Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1882-09-15

| IS OLD anu lnHrm, ana we never leave
him alone"
Belle bowed in acquiescence. Every
well. them" she said. eve 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 il would be impossible ever to
know them apart. Others thought Ash
ton somewhat taller than his brother.
and believed his hair and ewes 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. Amy one can see
that you will have the chance soon
enough"
"Well, them" said Belle on one of
these occasions, with sudden gravity
of demeanor that made all her compan-
ions believe that she had really decided
the matter, "then will tell you what
think will dor
ssW hnf
eagerly crowding about her, in their
anxiety to know Bellies preference.
I'll choose bothr' and Belle laughed
gayly at the disappointed group.
But in her own mind Belle was debat-
ing the same question. She could scarce
~ be bind 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 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
n way to make her decision. and she re-
solved to watch carefully for any proof
of her own theory. This she did. and
nj Il
belief; her intimate knowledge of Joe
Richards, who was distant cousin and
lifelong confederate in every bit of
mischief or practical joke, much aiding
in her decision.
Therefore, when, toward spring,
Belle received n 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
tiers. though differing in style as the
brothers differed in character. Henry's
was more lively and playful than Ash
tons, but in one respect they were
alike. Each stated that he knew of his
brothers feelings toward her, and that
they had agreed to write ut the same
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
brotheri
This" added Ashton, sis perhaps
taking it too much for granted that one
OF us may find favor in your eyes. If
not, we will, ut 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, rs she reads it over, half-aloud:
To Messrs. Henry and Ashton Kingsley:
Please accept my sincere thanks for your
KIND ana hattering notes Having duly con-
sidered the contents, L have decided that will
accept both OF you | shall be happy to see
Yours, BELLE WINTERS
Was there ever before such an an
swer written by a girl to two offers of
marriage! Yet its oddly did not seem
to trouble Belle, who sprang lightly up
from her desk. and donning her outside
wraps quickly conveyed her letter to the
post.
1t must be confessed, however. that
on the evening of the following day,
Belle grew decidedly nervous.
"Suppose am mistaken, after ALL"
she thought, chow shall ever get out
OF the scrape? l half wish had never
written that letter, but never can do
anything like other girls" She paced
her room excitedly for few moments,
then said aloud: :" / may rs well make
myself presentable; perhaps some one
may come though may have offended
past all forgiveness; at any rate, will
be ready. and if worst comes TO worst.
| must put brave face on it, and turn
it all into jest"
Very presentable'' she certainly
looked, though unusually pale. when a
halt-hour later, rs she sat alone in the
parlor, the servant announced Mr..
Kingsley.
Where was the other brother? Only
one entered, and if Belle were pale, he
was deathly white. No look of an &C
copied lover, but more that of a man who
had lost all he holds dear on earth, was
on his face. as with a sort of desperate
courage he walked ND to Belle. who