The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-06-08
miarrllanp.
From the Washington Capital.
MR. VANE'S COURTSHIP.

w when one evening at the sentimental hour o
twilight,a young lady was seated in the recess o.
bay window belonging to a stylish mansion in
the most fashionable part of Charles street. Miss
Helen Hammond was the acknowledged queen
of small bu: elegant circle which lived and
breathed within the shadow of the Washington
monument. der form was tall ane graceful, her
manners cordial ard most winning, her CONVEX
sation bright, plQaa.t anu sometimes witty. Her
admirers were many, but, AS yet, she had not
Welded a willing ear to lovers vow.
Helen held in her dainty white hand volume
of Tennysons poems, opened at "Locksley Hall"
but she was musing rather than reading.
AMY, YOU were indeed, shallOw-bearted,"
murnured Helen weak, foolish and un worthy
of so noble lover. No fathers THREATS no
mothers shrewish tongue could make me give
up man so glorious the hero Of 'Locksley
Hall But fear that such men are only 10 be
found in romance and poetry. Certainly I have
found none in my experience of lite. There's
Wall Egerton, mere carpet knight; Frank
Bradley, beautiful dancer, but nothing more
Tom Troup, a fashionable fop; Charlie Vane is
bright, talented, clever fellow, full Of fine en-.
thusiasm, but sadly wanting in energy. These
are four genuine specimens of our Baltimore
men. Mr.. Vsne is certainly the most desirable
OF the four, but he has the reputation of being a
great frt, and if there is any thing detest it is
male hirt."
Helens soliloquy was interrupted by the en-.
trance of servant, who handed her note
"Another invitation, suppose, she muttered;
''ths makes the third that have received to-day.
think shall refuse all invitations for the next
week, by way of a change. am tired of parties
balls, and society generally. wish some sensi.
BILE woman would discover some new way of pass.
ing the time I wonder whether the Roman
and Grecian ladies' danced the German, and
hlrted, and ate caramels and read novels. and
had to undergo the bore Of fashionable society
But in the meantime, have forgotten my note.
Miss Helen Hammond, North Charles street
From my dearest friend, Louie Hunter" and
her face frightened
DEAR HELEN: have just heard of char.
acteristic piece Of irpudenCe the part of your
friend, Mr.. Charles Vane. Last night, at the |
Ohio Club, he bet a champagne supper with one |
of his friends that he would propose and be &C. |
cepted by the notorious firt, Helen Hammond. !
hasten to put you on your guard, and hope |
you will give the impertinent fellow lesson |
which he will not soon forget.
II have finished reading Morton House 1t
is more ambitious. bu: less interesting, than
Valerie Aylmer.
"Your sincere friend,
"LoULIE."
"Well,' exclaimed Helen, after she read the
note, ''this is even more than | could have ex-
pected from CT .rlie Nane; but I will be even
with the concsited fellow. Forewarned is fore.
armed, and | will give him more than he bar
gained for. The idea Of IN aking me the subject
Of a bet at his club ] must turn the tables on
him, and if he is hurt why it is his own foolish
faultw
In few minutes the servant announced Mr..
Fane, and that fashionable gentleman soon made
his appearance lie was dressed with ell .borate
elegance. His beautifully fitting petrl-coored |
cravat would have made Beau Brummel die of
envy. His kid gloves were of the same delicate
color, and fitted with miraculous nicely. IAN
the perfume. of Arabia seemed to exhae frem
his glossy hair, while his mustache and imperial
were waxed with artistic skill.
Mr.. Nane bowed with his usual air Of sssur.
ance
"How is ny charming friend, Miss Helen this
eveningIs
Perfectly well, Mr.. Vane, pray be seated"
Il did not have the pleasure of seeing you on
Charles street this morning, although promeu.
AIDED there from one to three. | saw Miss Jones
Miss Whom, Miss Tanner, Mis-, I.een but the
fairest Of all the fair OF Baltmore--the fair
Heen-dd not gladden. my ewes"
u am glad that yyu have been able t. survive
your disappointment" said Helen, land ia fu.
ture when you want to me, come here, where
you will b. more apt TO find me than on the
street"
81 was with Fred simpkins, who never makes
morning calls except upon Mr.. Barnard"
makes any calls upon me-"
Miss Helen, you are too cruel, cried Vane
Il am not cruel, said Helen, II am Just"
Gust firt," muttered Vaue to himself
MIR. Nane, will you be kind enough to ring
the bell want the crate replenished | feel
cold"
Il hope my presence has not had that effect
upon you,' as be arose 10 comply with her re-
quest.
STAY" said Helen; John has gone out. Won't
you put few pieces OF coal IN the CRATE? ?"
'Certainly," replied the astonished Mr. Vane
family, casting despar!ng glance at his deli
cately-tinted gloves. and murmured, Five dol
lars pair"
However, he nervously seized the coal scu,tle
and proceeded TO repleni-h tho fire a- gracefully
as possible.
"Do have your photograph taken Just az Won
are now, with the coal sCutte in one baud and
the poker in the other" said Helen. al, would
be ~ original ana so becoming"
1t pleases you to be sarcastic" answered Mr..
Nane, replacing the coal scuttle, and resuminu
his seat You seem disposed 70 a,nuse Yourself
at my expense, this eycr ~, Miss Helen
AND why not, pray SAID Mis-, Hammond
u have often heard you say that you believe in
extracting amusement from every one But |
see you like to luush at others, but do not like
others TO laugh at YOU"
From you, Miss Helen, expected better
treatment
And why did you expect it ? because treat.
ed you as do every one-with poteness ?" said
Helen.
Vane.
"What sublime conceit, What reasons had
you 'or suppos'ay tnat treated you with aught
aQtTa nFl t.,u IL