Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-03-05
LizZie's Revenge.
C.. u. U.


The tide of human events swept Jo-
siah Crofts far away from his native
soil. and landed him safely in the little
town of c.. Nobody seemed to
know where he came from, but, as is
usual in such cases, everybody knew
all about him. This was not an easy
matter, for Mr.. Crofts was not q com.
municative man, and he afforded the
gossips a good deal of anxiety by the
quiet way in which he parted the
questions which they asked, from time
to time, for several days after his ar
rival.
BY way of introduction, We will say
that Mr.. Crofts was young (probably
twenty fve), and possessed of fair
share Of manly attractions but, to-
gether with this he was rich, and of
course society, such as it was. soon
opened its doors with hearty welcome
for the prepossessing stranger.
"Well, Eva. what do you think of
him ?" said Lizzie Elwell to her bright
eyed cousin. who was sitting at an open
window, quietly taking in the flowers
that her companion handed her.
81 don't know who, in particular, l
am to think about" Eva answered,
carelessly.
Why, Of course l mean Mr.. Crofts,
dear" her cousin said, pouting little
because Eva either did not, or would
not, understand her meaning.
Well, my sweet coz, if it makes
any difference to you whether l think
we'll of the gentleman in question,
must say that my private opinion is not
very fiatteriug to him." Eva said, in an
insinuating tone.
1t does make good deal of differ.
ence," Lizzie answered ; but if you
do not care to give it, of course you
have perfect right to undisturbed pos.
session of your own thoughts.
Indeed" Eva exclaimed, piqued
somewhat by the tone of her pretty
little cousin; then she added;
Perhaps, after all, my candid opin-
ion may be of some service to you, for
I think he is decidedly foppish speci-
men of humanity, with more money
than brains"
T." You are very sarcastic, my DEAR"
Lizzie replied, evidently we'll pleased
by the information she had received, for
to her this was something that might
be used to advantage in the plot she was
weaving for the capture of rich hus-
band.
In a few weeks Mr.. Crofts was on very
intimate terms at the cottage. Old Mr..
Elwell, Lizzies father, was delighted
with the thought of rich son-in-law
(for Mrs. Grundy had already begun to
whisper that his daughter was q great
favorite with Mr.. Crofts) and the kind
hearted old gentleman very generously
supplied his daughter with many hand
some presents, dresses, and ornaments,
SO that nothing should be left undone,
In view of the proposed alliance.
Poor Eva, who had heretofore en-
joyed almost as many privileges as a
daughter, now became only secondary
consideration. This CALLED her very
much, for she saw the cause of it all
very plainly.
"Ah! WE'LL" she said to herself,
" blood is thicker than water, and it is
only human nature"
In consequence of these things Eva
was very shy in her acquaintance with
Mr.. Crofts; but this lent an additional
charm to her pure and proud nature
q circumstance that Mr.. Crofts did not
altogether ignore, for he paid her many
marked compliments, even in the pres
ence of her more prosperous cousin.
The dislike that she formed toward this
handsome young gentleman had, by
this time, given place to feeling of
warm regard, as time gave har a clear.
er insight to his manly, generous dis
position.
But what difference can it make to
me" she said. I" I am poor and friend
less, he is rich and free-no, not free,
for l presume that even now he is fast
In the meshes prepared for him by my
aristocratic cousin"
About the time that Eva was engaged
in these speculations, Josiah Crofts was
sitting in the handsome room of his
hotel, quietly smoking a cigar and
thinking over the past, present, and
future, perhaps more seriously than he
had done for many a day.
"Well, said he 10 himself, 81 sup
pose there is sort of destiny about it
after all. for here l am, the son of a
wealthy London banker. travelling for
pleasure and information, quietly
thinking of a most prepostefous plan
for my future happiness. have tried
TO shake of the feeling, but it is no use
to deceive myself any longer, for am
as desperately in love with that little
rustic beauty as it is possible for man
to be-"
Here Mr.. Crofts walk, i 10 the
window and looked out at the Elwell
cottage In the distance. and a sigh es-
capped his lips as he continued the mono
tone dialogue with his own thoughts.
- wonder if she would marry me :?
Yes. l think SO. for they have shown q
due spprecistion-the old chap, too,
was exceedingly civil. This very even
ing, If occasion offers, will tell her
all, and will clasp her pretty form in
my arms-if she will let me-then steal
from her pretty lips the first sweet kiss
Of love-"