Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1873-07-19

the door of the opera house, and hay
ing followed and secured seat in a re-
tired portion of the house, also noticed
that the Professor kept his eye upon
the lady's face in the most impressive
manner, during the whole of the per-
formance, and that she now and then
even returned his glances.
1t can't go on" said Mr.. Bunter
to himself 81 can't allow it, she'd re-
gret it all her life. Imust demonstrate
with her. No woman likes q coward.
Faint heart never won fair lady. She'll
admire me for speaking out"
And that very evening Mr.. Bunter
trotted up to the widow house, full of a
deadly purpose and with set speech
learned off by heart. The speech he
forgot as he crossed the threshold.
The purpose abode with him.
There were the usual remarks about
the weather. The usual chit-chat fol-
lowed, but the widow saw that Mr.. Bun
ter was not at ease. At last, with a
sort of plunge that timid bather makes
into the chilly water, he dashed into
the subject nearest his heart.
He's a rascal, ma'am, I give you
my word"
"Oh dear! Who is?' cried the wild
"That frog-cater," replied the bache-
lor. Upon my soul, speak for your
own good. I am interested in your
welfare. Don't allow his visits. You
don't know thing about him."
EDO you allude to Monsieur La Fon-
taine?' Mrs. Hunter solemnly asked.
4 allude to that fellow" said Bach
elor Bunter. Why his very counte-
nance proves him to be rascal. I'D
enjoy kicking him out so much. 7"
Sir" said the widow if you have
mt been drinking, I really think you
must be mad"
"Ma am ?" cried Mr.. Bunter.
Perhaps, however, I should take
no notice of such conduct" pursued
Mrs. Hunter. Perhaps I should treat
it with silent contempt"
ooh, good gracious! cried Bachelor
Bunter. Don't treat me with silent
contempt. It's my affection for you
that urges me on. I adore you. Have
me. Accept me. Marry and be mine,
to cherish and protect from all auda-
cious Frenchman.'
The widows heart was melted. She
burst into tears.
ooh, what shall I say?' she sobbed,
~ thought YOU merely a friend. /
am-I-I-I am engaged to the Pro-
fessor. He proposed last evening""
Bachelor Bunter had dropped down
upon his knees while making his offer.
Now he got up with sort of groan, not
entirely caused by disappointment for
lie had the rheumatism.
Farewell, false one," he said, feel.
ing for his hat without looking for it.
I leave you forever"
He strobe away banging the door af-
ter him. The widow cried, then
laughed, then cried again.
In fact she had a genuine fit of what
the maiden aunt called stericks,' be-
fore she was brought to, and prevailed
upon to take glass of wine and some
thing hot and comfortable in the edible
line. After which the thought of her
fancc consoled her.
Days passed on. Bachelor Bunter
did not drown himself or sup cold pois-
on.
The wedding day was fixed. The
house-maid informed her friends that
Mrs. Hunter kept steady company"
The maiden aunt who had no income
OF her own, curried favor by being al
most always in a state of apparent coma.
The widow was in the seventh heav-
en- of bliss, and all went merry as a
marriage bell until one evening as the
betrothed pair sat by the polished CRATE,
there came ring at the bell, and the
girl who answered it soon looked into
the parlor to announce the fact that a
little girl in the hall would come in.
Oh, let her in" said Mrs. Hunter.
" I am so fond of the dear children in
the neighborhood. It's one of them
presume.
But while SIC was speaking, a small
but very odd looking little girl in a
short frock, with tambourine in her
hand bounced into the room, and throw
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