The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1880-07-01
CLEVELAND, TENN, JULY 1, 1880.

lie took / is seat beside her, not know
ing whether he was the victim Of a ter
rible blunder or vile conspiracy.
As in duty bound, he made some at
tempt at conversation, but hardly knew
whether he was talking sense or non
sense, and once found himself address
ing his companion as "Miss Specta-
cles."
Probably she did not understand him,
as she pulled from some hidden recep-
tacle a speaking-trumpet and applied it
to her ear, saying that she always used
it when riding. The wind and the
rumbling of the carriage made hearing
difficult.
Some persons are abashed to use
trumpet" said she, "but | consider that
a false pride. | don't know that Har-
riet Martineau was not less respected
for using a trumpet" And then fol-
lowed glowing eulogy on Miss Mar
tineau, who seemed to be James special
heroine.
In all this there was consolation, 70
1t seemed to imply that she had failed to
comprehend his postscr pit; or was she
expecting him to shout his sentiments
through the ear-trumpet.
But presently she began
"With regard to the second PROPOSE
tion in your note, Mr.. Norcross"-
Now it's coming!" thought he, with
shIver, and seriously contemplated
jumping out of the carriage and running
away, but her next words relieved him:
have given the matter due
consideration, and have decided that
while 1 am at college any such entangle-
ment would distract my mind, and as |
shall afterward give some years to the
study of medicine, il. would be long be-
fore could entertain such proposal,
Harriet Martineau"-
What more she said he hardly no.
ticed. He had got out of the matter
better than he expected, and breathed
freely once more.
Arrived at the grove. he got rid Of
Jane as soon as possible, and went in
search of Blanche. He found her sitting
on a rock by the waters edge.
She was dressed in something white
and fluffy and charming-it might have
been a cloud, for anything he knew
and luttering ends of ribbon peeped out
from all manner of unexpected places,
while her broad dropping hat en-,
hanced the beauty it was intended tc
shade.
Good morning, Mr.. Norcross, OF
shall / say Cousin Gilbert?" said she
mischievously.
miss Bascom, you know that not
was intended for you," said he.
How should IP My name ism
Jane" said she.
"No, it was all a wretched blunder;
but now that you do know it, what is
your answer"
"My answer? Oh, you can't be seri.
ous, Mr.. Norcross," said she.
81 am serious, and should like
serious answer" said he, almost an.
grily.
What, me marry youP Why, it.
just ridiculous'' and she burst into a
girlish fit of laughter. 1t WAS all very
well for Cousin Jane, she's so nice and
discreet and sensible, and would take
such good care of you; but me-excuse
me for laughing, Mr.. Norcross, but it's
so funnyW
at doesn't strike me in that light"
said he.
"Oh, dear, fear I've been rude-I
didn't mean to be-but pray forget it
all, and let's be good friends, Mr..
Norcross, just as if nothing had hap
pened."
"COme, Blanche, the boats ready"
said voice.
"Coming" called she. "Willie
Breck and l are going out for pond-lil-
les. Goodbye, Mr.. Norcross." And
Gilbert stood and saw her rowed OF by
an academy boy IL a roundabout
jacket. M
To be refused twice M one day is no
common experience. Yet it happened
to Gilbert Norcross, and although James
rejection had been relief, it was none
the less a modification. He knew,
from the smiles and jests of his COM
panions, that the story had in some
fashion spread among them, which
made his position so uncomfortable that
he soon stole quietly away; and ever
since the mere mention of Blue Specta-
cles has the same effect upon him that
q red rag has on certain of the bovine
species. - Youths COMPANION.