Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1872-03-21
KITTY'S STRATAGEN.

OUCH uttAo W1tCu as SQ0 was, C0lS
Kitty Day, of whom I write. She
couldn't help flirting if she'd tried.
and it wasn't her fault, of course, ii
men were taken in by the round child
ish face and great innocent blue eyes.
For they were, scores of them, and
Kitty went on her way rejoicing-com.
pleting their bewilderment by the shy
looks, and smiles, and bushes, that
really meant nothing, but were very
effective, nevertheless.
But, in an unlucky hour for Kitty, she
said " Yes" to q dark, melancholy
young man, who had been her shadow
for months. She wasn't in earnest,
but did it for the "fun of the thing''
and because she wanted to know how it
felt to be engaged" it resulted ser
iously, however, for, in spite of express
commands tothe contrary, the accepted
suitor went directly to her father and
told him all about it.
Mr.. Day looked at his daughter mis-
chievously that night, as she sat behind
the tea-urn with such q comical as
sumption of dignity.
$50 I'm to lose my little housekeep.
or before long, am ~" questioned he,
significantly.
Why, papa, what do you mean r.
and KITTY blushed scarlet.
"Mr. Gilbert called on me TODAY.
He is an excellent young man, and the
son of one of my Oldest frienas. I heart.
lily approve your choice, my dear"
He promised to keep the engage.
ment secret" " said Kitty, in a vexed
tone.
$50 he told me, but concluded after
ward to break his promise rather than
act dishonesty. For it wouldn't have
been quite falr to have concealed the
engagement from me-"
~ don't know Why, I'm sure. It's
only bit of my fun, anyway. Inever
meant to marry him."
Mr.. Day looked at her sternly.
I'm not iesting," " she added pittish.
". "He threw Himself into suoh q
passion that I was fairly frightened
into eaying Yes and sorry enough
I've been for it SINCE"
care you in earnest, Kitty9"
"Yes, I am" and the blue eyes
flashed defiantly.
"Is it possible that . daughter OF
mine has so little feeling and princi.
pala"
CHOW, papa what's the use of lectur.
ing. "You know me Of old. I'm in
trouble and want you to help me out
of it,"
.But you've given your word, Kitty,
and must abide by it.
"Didn't he break his9''
" Yes, and was justified in doing 80
But You are not. Still, I'll give you 9
choice of two evils, if you think marry
ing young Gilbert one. Few girl.
would. Either keep your promise and
make the best of circumstances, O,
break it and pass the winter in the
country with your aunt Dorothy. Fo,
I'm not going to have you play fas,
and loose with mems heart after this
fashion,"
Kitty looked up in her fathers face
disbelievingly, but determination wa.
written there; aud, filed with sudden
dismay, she began to plead for re
prieve of the sentence.
But Mr.. Day wouldn't listen. "Yor
can stay in the city and participate il
it's gayeties on one condition only, ant
that I've mentioned" said he.
Was ever anything so provoking 2
muttered Kitty, after her father hat
gone down town. "Aunt Dorothy live
in forlorn-looking old place, and it,
a perfect wilderness around her. ant
papa knows that che is the crossest oil
maid in existence. But I'll be eve,
with him yet"
The next morning Kitty announce.
her intention of remaining in the city
"But, papa, if Mr.. Gilbert himsel
should get tired OF the engagement
after knowing me better, yon1l no
punish me for that, will you !" and he
eyes trembled mischievously.
"Certainly not, child. What quea
tion to ask.
But Kitty had a motive in it. Apla
had suggested itself to her mind fo
outwitting both father and lover. Blu
she didn't mean to hurry, and began
pave the way for its success cautiously
As good luck would have it, VII
should call Oh her but cousin Joe. th
firm ally and abettor of all her childis
mischief, and as ready to help her no
as then.
"Ob! Joe, s,lcl, trouble rs Pm in,
, and she clasped her hands with T. r.tt
little gesture Of appeal.