American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1875-08-07
It was evident to all that Smith and l

before these brown eyes" came between
us and shut out all remembrance of on
old cte intime. Looking back to that tim
l am sure he would as soon have though
of-well, of cutting off his whiskers as o
borrowing my raZors in the free-and-eas
style OF a week before.
Only one thing remained unaltered-
our thoughts as ever ran in one channel
If l came on Smith putting vigorously a
an unlighted cigar l knew the direction o
his thoughts and he knew that 1 knew il
When read the newspaper upside down
when the subtlest point at the chancery ba
failed to excite my admiration, and tn,
wool-sack seemed a comparative 'trifie, h,
knew my thoughts lay in a land bounded
on all sides by brown eyes and I knew
that he knew it.
He either fears his fate too much,
| Or his deserts too small,
| Who dares not put it to the touch,
| And win or lose it all!
was on my lips that morning as walked
| toward the crOquet ground in search OF
Dot, my intention, resolved on when alone
| in the breakfast-room, being D." to put it tt
the touch" Whether 1 should carry i
out when / came into the presence was
another thing; for in spite of that inspirit
ing verse I felt decidedly nervous, hated
my coat, and had great doubts on the sub
ject of my tie and "deserts" in general.
Bruce was leaving her side as came UP
! spoke of suppressed emotion, indignation,
| probably, for as stood looking rather be-
wildered tear rolled down her cheek.
A tearl Dot in tears! / seized a mallet
lying near, which Rugged ferociOusly for
fear I might be tempted beyond the bounds
of prudence and take Dot in my arms in
my wish to express sympathy. l knew
Smith would have felt the same.
How foolish you must think mel" she
said, looking up rainbow-like; " but-but
Capt Bruce has been say-saying that
croquet-I am quite ashamed to repeat his
words-that croquet is 'humbug.'"
Her voice faltered and her mallet fell to
the ground. picked it up as she brushed
gossamer handkerchiefOverh her eyes, and
then almost unconsciously took the hand
extended for the mallet. Bruce ,cds a brute
without doubt What apretty hand twas,
with its delicate network of blue veins,
pretty dimples and soft pink palm! =,
She looked at me appealingly, with
those sweet eyes swimming in tears.
$50 unfeeling, you know" she said.
"Coarse brute" Returned, Indignantly
Forgive me, Dot. May call you Dot,
dear Dot2 If he would say anything to
hurt your feelings he deserved to be
Drained with this mallet." And / still held
the hand while flourished the proposed
instrument of vengeance.
dot" continued.
''Hush," she said, hurriedly, changing
color. Another time. Somebody is
calling. Yes-yes, am coming!" And
she FASTENED away, turning to wave her
hand before she disappeared amongst the
trees, while 1, happy recipient of her con-
fidence, strolled off in another direction.
Wasn't this-isnt this better than any
wool-sack?" 1 asked, exultantly, as 1
threw myself down under a tree. An
other time she would listen. Her love.
And then an heiress, too. What would
my father say-and Smith? Poor Smith,
to fancy she loved him! AS to Bruce,
confOund his insOlence. Croquet hum
bugi What next, I wonder?"
I felt too excited to return to the house,
and a strong wish to work the excitement
off lest my feelings should betray me, SO
christening the boat from its mOOrings
pulled steadily down the river for a
couple of hours.
II thought everyone was deserving us"
said my aunt, plaintively, as met her on
my return. You out, and Capt. Bruce
has had a telegram summoning him to
town. 1t seems very inhOspitable, but
really feel relieved; he was SO very agree
able, and has nothing but his pay, and it
really would not do. The General would
be furious. Poor little Dot has such a
headache 1 have made her go and lie
down for two or three hours"
Poor little Dot! No, it would not
do" returned, and made my escape.
Dot did not make her appearance at
dinner, and as we went into the garden to
enjoy our cigars saw Belle, most benev-
olent of Hebes, carrying a cup of tea to
the invalid. How longed to send mes
sage of sympathy, but cold prudence tor
babe; so 1 looked wistfully at the bearer,
who smiled archly and shook her head.
On the river had made up my mind
that Smith should not go on feeding a
vain passion" as l POLITICALLY expressed it,
but should know the real state of affairs.
1t would be only kind, poor fellow, and
watched my opportunity.
ut strikes me-" remarked Fred after
few puffs-"it strikes me the patcr can
give us better weeds than these. Just wait
a minute, you two fellows. shall not be
a minute"
Here was chance: "Smith," l. began
81 am sorry'' Smith looked cynical. l
repeated, II am very sorry" when there
was sound of hurried footsteps, and
Hetty appeared on the scene apparently
slightly hysterical.
aOhi" She cried, with hands uplifted;
and having by this time wound us up to
an agonizing pitch of curiosity she paused
for want OF breath.
"What is its Good heavens, what Is
the matter?" we exclaimed, as usual,
together.
"Matterr' with shrek. "Dotr'
"Yes, yesr' duet. "What of herr"
anxious alarm.
"She has eloped with Capt. Brucer'
1 fell back and looked vacsntly at
Smith; Smith fell back and looked vacant
ly at me; and together we looked vacantly
at Hetty, who having found breath pro-
ceeded volubly.
"She was gone when Belle went to take
her some tea-had been gone two hours,
leaving a note for mamma. Papa and Fred
are gone to make inquiries, but am afraid
it is too late. Such artfulness! Who would
have thought it?"
l may say here that it was too late;
their plans were well laid, and Dot was
Mrs. Bruce before she was heard of
again.
Having explained so far, Hetty flew off
like woman who feels she has exciting
news to impart. Smith walked on one
side to examine curious specimen of the
Osmundi RECALLS, and II let my cigar
out! What the General said and did, the
supplementary language he made use of
aunt, and the bottles of eau-de- cologne
emptied over her, / shall say nothing that
is not contained in the deuce and all to
pay"
In words destined to be famous,
would it surprise you to hear'' that we
two young barrsters had been made use
of as mere blinds? Never mind answer
ing.
"WhO would have thought" said Fred