Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1874-07-31

like him. I never could bear the
self-opinionated men; there is too
much independence about them."
Mr.. Willis became frequent visi-
tor at Miss Mowbray's, so much Sc
that people began to look upon him
as her suitor. He escorted her to
parties and receptions, and seemed
quite devoted in his cool, easy way
AS for the young lady, she was
gradually getting over her old habit
Of contradiction, and evidently be
ginning to like that "exasperating
compound of contradiction and self
possession"
The spirit Of opposition was nov.
city to her, and, woman-like, she
rather liked it. This handsome
strong-willed gentleman had an infu
ence over her which was only posi-
BILE to person possessing strong
magnetic power. He was just the
man to manage spoiled, selfwilled
beauty, and she knew it. But with a
spirit worthy of better cause, she
made determined stand against all
opposition, preliminary to the final
surrender, and this is how it result.
ed.
One morning she was sitting in
her boudoir, when Mr.. Willis's card
was handed to her with the request
that she should see him. At first the
idea occurred to her "not to be at
home," but remembering that it was
his intention to leave soon for anoth-
er part of the world, she slipped on
her favorite dress and descended to
meet him.
"Ah, good morning, Mr.. Willis.
Did you not find it disagreeable
walking?" A pretty blush appeared
upon her cheek, which quickly died
at his answer.
''The walking, Miss Mowbray, 1
found very pleasant" She was al
most ready to cry with vexation.
81 don't see how you can say so,
sir, when the dust is perceptibly an
kle-deep in the road"
''It is very easily explained, Miss
Mowbray; l used the sidewalk"
ooh! and SO you are going to Cali
fornia?"
Her eyes were obstinately fixed
upon the carpet as she spoke.
''It was my intention to do so, and
T .oIloJ to onpoup.n ,nxr Joporf,,r, -
She assumed indifference but the
effort was very transparent.
'How long do you expect to be
gomez"
'That depends entirely upon cir
cumstances. If | can make a little
arrangement which l have in view, l
will not be gone for long"
The blush again came to her check,
and her heart began to throb strange
ly. Mr.. Willis took up an album
and began to turn its leaves careless
ly.
"May l enquire whose picture this
isl"
"That? Why that is one of mine
an excellent likeness they tell Inc" :"
"Hardly like the original, in my
opinion, though" and coolly taking
it out he put it in his pocket
''Have the kindness to ask my per-
mission before you make the appro-
priation, MIR. Willis!" haughtily ejac-
ulated the astonished young lady.
"Had l asked in due form, Miss
Mowbray, my request would doubt
less have been refused. To avoid all
risk l take the thing for granted"
CThis with good-natured smile, and
the black eyes looking straight into
hers).
There was silence for few min
utes, and then Miss Mowbray, look
ing at his coat lapel, said:
"That is peculiar looking flower.
What do you call it?"
''It is called the venus fiy-trap.'
Allow me to present it. You can
look for the sentiment at your leis.
ure."
And before she could reply he had
placed it in her hand.
"Will you attend Mrs. Austin's
last reception before you go. l think
they are SO enjoyable"
81 do not think l will. I detest
these receptions. One feels stified,
being pent up in crowded parlors.' >
She gave an impatient little stamp
of her foot.
'Why do you always oppose and
contradict me? Does nothing that
say please you?" Tears of mortifica
ton stood in her eyes.
a strong arm was thrown about
her. "Blanche!" said its owner
"what is the matter?"
"Matter!" exclaimed the fair one
"Y on do not acquiesce in single as
sertion l make. 1t is mortifying!"
She made an attempt to remove
the arm, but without success.
''lt was part of my plan, Blanche .
"What plan?"
"Will you ever like me, Blanche?'
"You, you
81 love YOU"
81 d
eyes you do. May 1 have the pic.
ture?"
The arm was trembling now, and
the deep voice had quiver in it.
"No."
"Oh, pshaw! That was said il
the spirit of contradiction. Lets
have done with it. Is my love re
turned?"
"N-o-Yes. But why have you
acted SOP"
'It was the only way to win you
Forgive me-"
And having effected "that little az
rangement," he went to California.
OF course they married.
Provisions OF Civil Rights.
lc~1xo,x