The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1882-09-16


to prove true.
81 meant to have told you more about
Harry's brother the other day, Belle"
said Mr.. Richards, coming to Miss Win
tiers, who was in the same cotillion with
Joe and Lizzie Cutler.
your brother, Mr.. Kingsley" asked
Belle of her partner.
yes" continued Joe, as Mr.. Kings
lev bowed assent, "his n-brother,
and so like him that you could hardly
distinguish one from the other. His
name is Ashton. / want you to ask
him over TO your sociables too"
"We shall all be very happy to do so,
/ am sure" answered Belle. You must
be sure to bring your brother with you,
at our next dance, Mr.. Kingsley"
THANK YOU" he said, with little
hesitation "not with me, / fear; but |
will send him in my stead. Our father
is old and infirm, and we never leave
him alone"
Belle bowed in acquiescence. Every
well, then" she said, "we shall be glad
to see either of YOU"
At the next sociable, Mr. Ashton
Kingsley was presented to the fair la
dies of Cranston, by Mr.. Richards.
Their opinions in regard to the brothers
were freely expressed when the sewing
society met on the following Wednes-
day. Some pronounced them so much
alike that it would be impossible ever to
know them apart. Others thought Ash
ton somewhat taller than his brother,
and believed his hair and eyes were
darker. Most considered him more
quiet and reserved than Henry, and all
agreed that Belle was likely to appro-
pirate both.
1t certainly seemed so as the season
wore on, and one or the other of the
twins was Bellies devoted cavalier at
every dance and sleighing party, and
many were the discussions as to which
she would choose. If such discussions
came to Bellies ears, she would laugh
ingly suggest that she might never
have the chance to choose either.
80, but that is all nonsense" Lizzie
Cutler would cry. "Any one can see
that you will have the chance soon
enough"
well. then" said Belle on one of
these occasions, with a sudden gravity
of demeanor that made all her compan-
ions believe that she had really decided
the matter. "then will tell you what
think l will dor
"Whatp' exclaimed every one,
eagerly crowding about her, in their
anxiety to know Bellies preference.
"Tll choose bothr' and Belle laughed
gavly at the disappointed group.
But in her own mind Belle was debat-
ing the same question. She could scarce
ly be blind to the fact that she was like
" to be called on to decide between the
two brothers. With Henry she was
gay, ready for any frolic or mischief,
and found him such a willing participa-
tor; though upon occasion he would re-
veal plenty of good sterling sense, as
much, perhaps, as Ashton, who, while
equally pleasant, was more reserved in
his manners. Belle, according to her
varying mood, sometimes preferred one,
and sometimes the other till she was
half-inclined to think she could never
choose.
One day while thinking over the mat
ter sudden idea struck her. At first
she rejected it as utterly impossible, but
the more she pondered the more con-
WINGED she was that she had now found
a way to make her decision, and she re-
solved to watch carefully for any proof
of her own theory. This she did. and
grew more and more confirmed in her
belief; her intimate knowledge of Joe
Richards, who was a distant cousin and
lifelong confederate in every bit of
mischief or practical joke, much aiding
in her decision.
Therefore, when, toward spring
Belle received letter from each of the
brothers, each containing an avowal of
their love for her, she was not unpre-
pared. Both were earnest, manly let
tcrs, though differing in style as the
brothers differed in character. Henry s
was more lively and playful than Ash
toms, but in one respect they were
alike. Each stated that he knew of his
brothers feelings toward her, and that
time, asking her to choose between
them, and pledging themselves that
the rejected one, whichever he
might be, would henceforth regard
her as dear sister, and harbor no i'll
feeling to her, or his more fortunate
brother!
This" added Ashton, lis perhaps
taking it too much for granted that one
of us may find favor in your eyes. If
not, we will, at least, endeavor to con-
sole each other"
A quizzical smile lowered round
Bellies mouth as she wrote her an
swer-answer, for she wrote but one,
and addressed it to the two brothers
Listen, as she reads it over, half-aloud.
To Messrs. Henry and Ashton Kingsley;
Please accept my sincere thanks for yOuI
| kind and tiattering notes. Having duly con
sdered the contents, have decided that will