The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-03-23
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THE CHALLENGE.
BY LEE TRAsK.

IN do il, said a merry voice, from
the midst Of group of laughing girls
to whom young mdu was eagerly talk.
ing-"l' II do il "
"Will sou, Miss Nelly he asked
But you must remember that shall
conceal myself somewhere, 50 as To wit
ness the performance "
"Oh. dear should not like that. "
replied the first speaker
What is ~ inquired young girl,
ia entering You seem 10 be all in
4 solemn cuuclAyc nol-what is it all
about 7"
-, Sue, Air Willard offers ten dol.
lars to any girl who will 90 into his
brother Arlhur's office and kiss him
Yes, but must be prcsent to see
the fun, added the young man.
IN do 1t, said the new conner. toss
ing back her golden curls--"lll do il !!
that i,-wi.at is your brother like I
Whit In the matter with him!"
Nv y, he's awiully afraid of the girls,
Miss Su,y, aud won't 20 near than;
aud do believe he would fliut at the
idea Of kissing one"
II don't know" said the merry girl,
little obviously; ~ think these dread
lully shy fellows are somewhat unrelia
blc they develop in the most startling
way sometimes However, Id do it
that is, unless | am interfering with
prior claims" she added, looking around
laughing at the other girls.
No, no" they answered; We leave
you mistress of lhe field aud wish you
all the necessary courage to carry the
thing through successfully
We'll" said Sue, when shall il be,
Mr. Willard :"
As know that you will be dying
with impaticuee, Miss Marvin, | ap
poin to morrog for the teudcr cere
nony. l will let you know when Ar
thur is alone in the office, aud then
will manage to sceretc myself so as to
witness it all; aud shall provide my
self with guod supply OF caInphor aud
sal volutile, Tor | heel very sure that it
will be needed"
She looked very iucrcdulous, but
showed no disposition to withdraw from
the agicemeut
Tie next day, Arthur Willard sat in
his Office, bu-iy writing llo was a
liue, manly looking fellow, not hand
some, but with eyes soft, large aud ten
der as woman's, although they could
disn sometimes, when their owner was
lrrltaled or indignant As his brother
said, he was very diffideut 10 the pres
ence OF ladies, aud tor that reason led
worry quiet, secluded life, as regarded
society, but he devoted himself TO his
profession, of which he was u brilliant
ornament Yet, although he avoided
ever meeting ladies', he had his owu
romaItlc dreams in regard to them,
aud many Il bright eyed, frivolous girl
would have beeu as un.shed, aud per
hlps little conscience stricken, had
she known with what reverence this
young man looked up 10, aud silently
regarded her; for these merry, laughing
creatures seeued alnOst like diyinities
To his admiring eyes.
Ou the morning referred to, as he sat
busily writing, all at once he heard u
light step on the stairs lie raised his
head, little surprised, for his female
clieuts generally came in more ponder
aus shape than that soft step would il
| dicate.
His astonishmeut was very much 10
creased when, alter quite long pause,
the door was opened in "a hesItating
manner, aud tair yuung girl stood be
lore him Very lovely she boxed, too.
as she remained trausfxed to the spot,
rosy us Aurora herself
Arthur Willard looked SO tall aud
manly as he advanced a step to meet
her, his face flushed in pleased surprise,
aud his usual awe of gentle maiden
hood. that she heartily wished the floor
would open and let her through But
no such bllssiul rescue came; the luor
remained firm beneath the feet OF the
lovely girl aud the Young lawyer, who
stood with face scarlet aud embarrassed
silently regarding each other, lie was
the first to break tho awkward silence.
is there anything that eau do for
you 2" he asked.