Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1875-08-06

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 to put it to
the touch" Whether [ should carry it
out when I came into the presence was
another thing; for in spite of that inspirit-
ing verse | felt decidedly nervous, hated
my coat, and had great doubts On the sub
iect of my tie and "deserts" in general.
Bruce was leaving her side as l came up
and her flushed face, her sparkling eyes,
spoke Of suppressed emotion, Indignation,
probably, for as | stood looking rather be-
wildered tear rolled down her cheek.
A tear Dot in tears! | seized 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. knew
Smith would have felt the same.
GLOW foolish you must think mew she
said, looking up rainbow-like; but-but
Capt Bruce has been say-saying that
croquet-I am quite ashamed to repeathis
words-that croquet is 'humbug.'"
Her voice faltered and her mallet fell to
the ground. picked it up as she brushed
a gossamer handkerchiefoverh her eyes, and
then almost unconsciously took the hand
extended for the mallet. Bruce aods brute
without doubt. What apretty hand twas,
with it's delicate network of blue veins,
pretty dimples and soft pink palm!
She looked at me appealingly, with
III, oco cyUoot oyyoc cxuiI11 in in fparc
$50 unfeeling, you know" she said.
=" Coarse brute, !" Ireturned, Indignantly.
"Forgive me, Dot. May l call you Dot,
dear Dot? 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 |, happy recipient OF her con-
fidence, strolled off in another direction.
Wasn't this-isn't this better than any
wool-sack?" I asked, exultantly as l
threw myself down under tree. An
other time she would listen. Her love.
And then an heiress, too What would
nv father say-and Smith? Poor Smith,
to fancy she loved him! As to Bruce,
confound his insolence. Croquet hum
| bug! What next, | wonder?"
| 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 l
pulled steadily down the river for a
couple of hours.
II thought everyone was deserving us, y
said my aunt, plaintively, as | met her on
my return. "You out, and Capt. Bruce
| has had 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 1t
really would not do. The General would
be furious. Poor little Dot has such a
headache | 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
eniov our cigars saw Belle, most benev-
/ client of Hebes, carrying cup OF tea to
the invalid. How longed to send mes
sage of sympathy, but cold prudence TOR
babe: so / 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 POLITICALLY expressed 1t,
but should know the real state of affairs:
| It would be only kind, poor fellow, and
watched my opportunity.
cit strikes me- remarked Fred after
few prffs-s'it strikes me the pater can
give us better weeds than these. just wait
a minute, you two fellows. | shall not be
Here was chance. Smith," I began
~ am sorry" Smith looked cynical.
repeated, 81 am very sorry" when there
was sound of hurried footsteps, ano
Hetty appeared on the scene apparently
slightly hysterical.
aOGp She cried, with hands uplifted
and having by this time wound US up c
an agonizing pitch of curiosity she PAUSED
for want of breath.
"What is it? Good heavens, what IS IS
the matter?'' we exclaimed, as usual
together. omen,
t Eyes, yesr' duet. what OF herf'
anxious alarm.