The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-03-11
went there to enjoy a good laugh over


the town excitement.
Among the gentlemen who considered
himself one of her favored admirers, was
a simple fellow whom she met one day
at Judge Maxwells, in the conservatory,
and asked him the names of several new
plants. This coniescension from the
proud girl set him almost beside himself,
and the next day he sent her an elegant
boquet. She returned her thanks,
placed it in vase upon the parlor man
tel, and very denurely told Ida and
Frank that Mr.. Morrison sent it.
Now Mr. Morrison was one of those
unfortunately tall people whose small
head was stuck on a very slim, long
neck, way up in tie air like giratfes !;
kis arms were three feet long, and his
lower limbs two thirds of his entire
height, which was six feet six inches.
The idea of his sending bouquets to
Irene Sanderson was too funny for
Frank, and he nearly exploded
80 He will call this evening"" said he,
wnea he could find time to speak for
laughing.
Then I shall dress in. my prettest,
and behave beautifully" she answered,
catching her cousins merriment 81
like tall men--something to cling to.
Frank was right. AT seven the bell
rang, and the tall gentleman was ushered
into the parlor. His coat was not of
the latest cut, buta long-waisted frock.
The sleeves had not allowed for the
crawl, and his pants just covered the
red tops of his boots.
Frank and Ida were ready for fun,
and when Irene swept into the room in
an elegant light blue silk, cut en- prin-
cesse style, with diamonds flashing at
her neck, ears, and in the butterfly
brooch that held her rich satin sash, he
sprang to his feet and stared at her,
with mouth and eyes open.
"Good evening, Mr.. Morrison" said
she, in her soft, musical voice, extend
ing her jewelled hand to be grasped by
his rough palm. az presume l am in
debted to you for those beautiful fowersl
You have indeed excellent taste in ar
ranging bouque.."
81 am glad you like it., he STAN
mered. Judge Maxwell said you
would not accept it, but kinder
thought you would, because I knowed
YOU liked flowers
"Of course, Mr.. Morrison" and she
sank into luxurious chair near him.
her rich dress falling about his feet.
"How should Judge Maxwell know my
tastel"
II just told him l guessed ] knowed
your preferences about as well as he; but
Miss Sanderson you needn't mind calling
me Mr.. Morrison, it sounds so distant
like. Just call me BILL and III feel
better acquainted"
excuse me, but it's not city custom
to call gentleman by his first name
upon so short an acquaintance. D."
Frank could bear no more, and rade
some trhing remarks, at which they
might all laugh, and recover their equi-
librium. Ida had cough, without any
cold, and so an hour passed, in which
various excuses were framed for giving
vent to their secret merriment. Irene
set her caller perfectly at ease, and when
he left he was so deeply in love that
Frank declared his face shone like an
angels.
A few days la1er Mrs. Palmer saw her
husband walking half square with
Irene, and when he came into dinner
she would not speak to him.
Lawyer Cherry asked her to step into
his office few moments to talk about
business matters, and when his wife
heard of it she threatened to .eave him
if he ever did the like again. But the
more jealous the women grew, the more
men sought her society. She could not
90 upon the street without being joined
by some some gentleman, and she chat
ted as gayly with Mr.. Morrison, the old
bachelor, as with the young doctor, and
as freely with married man as single
one.
But they never said silly things to he:
more than once, and no married man
presumed to kiss her hand a second
time. She never placed herself in any
mans way, but if she had an errand up
street or down, she went when it suited
her, regardless Of those who were
watching her. After spending most
delightful Summer with her cousins, she
left Marysville, and not single INSIDE