Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1872-10-23
s foes Story.
Curing a coquette.

She was little thing, possessing {
petite form, with dark hair banded
back in massive shining black ewes
that were usually luminous with mis-.
chicyous mirth.
But, all how loved her, and how
many heart-achcs endured from hel
love of coquetry! Verify, l believed
the spirit of mischief reigns supreme
njetty eyes and midnight tresss
met her first at the house of a
mutual friend, where we We're boil,
visiting during the sultry August
days; but We were not the onlv
guests. for the house vas filled, almost
to overlooking, with a merry COM
pany, who made the spacious old
mansion ring again with their CAV
laughter and with witty rcpartce.
Annie Sheldon, the bcwitchin. lit
tie lady whom have attempt, d to
describe, was in 10 wise behind hand
in contributing her share iowa, DIS the
general amusement, and when the
shouts of laughter were the merri-
est, and the applause the loudcst, it
was generally called forth by some
sly drollery, or aproras retort of
hers.
1t was always so; did we go for Il
ride over the blue hills, before break
fast, she would contrive that it should
fall to my lot to escort some other
lady, 4 short distance behind her,
that might the better witness and
appreciate the desperate flirtatioms
with her attendant cavalier, while
occasionally she would dart all arch
glance back at Inc, as if to say, "You
see l am not quite caught vet, SIR"
And if we made up a party to 60
rowing on the bright river which
bounded on one side the grounds of
our hostess, and by any chance was
so fortunate US 10 secure her as
companion, she would lean listlessly
and silently back in one end of the
boat, and dipping her white hand in
the translucent water, watch me
furtivcly from beneath her duskv
eyclashes but to all my attempts at
conversation reply in discouraging
But notwithstanding her strange,
almost umaccountablc behavior, there
were times when she greeted my ap-
proacl with smiles, and was so afla-
bic and charming that knew it was
no personal dislike to myself which
influenced her, but only an inordinate
love of mischief and coluetry.
However, matters could not con-
tinue i'll this way forever, for, what
with her numberless flirtations and
capriccs, l was becoming desperate
50, loving her as 1 did, determined
TO win her at all hazards, and also, if |
possible, cure her of her terrible pro-
aensity for flirting, for l knew that,
however much might be attached to
ier, | could never be really happy
with u fiirt as my wife.
decided to try her first with her
'wn weapon, tilrtation, and ut once
'ccamc quite cool and distant in my
to her, aud very assidu-
'us in my attentions to Jennie Ben.
on, blue-eycd, gblden-haired little
and most consummate fiirt.
Who met my advances fully half way.
Ansic did not seem to be pleased ut
he loss Of her would-be devoted
avalier, and 1 noticed that she did
lot appear quite as lively aud spirit
ID as formerly, but would sit. even
When surrounded by her merry
riends, absorbed in serious thought,
nd often, if l glanced at her from ,
where sat beside the sprightly
Jennie, l would surprise her eyes I
lxed upon me withs shalf-wondering,f
alf-reproachful expression in their ,
midnight depths; but I would not
Client, and, appearing not to notice ]
er, Would continue the merrj bad
mage with my companion. !
But Annie did not firt as outrage {
nsly as she had frequently done, and
inwsr'lly congratulated myself up
II the success Of my stratagem.
One day, us ! sat in the pleasant |
un-lit parlor, chatting gayly with Is
ny new "inmc," noticed very !
ring that shc wore, and
cggcd for closer inspection; il was 4
large emerald, surrounded by G
diamonds, = combination /
iwnys admired she at once slipped I
! of, and handing it to me, smiling.
rsinarking that 1t was . birthday I
resent FROM sfavorits cousin. 9
"Ah r. 1 replied; cousins are seri. \