Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-09-02
WINNING AND LOSING.

b6li All GnbStl iOd-S al tiS iASb
ion of it would be there, and MIR. Richard
Strout had gotten himself up with specia
reference TO outshining his own brilliant
self. He was to be the escort OF Miss Co
ryphe Wellmet, the tip.top beauty of An
tequam, and only daughter of rich re
tired banker, who might any day succumf
to a benigniy providential stroke OF apo
plexy.
In the race in which the stake was the
lady and her fortune Richard Strout wai
sure he held the inside track. 1t wa:
plain to his eyes that she was deeply
smitten-how could she help it, for that
matter wasn't he, the aforesaid Richard
simply irresistible He hadn't just popped
the question yet, but there was plenty O
time for that; he would do it in due sea
son-and when he did he had no misglv
ings as TO what would be the answer.
Having the fish securely hooked, like &
true Waltonian he would enjoy playing
with il awhile.
But what was the joke Mr.. Strout wa:
contemplating jointly with the wonderful
bow OF his cravat? Let him unfold 1t to
Miss Coryphe himself as they met in her
fathers front parlor preparatory to starting
to the ball.
"See here, Corie, he said, touching her
elbow with finger miraculously gloved.
II I've got little job for you.
"What is it. most noble Dick Z"
"To tame bear.
"Must begin now ?" she asked, with a
roguish look which seemed to intimate that
the object to be operated on might not be
thousand miles away.
"Ha Ha " laughed Richard, not quite
heartily present company, you know, is
excepted. The particular grizzly on which
/ would exercise your docile power Is not
here. but will be at the ball TO night.
You've heard me mention Bruce Dan.
bridge" he began.
"The bore and bookworm p
"Yes."
"And woman.hater ?"
Exactly-how we'll you remember"
ga man too bashful to kiss his own
mother, think I've heard you say. Well,
what of this dried specimen OF yours?'
"He's visiting some friends here in
Antequam, and, as | said, will be at Mrs.
Dazzhtt's ball to night"
"And he's your"
"Bsar?" added Richard "you've hit
il straight"
Now, Corie,'' he continued, "Tve laid
wager with Charley Brace, an old college
mate of Bruce Dandridge's and mine, that
if Bruce can be introduced to you he'll fall
in love and propose to you in fortnight.
Won't you help me win ;"
"You don't want me to court him, do
you?" Coryphe replied; lyon know it
isn't leap.year."
"No, but if you'll LET yourself On to
play the agreeable, l think I'll stand a
chance. l know it is heavy odds, but it
proves my confidence in your charms"
"Well, trot out your monster, and let
ma see him" said Coryphe, buttoning the
dozenth button on her right glove, which
completed her preparations for departure.
Mrs. Dazzlitt's spacious parlors were al
ready crammed when the fair Coryphe en-.
tered with her beau. The belle of Ante
guam never appeared to better advantage,
and Richard Stront's heart swelled with
pride at the consuming envy cleaning
from the circle of masculine eyes of which
he and his beautiful companion were the
snter.
al see him now," whispered Richard,
when they had paid their devoirs to the
mistress of the mansion. "Let me bring
him at once, that no time may be lost"
Miss Wellmet, Mr.. cambridge" said
Richard. returning and presenting tall
and singularly handsome gentleman, who
colored deeply, but, in spite of his con-
fusion, he did and said the right things
without a bit of awkwardness.
Richard slipped away and left the two
together A set was forming for dance.
Bruce cambridge could do no less than ask
the lady to join him in it.
81 fear, Miss Wellmet, you will find me
an Indifferent partner" he apologized.
"Should l make mistakes, l must trust
you to set them right.
He did make several at first, but CoTyphe
corrected them SO pleasantly that his EN-.
barrassment was trifiing and soon wore off
and after few turns his mathematical
head SO Completely mastered the figure that
none would have known but he had taken
double first at Monsieur Caricoie's
dancing academy.
The quadrllle over, Mr.. Dlndridge led
Coryphe to a seat and engaged her IN a
conversation In which both seemed deeply
interested.
''Isn't she doing beautifully ? said Dicb,
to himself, looking from a distance, and
noting the encouraging looks with which
Coryphe drew Bruce out, and the brilliant
light that shone in the latter's eyes as they
met those of his listener.
They had another dance, and another
talk together longer than the first.
"Bv George it's going on swimming.
lyl" D OK mentally calculated. :" l must
manage to have him see her home. At tnia
rate shall win far inside of time"
Approaching and casting meaning look
on Coryphe.
would you mind if l went home and
left You IN Mr.. Dandridge's care ;" be
asked. live been taken with rack,
ing headache. I'm sure owe Bruce here
noapology for afforiing him real pleasure.
Mr. Strout was excused, and, as it almost
seemed to him, with thanks.
Next day, when he called to hear Cory
phe report of progress, he was gratiied
to find that Bruce cambridge had preceded
him. It nearly looked as Il his own com
ing had disturbed a tete.a-tete.
Mr., Strout couldn't help rubbing hi;
hands in silent glee. He made but brief
stay. He was far too shrewd to mar his
chances by trenching on the rale that
"two's company.
''Isn't she a trump" he cried, as hf
walked home exultant.
Aud day after day, as Richard renewed
his visits, ne found Coryphe and Bruce to.
pether. 1t almost seemed as if it was. the
same tete a-tete continued.
Wont Charley Brace and Bruce Dlnd
adge,'' he chuckled, look like a pair o
Ioodles when the one hears his money
iingling in my pocket. and I've married
Coryphe under the Others nose?'
Business called Richard Strout to tbs
CITY for few days. He sent a note tc
Coryphe, telling her to keep it mp lively
limiting that on his return be should have