The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1878-01-23

my views on tramways. His compost
ton was fine crusty conservatism, and
he disliked innovations.
1 was listening to the duet overhead.
and had very indistinct idea of what
the old gentleman said, and of what 1
was saying myself. 1 cannot sing, but
it was not for that reason that objected
TO the preposterously operatic way in
which johnson was conducting himself,
Tramways, my dear sir, are, as you
so Justly observe, the chief scourge of
mankind. From the earliest times they
have been noted for their hostility to
human virtue, and"
have lands and proud dwellings,
And all shall be thine,
sang johnson, upstairs.
"And it is, as you say, monstrous that
landed proprietors and bloated house
holders should override the popular pro-
test in this matter, especially as we know
that-that for purposes of drainage tram
ways are"
"My dear boy, you are not well, " in
terrupted Mr.. Bowles, kindly. "Have
glass of water"
! When left the house that evening 7
was thoughtful. 1t struck me that John
son had Mary Jane in his minds eye. /
could not damage that organ of vision,
so 1 decided that nothing would be
gained by hitting him. But something
would have 70 be done. 1 wanted to
marry Mary Jane. She was charming
girl, and her father had a little money.
My suspicious about johnson were
con frmed next day. / met lively
frie nd, who said:
"Oh, you know johnson p
"WellP"
"He's going in for the little Bowles.
Told me he should propose tomorrow
night when he takes her home from
Twig's party"
"Perdition |"
"Eh ? Slap-up- girl, isn't she?
Thought you were sweet that wayP"
"Perd - Oh no, not at all |!
There's my omnibus. By-bye.w
Going to propose when he took her
home from Fwig's BY all the powers
he should not take her home from
Twig's
1t had been agreed that should es-
cort Mary Jane to the halls of Twig. 1t
was a fine night apparently, but 1 took
my umbrella. 1t was a new one. sur
mounted by an alligator's head in Ger
man silver. Fortunately I invoked
Jupiter Pluvius to befriend me, and
hoped that johnson would leave his
umbrella at home.
It was less than ten minutes walk,
but there was time enough to show a
little preliminary tenderness, if not to
put the grand question ITSELF With an
Itless girl like Mary Jane, it was best
TO approach such subject by degrees
"'Twas just such a night as this I
said softly, "when you and ], Mary
Jane, trod the grassy turf beside that
murmuring brook"
"Oh, remember r. she ex claimed
laughing in her guileless way. "I
know what you are going to say. That
was the time you fell over the stile, run
ming away from the bull. And your
nose was done up in sticking-plaster,
you know and you scratched my face
with it, sir r'
I had forgotten that circumstance ;
but what did it matter?
eyes, Mary jane" said, passion
ately. "And why did my nose scratch
your face? Because my lips were seek
ing that paradise which now"
Good evening, Miss Bowles. 1t
was johnson. saw his grin in the
moonlight, and-confusion The had
brought his umbrella.
There was little dancing at Twig's,
but had no pleasure in it. My mind
was full of Johnson's umbrella. II
came before my diseased vision like
Macbeths dagger. I clutched at it,
and had it not.
Time wore on. stood at the window
alone, and looked out at the weather
Heavy clouds obscured the moon.
Heavy drops began to fall. Then the
temptation had me in its grip.
" His umbrella !" 1 gasped. "I-pl
hide it."
It's going to be nasty night, after
. all, said a hated voice at my elbow.
Sc believe only You and have brought
umbrellas. T6ereIl be an awful scrim.
mage for cabs. Luckily we haven't fan
to walk. p"
He was grinning more than ever, but
he could not have heard me. A Cal
, would not suit him, of course He
wanted to walk home with Mary Jane
slowly-very slowly, so that-frenzy
would do the deed. would throw his
umbrella
"Oh, Sam, do take me down to re
freshments. asked Mr.. Johnson, but
} he has torgotton me.
She looked up into my face so bewitch
: ingly that my heart thumped as if i
/ were door-knocker in the grasp of {
} demon postman. Careless brute Wha
a husband he would make Wherea.
( in me-in me-she would find.
Mary Jane," whispered as we lef
the giddy crowd that stood around the
liquids, Mary Jane, may see yor
l home9"
( If you are good boy, perhaps yol
l may. But here's Mr.. Johnson, ow,
him dance"
4 He took her away, but she looked
a back at me with a smile. really neVe