The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-11-01

his luck and keep the result secret until
one hour before the ball tomorrow,
when we are all to meet here and the
result make known; and we all swear
that the unfortunates are to congratu-
late their successful rival without jeal-
ousv or i'll will. There! the bell cries,
All light QUIT so here, for the last time,
obey its summons!" and before the
others could prevent it, Frank Lewis
blew out the lamp, leaving the others to
scramble out of the room in the best
manner they could.
Commencement day, technically speak.
ing, was at an end; that is, the orator
had spoken, the degrees had been con-
ferred, and students and guests had
scattered to assemble again at the ball
that was 10 close the day.
One by one the seven conspirators
reached the place of randezvous, and
sat down in silence, as each feared to
be the first to speak. At last Wilt Har.
rington, whom nothing could long
daunt, looked triumphantly around, and
said:
s'Well, gentlemen, 1t becomes a mere
matter of form TO put the question as to
which is the happy man.
"Why2" "How can you know2"-
"Did she tell your" escaped from the
lips Of the half dozen.
81 shall be glad to receive your con-
gratulations, for Miss Cherry has smiled
most benignly on my suit"
An exclamation of surprise followed
this announcement.
"Come, Will, that won't do," said
Frank Lewis, "as happen to be Miss
Brompton's choice"
"And IT, "And II" exclaimed each
OF the others in their turn. There was
a moments blank astonishment and 81
lence, then a cry of "Sold, by Jove!
broke simultaneously from the group
"Bayard Raynor has betrayed US =
He shall rue his share in this farce!" and
Will Harrington's swarthy face became
still darker with rage, when further
comments were stayed as gentle rar
was heard, and Miss Cherry Brompton
thrust her pretty face through the hall
open door.
= "Please, Mr. Harrington, don't threat
en- so loud, especially an innocent per
sonl Can Mr.. Raynor and | come in p
and waiting no reply she entered the
room followed by Bayard Rsynor.
The best laid plans come oft to grief,
she continued, sand yours, gentlemen
would have been admirable had you ts.
ken into consideration the thinness oI
partition walls"
"You heard US, them"
"Not exactly. An humble admirer
though less presumptuous, perhaps more
devoted, no other than Irish Tommy
overheard your plot, and duly reported
Can you blame me If turned the tables
on your
aThen you mean to reconsider youl
answerp" asked all together.
"Why, l can't very well do otherwise
gentlemen, as / cannot marry all o.
you,' she answered, demurely.
But, Miss Cherry" persisted Will
Harrington, known far and near for hi:
unyielding temper. twill you at leas
give US token by which one Of us vii
understand that for him your answer il
still the same?"
81 don't know how that might havt
been, Mr.. Harrington, if you had no
been forestalled, but you know, frs
come first served, and Mr.. Raynor pro
posed just d hours ahead of you," snt
unable longer to control ber feelings
the young lady LEFT the room suddenly
leaving her lover to explain matters a
he best could.
"Well, boys" said Bayard, as sool
as Miss Cherry had disappeared, =
hope you bear me no malice, for all i
fair in love and war. You see l coul'
not promise to do what had alread.
been done, and but for your hanterine
and truth to tell, your boastful manner
] should have. confessed there and then
and I only thought that it. would teac
you a lesson. Honor bright, l kne'
nothing of the true state of affairs unit
coming here, I met Cherry, who tol
me what she bad done. As the mex
best thing to being the bridegroom is t
dance at the wedding, i hope TO see 70
all at mine, three months hence. til
shortest period under which Miss Che
nv Brompton will consent to becom
Mrs. Raynor. Who will wish us Go
speed ?"
A moment no one answered, the
; Will Harrington, as prone to genero,
!. impulses as he was quick to ange
crossed over to the young man, who
they all loved, and grasping the ou
stretched hand shook it warmly. H
example was gladly followed by Il
!, others, and ere the wedding day tn
could all join the laugh sure to folio
any alusions to Cherry's proposals.