| have nothing to pardon, dearest
and truest of men. You stood the test
nobly, and had you exulted over your
fallen rival, my faith in your truth and
worthiness would have been shattered.
| doubt whether / am worthy of your
love, but i will try to be in the future, "
she replied, trying to pull his mustache
mischievously.
And that mustache was neither black,
brown, nor blonde, but red; and Agatha
thinks it is the loveliest in the world,
and never refuses to have it brought in
contact with her mouth, for he is her
husband now, and the dearest kindest,
best and sweetest man in the world