The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-04-02

De back In few Moments, ne SAID, as
he followed the messenger. -..a
To his intense surprise. he found
among the flowers the radiant Gertie,
who at once proceeded to unfold to him
her stratagem, and gained his secrecy
and assistance. Then they separated,
and Judson returned to his friend, and
after giancing about him for few mo-
ments, pointed out the cousins.
'"There they are, Charley, as alike as
two peas. Which will you choose, roses
or geraniums2 You see that is the only
difference in their toilet"
"They are both extremely beautiful,
but the one who is now speaking is mine.
By Jove what expression!"
"Miss Annier' laughed Judson, while
slight shade of disappointment fitted
across the speaking face of Charley Den
ton.
A few moments later he was bowling
low over the white hand that was adorned
| with his engagement ring, but it lay so
cold and corresponding within his own as
to chill him to the core. Then he was pre-
scented TO the glowing, palpitating coun-
terteit. A dance was called, but his be-
trothed informed him that she did not
dance and there was nothing left him but
an awkward tete-a.tete, while her lovely
companion was whirled away upon the
arm of Judson. They appeared to enjoy
themselves hugely, and Charley Denton
turned away with a sigh, and began talk
ing of his journey, answering the lady's
questions in the most matter of-fact man
ner. And once or twice he found him
self specializing upon the probability of
her releasing HIM from his engagement.
81 find you very much changed" he
said, after one Of the awkward pauses.
cab! indeed" smiled the lady. II
hope the change is a pleasant one. You
know in the days of our former acquaint-
ance, was but hoydenish school girl"
II never thought so. To me you we're
enthusiastic and charming"
At this moment Gertie and Judson re-
turned; the former in glow of excite
ment that enhanced her beauty tenfold.
She began at once to question Charley
concerning his stay abroad, and his jour-
ney home.
"You quite surprised my COUSIN" she
said, with sparkling eyes. "She did not
expect you until the next steamer, be-
lieve."
"Ihope it was a pleasant surprise, Miss
Melton" he replied.
ooh! certainly. You see I know all
about your romantic engagement" and
she laughed, blushed, and cast down her
eyes in the most coquettish manner, for
Judson and Annie had strolled away,
leaving the real lovers together, and
Charley Denton was completely charmed.
"Of course you, like every one else,
think US very foolish?'
"Not I. I think it must have been
Splendid" looking up, archly. ut is out
t of the way of ordinary courtships- real
romance
"Rather a childish one, our parents
: thought-one with which the lady is dis
, gusted by this time"
"Ah!no. That is impossible. know
my cousin too we'll. She has real affec.
ton for you. The love of true woman
is ever stea(fast and Interchangeable. II
is the other sex who weary of bonds"
And the color deepened in her fail
J cheek.
They had been walking slowly along
away from the glare of the lights ano
heated rooms, and reached the cool per
l fumed conservatory, when he answered
= "You, Miss Melton, are much more like
r what expected your cousin would be
e When we parted five years ago, she wa
8 all impulse and enthuiasm. Now she i
:. so cold and passionless that hardly dar
approach her. Will you be my messenger
G and say that if She"
|. mo, mol" and she shook her head
d laughingly. "You must not expect m
o to NEEDLE with your Love affairs. Yo1
4 must see her yourself. Trust me that yo
Il will find Cousin Gertie honorable an
;. frank"
J. Charley Denton was in love, and tina
It a, first sight. But then, he argued, thi
: loveliest of all beings was more like tn
J. one he had worshiped so a1dently in hi
t. boyhood.
e That night he sat in his room at tn
q hotel, with his brain filled with a thou
e sand plans. Sometimes he resolved to a
e once write to Miss Gertie, and dissolv
E, the engagement. He would then be fire
l. to we'd the one he really loved.
% Morning found him as far from dc
Y cision as ever, and he wrote simple not
a requesting an interview, and begged he
lie to decide whether the engagement shout
le be considered binding. There was not
If word of his own feelings but the cousin
Is laughed merrily over it.
It "Rather a poor compliment to me,
d pouted Annie. Had been the real &c,
h tie, should have been furiously jealou
j. Why, he had the frsnkness to hint at m
r, not being quite as charming as when "
h parted years ago! And for the rest {
d, the evening was your most devoted ca
:" alier. To me, he was frigidly polite
nothing more"
y ooh! but it was jolly! You ought
have heard our confidential talk concern
N ing his engagement. He asked me if
+, did not consider it childish!''
e And her laugh was like ripping must
Ii When the appointed hour drew nes
Charley Denton, with many shrug {
n his aristocratic shoulders, prepared If
lie the disagreeable visit, and as he Wake
I'd up the stone steps of the Melton m ansic
of he felt very much like criminal.
he A lady arose. and came forward
es meet him as he entered the semi-ighte
er drawing room. He presumed it to be b
afhanced; but the first words of her we