Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-07-17
A BROKEN ENGAGEMENT.
A Thrilling Story.
st Paul Pioneer Press.
CHAPTER l.

1t was a beautiful evening in the
dawn of summer. The two forms were
sitting in close proximity to one another
by the window of $4,000 house
heavily mortgaged-in the upper part
Of the city. The hand of one rested
lovingly on that of the other, and the
arm of one described a semicircle
around the others waist. 1t is hardly
necessary to say that they were lovers,
and this was as far as the young man
could go in geometry. There was no
light in the room, but there was no oc-
casion for any, with her taper waist and
sparkling eyes and flaming words.
This is sample of their small talk:
dearest Flora, tell, oh tell me, what
can do to make myself more worthy
of your love. Bid me undertake any
mission you please, and | will obey.
Ay, even though it be-to cut my hair
short-sacrifce my mustache-wear
large boots, or work for living
Speak, anything you may command
me!'
cob, Charles! calm yourself. Do
not speak in this terrible strain. you
make me shudder. No, Charles, [ love
you for yourself alone" Then, placing
her hand gently upon his brow, she
murmured, Soft, my love, speak soft,
my own, and tell me do you love me
as much as ever, and will [ ever be the
same to you as [ am nOW?"
"Hear me swear ~ cried the ardent
youth, dropping upon his knees for the
first time in his life, but suddenly aris-
ing with troubled expression of con-
science, as something put in mind of
the tightness of his neither apparel.
ooh, Flora, there is not coat that
adorns Wilson's establishment that has
so high a place in my affections as
yourself You are to me what Islander
and gossip are to young church mem
bers or funerals to married women
my life, my ambition, my hope, my all !
A few days more and we shall be united
forever. [ can scarcely realize my hap
piness !"
The fair one blushed and nestled
closer to the vest pattern of the happy
youth. So we leave them. -
CHAPTER II.
It was dark. gloomy night, two days
before the time appointed for the nup-
tial ceremonies of the young pair.
Charles bent his way-full of joy, hope,
and supper-to the mansion of his be-
loved. He rang the bell and was ush-
cred into the parlor. Flora was not
there, and, after waiting a few moments,
he resolved to descend the stairs to the
dining room, ostensibly to seek for her,
but most probably with visions Of spoons
dancing through his ever-teeming brain.
With stealthy steps he approached the
door and suddenly opened it, when
there burst upon his astonished gaze a
sight which froze the blood within his
veins. 1As'>s @'@ ,-4 .--'-
Upon the dining-room table lay many
dishes and other articles of crockery
Before it, with disheveled hair and
gown, stood Flora, huge
carving-knife in her hand, which she
was In the act of plunging-into a pan
of hot water.
She had been caught in the act of
doing house-work With one loud
shrek she fell to the floor, while her
distracted and bewildered lover rushed
from the house.
1t is needless to add that the engage
ment, along with several brittle cups,
was broken on the spot. Thus were two
fond and doting hearts irrevocably sep
arated.
If my story, dear reader, will be the
means of persuading one young wo-
man never, under any circumstances,
to do any work about the house, but to
let her mother and the other servants
do it, my object is more than accom-
.plished Farewell.
sOur. extra strong minded woman has
remarked that an cid bachelor is man
who through selfish motives, has re-