The free citizen. (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-03-20
A PLAN THAT WOULDN'T WORK
BY EBEN Z. REXFORD.

Belle Browning had good many pe-
culiaritics. She was fond of reading
novels for one thing, and liked to have
things happen romantically. Anything
That did happen in that way-and she
had lived long enough to know that that
wasn't oftcn-was Of much moro i'm
portnncaS in her estimation. than tho
common run of occurrences. And then
another of her little peculiarities was
that she liked to nave her own way and
mako other people do pretty nearlv as
shc wanted thcm to. Her temper was
rather peculiar, too. Sometimes she
was all sunshine and sweetness some
Times she wasn't. After having given
YOU this brief description of some OF
her pcculinrities yon will readily under
stand that Belle wasn't very llnlikp u
good many girls you know.
When party of our young people
were out boat-ridin.r enc day the boat
capsized and Bollc, among the others,
fell into thu water, tnkiug tho starch
ont OF her RIFLES and tho crimp out of
her hair. But sho didn't care for that
l,ccai;so tho affair WAS so romantic.
Thero wasn't tho lehst bit of danger,
for tho water wasn't moro than thrco
feet docp i'll any place. But Bollo
screamed Tor some Quo 10 save her, and
Raj" Loring picked her up and swan
To shore with her, she told her friends,
just as sho was going down for the sec
ond time. 1t must have been queer
swimming, but then it did to tell. In
fact, III the way Belle told it it made
quite pretty story, and if you hadn't
known the circumstances of the case
you would have been quito apt to think
Ralph Loring q hero.
Belle had had quito a liking Tor Ralph
for some time. He was good-looking,
smart and we'll. to.do. In fuct, he was
one of the best catches" in tho place.
When the very romantic episode of the
boats being capsized took place she
declared that he had saved her life, told
herself that She owed him her gratitude
and love and proceeded to make herself
agreeable. The result Of it was that
Ralph suddenly Became attentive and
by and by proposed marriage and was
accepted.
Matters stood in that way when Capt.
DE Vanx came to town. Where the
captain was from and what he was can.
tain of no ono knew. He was good
looking, stylish and well dressed. He
had any amount Of assurance and in.
sinuatcd himself into the best society
at once, and nobody asked for his Gre.
lentials.
He is such romantic looking fcl.
low" declared Belle to Ralph one day !;
"don't you think so?"
"No, DON'T" answered Ralph, de-
cidedly; 81 think he is a very cheeky.
looking fellow, to say the least, and I'm
considerably mistaken if he would be
swilling to havehis affairs inquired into, {"
Ralph had taken strong dislike To him
from the very first.
81 hope you aren't jealous" said
Belle, with . provoking laugh. .s
Not at all, thank you," answered
Ralph.
Belle determined to hove some sport
She would ililt with DO Vnnx and make
Ralph terribly jealous. When che pot
ready 10 do SO she would send the cap
tain about his business aud let Ralph
sec thai she lad been amusing herself
at his expense.
It'll be just jolly" declared Eollc.
1he very next time they we're out il,
company together slio bsset Capt. De
Vaux with her destinations, and TINT
gentleman proved nm easy and WILLING.
victim. Ralph watched tie progress Of i
affairs with q keen eye.
Belle, he ahid to;lep ono day. "do
s"n ''hnh Yon are doing just riehi 2"
Doing jnst riBht?" replied Hclln,
"Wlat do you mcun?"