Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-01-02

the "young ladies" When that
time expired Fred said he really
must go, as he didn't know what his
father and rother would think at his
long absence; but it ended in his re-
lieving their anxiety by letter and
sending for his trunks. Iknew how
the matter was perfectly we'll, and
that Belle Bronson had fairly be-
witched him out OF his five senses.
Fred tried to put it on the country
air and the quiet that was benefitting
his health" etc., but it was of NO
use trying to deceive me, and I told
him SO. Then be owned up frankly
and 1 promised to help him oil l
could, if he required any help in the
prosecution OF his suit. 1 never
thought Belle firt, or that she
would willingly distress any human
being; but she had way of looking
in ones eyes SO rs to captivate them
for her mere personal amusement.
At any rate, she had larger share
of beaux than the other girls, but oil
their attentions came to nothing.
1 feared ii might be so with Fred
Evans, and warned him accordingly
but Fred said he'd {" have her if he
tried all his life;" that "s she was the
only living being who had ever
awakened real emotion in his
breast" etc. After that L said no
more, but closely observed the low
ers, and soon came to the conclusion
that Fred was by no means dis,y
able to her. Things went on in this
way without any definite result until
Fred received summons home on
account of his mothers illness.
When he came back to renew his
visit, he insisted upon staying at the
Oakyille Hotel rather than wear out
his welcome ut our house, and find
ing remonstrance unavailiny, there
he went. The landlord (honest old
Downsbury--I wonder if he vet
lives) gave Fred, at my suggestion,
his best bedroom, " No. POI am
particular in mentioning the num-
Der. " He shall have No. %, said
Downsbury, Any friend of yours,
Master Augustus, shall have the best
l haye to give as long as I'm land
lord" 1t was pleasant room, look
ing out on the distant hills and the
beautiful winding branch of the
Blnckwater; bat what cared Fred
for scenery ? Ho was in the hands
of the blind god, and could not see
even as far rs his nose, except IN the
direction of Bellies cottage. ! used
to 20 over to Fred's room to smoke
my cigar, while he, poor wretch, ex-
patiated on his sutferngs, doubts
and solicitudes. Did she love him
was the question which disturbed
every moment Of his existence, and
to which, with the closest reasoning,
he could not bring himself IL salts
factory reply. Sometimes he thought
u word or il sign settled the point
beyond q doubt in his favor, at 9th
ers he fancied he read a GOODNESS and
indifference in her eyes. In this
condition Of uncertainty he dared
not press the question lest hasty
step might bring him to grief.
At Ereds earnest solicitation
promised to sound Belle, rs to her
sentiments, if a favorable opportun.
ity presented itself, or at any rate tc
let her know, in an indirect way,
that Fred was lansulshing in distres,
on her account, and thus give hel
no excuse for unnecessarily prolons
ing his misery. 1t SO happened
however, that my services were mo-
called into requisition. Belle Bron
son, because of the sudden arriva
at her homo of some country cousins
was obliged to give up her room
her mothers cottage being u smal
one-and to occupy for sing
night one at hotel. We woul,
cheerfully have offered her guests ac
commodation at our house, but w
were in the same prodicament. A.
agricultural fuir in the village hi,
brought many strangers into tn
place, and our guests were So numer
GUS that had given up my room
to two of them, and had intende,
asking Fred Evans to let me pas
the night with him.
For this purpose 1 went to the no
, tel at a late hour, and proceeded a
once to Freds room, but to my sur
prise found no one there. l did no
even notice that his trunk was gone
: or suspect tho fact, which afterwar'
became apparent, that =" to oblig
some lady guests for this nigh
, only" as the landlord expressed ii
} Fred had consented to give up "No
= 20" and occupy small room in tn
rear of the building. The gas bein,
turned up, 1 took q book to awai
t his return and, hearing at last wha
appeared to be steps approaching til
room, and supposlng it to Fred, in
Y momentary impulse to play a jok
, upon him, I slipped under the bed
s large and high one, intending t
9 initiate cat (of which animal l kne'
+ he had detestatiou) as soon as h
y enteral the room. The door opened