Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1878-08-28
A PAIR OF DOVES.

/ lIealleS anu pfOlCSSlOuS Vi low
advanced by her tlalterers. She
was but poor society, and her colC
indifference, coupled with presist
ent coyness soon discouraged them
"IIope deferred maketh the hear
Sick" and receiving not the slight
est scintillation Of hope from her
they gradually beat an unwilling
retreat to "fresh fields and pastures
new"
1t is not to be supposed that
Rosaline was an illiterate girl
not at all for she prossessed a fine
education, but, like many young
ladies, she knew little how 10 ust
it to advantage.
Moreover, her maiden aunt had
early instilled into her to suscept-
lille mind that the only true way
of ensuring her earthly happiness
was to turn a deaf ear to whatever
selfish man. might whisper, and
to defeat their attempts to
make "lovely woman" his slave.
Thus, working upon her creduli-
ty, Rosaline looked upon man as
some terrible incubus to be avoid
ed. But her better nature revolt
ed one day, and she threw of the
yoke.
Rosaline had cage, containing
two pets doves, hanging over the
porch leading to her garden. Her
youngest brother, Harry, mis-
chieyous and playful, opened the
door of the cage, and was in an
ecstasy of delight upon seeing the
doves eacape from their prison and
fly away.
Rosalina soon discovered her
loss, and in sore distress of mind
she retired to the drawing-rooh,
threw herself upon a sofa, and
gave vent to her troubles thus:
"To think now that my darling
pets are gone! Not even my birds
can remain unmolested. Because
I'm particular and strive to keep my
thing in order, / am continually
ridiculed and called an old maid /;
but that I'll never be. I've acted
foolish in the past, but | will not
do SO in the future. My eyes are
opened to my errors, and in spite
of aunts and uncles I'll use my own
judgement and marry whom |
choose"
A gentle tap at the door caused
her to start mp; she opened it and
discovered n fine looking, well
dressed gentleman upon the step
"Who is it you wish, sir Z"
"You, if you please"
"Iou as somewhat abrupt III
youranswcr. What am to under
stand by
"rll explain sitting; so with
your permission
lie placed his hat and cane up
on the table, and coolly seated him
self, much to her astonishment who
tartly said:
but | did not give you permis-
sion, sir"
"True I'm sorry that your lack
of etiquette does not correspond
with your beauty"
Sir" retorted she, piqued ;
"your rudencss does not qualify
Inc in terming you gentleman"
"Only my enemies ensinuate
that | am not" dryly said he.
"Then consider me your bitter
est enemy"
"It would require a considerable
long time for me to consider any
thing so inconsiderable in that con-
sideration."
This retort was too much tor
Rosaline. There he sat, compla-
Gently gazing upon her as she
stood at convenient distance from
him. Her eyes snapped fire; her
lips firmly compressed, while her
delicate fingers worked nervously,
suggesting a fierce desire to ian the
offenders face. But she quickly
conquered her anger, and said, with
mock politeness, pointing to the
door
"Excuse me, but will you have
the extreme kindness to inform me
of what color the outside OF that
door is paintedp
with the most exquisite pleas
ure," said he, with nonchalance,
and without moving. at is paint
ed green | noticed the color when
| entered-quite green; color,
presume, denotiug the verdant
propencities of those dwelling
within.
81 will call for help if"
"Allow me to do so,' said he, ris-
ing and bowling; anything TO
please you" :,
But you don't please me, and
what's more, never cam
"Now, / wager | can please
you," said he boldly.
"And | wager you can't, sir,
answered she, in like manner.
"What do you wagerP
"My hand" said Rosaline, de-
family, and drawing herself up
proudly, eyes, my hand to you in
marriage il you succeed in your
egotistic boast. What do you
wager in return, sir
any full consent to yonr, marry
ing me-" :,
"You are really too absurd, sir"
"Humptl most men are when
they contemplate matrimony.
posal;na conld not help smiling