Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-10-22

"What?" exclaimed every one
eagerly crowding about her, in THEN
anxiety to know Bellies preference
I'LL choose both!" and Belle
laughed gsyly at the disappointed
group.
But in her own mind Belle was
debating the same question. She
could scarcely be blind to the fact
that she was likely 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 participation; though
upon some occasions he would reveal
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
matter a sudden idea struck her. AT
first she rejected it as utterly impos-
sible, but the more she pondered the
more convinced she was that she had
found way to make her decision,
and she resolved to watch carefully
for any proof of her own theory.
This she did, and grew more and
more confirmed III her belief; her in
innate knowledge of Joe Richards,
who was distant cousin and life.
long confederate in every bit OF miss
chief 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 unprepared. Both were earnest,
manly letters, though differing
in style as the brothers differed
IN character. Henry's was more
lively and playful than Ash
ton S, but III one respect they were
alike. Each stated that he knew of
his brother feelings toward her,
and that they had agreed to write at
the same time, asking her to choose
between them, and pledging them
selves that the rejected one, which
ever he might be, would henceforth
regard her as dear sister, and har-
Dor 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. Ii not, we will, at least, en-
deavor to console each other.
A quiZzical smile lowered round
Belle mouth as she wrote her an>
swer for she vote but one,
and addressed it to the two broth
ers. Listen, as she reads it over.
half aloud:
To Messrs. Henry and Ashton Kings
ley:
Please accept my sincere thanks
for your kind and fiattering notes.
Having duly considered the contents,
[ have decided that [ will accept
both of you. l shall be happy to
see you Tomorrow evening.
Yours, BELL WINTERS.
Was there ever before such al an
swer written by a girl to two offers
of marr1agel Yet It's oddlty did not
seem to trouble Belle, who sprang
lightly up from her desk, and don
nlng her outside wraps quickly con-
veyed 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, y
she thought, show shall 1 ever get
out OF the scrape? | half wish
had never written that letter, but
never can do anything like other
girls" She paced her room ex>
cl6adIy for few moments, then sald
aloud: Il may as well make mysel1
presentabIe perhaps some one may
come, though | may have offended
past all forgiveness; at any rate,
will be ready, and if worst comes tc
worst, L must put brave face ON it
and turn it ali into jest.
Very ''presentable" she certainly
looked, though unusually pale, whe1
half nour later, as she sat alone IL
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 lool
of an accepted lover, but more thai
of a man who had lost all he holds
dear on earth, was on his face, a.
with sort of desperate courage be
walked up to Belle, who had riser
slightly to receive him.
For moment he stood before hel
without speaking, without looking
at her, then cried out impetuously
belle, Belle, can you ever forgive
such deception7 Tt seemed but {
jest till your note came, and then ]
realized in a moment what l haC
risked, and how by my folly L hac
lost you.
Belle could not speak; the ready
repartee or saucy jest which she
usually had at command failed hel
now, but she shyly extended bel
hand, while she smiled 1e>assuringlN
upon her lover.
Belle! Do you mean it Cal
you pardon me7" he exclaimed, as
he covered the little hand witt
kisses.
Apparently, Belle did mean it, anc
some minutes passed in blissfu
silence, before Mr.. Kingsley kindly
inquired: "And how long have you
known of the deception, Belle
All the time, or did Joe turr
traitor?"
He was traitorous enough" said
Belle, in her usual merry tones, ''if
as I imagine" he was the originator
of this fine plot against an unsus