Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-06-25
In THREE EPISODES.
MORNING.

Sir Algernon Tudor was eminently
aristocratic and exceedingly cookbook
ing, but not altogether so wise as a
baronet with rent roll of 100000 a
year ought to be.
And Sir Algernon was desperately in
love with Lady Dolly Castleton, who
was, as everybody knew, the prettiest
girl In all the country, and not bad
match even for Sir Algernon.
Dolly, for her part, was quite aware
of the tender feeling she inspired, and
was even prepared to reciprocate it as
soon as the gentleman gave her chance
of doing SO, without overstepping the
bounds of maiden modesty and reserve;
for Dolly was a very discreet young
lady, and knew better than to make her
self cheap by meeting advances too
readily, or doing any of the love-making
herself. And poor Sir Algernon, who
was shy and not very ready of speech,
found this sweet, unvarying friendliness
very trying, for he was dreadfully in
love, and anxious above all things to
propose, and get that difficult question
OF his mind, and yet he never seemed
able to arrive at the desired goal
But one morning he screwed up his
courage to a very high point. Fortune
had favored him, for he had been in
vited to lunch at the house where Dolly
was staying, and he was to remain for
small dance which was to follow on
the same evening, so that he would pass
many consecutive hours in the imme-
date neighborhood of his idol, and it
was all but impossible that the day
could pass without giving him the de-
sired opportunity.
I'll propose to-day-Ill settle it all
to-day" said Sir Algernon to himself
over and over again, as he dressed him
self with the most scrdpulous care. "I'll
go over early with those duets she
promised to try with me. That will
give us an excuse for getting into some
room by ourselves, and when the music
and words have led up to it, I'll have it
out with her. 1 believe she cares for
me, and I'll make her give me my an
swer. [ can't live day longer in this
suspense"
Fortune favors the brave, and Sir AL
gernon, who tried to persuade himself
that his courage was unbounded, soon
found himself alone with Dolly and his
duets in a delightful little boudoir,
where it was most likely they would re-
main undisturbed all the morning.
Dolly, In the most charming of morn
ing wrappers, looked more like an an
gel than young lady, and the tender
way in which that fascinating pair sang
sentimental duets was truly romantic,
and deserved more appreciative audi
ence than that afforded by the giggling
couple who were enjoying the music
just outside the door,
Now, it must be explained that Dolly
Castleton had "a very mischievous
brother, who had reached the merciless
age of nineteen. Of this fact Sir Al
gernon was aware, and always took
care to do his love-making beyond the
reach of that young mans sharp eyes.
But he was not aware of the existence
of an equally mischievous younger sis
ter, because she had only just appeared
upon the scene, and very much aston
ished and disguised was he when, Just
as he had summoned up his resolution,
and was about to pour into Dolly's ears
the story of his hopes and fears, the
door was flung open, and these two au-
dacious individuals rushed noisily in,
followed by great mastiff dog of SO
fierce an aspect that Sir Algernon fed
precipitately into corner and barri-
,caded himself with a table and two
chairs.
Dolly pouted and looked daggers at
her brother and sister, but her voice
was sweet and placid as ever
"Sir Algernon, must present you to
my sister Freda Freddie, do send that
horrid dog away. People think we
are very much alike-sometimes we are
mistaken one for another"
Dolly and Freda were alike in feat
ure and in voice; but the likeness was
not easy to detect, for Dolly's face was
pensive and demure, and her voice low
toned and gentle; whereas Freda was
always laughing, and her mischievous,
saucy looks and ways were singularly
unlike her sisters.
'Alikep echoed Sir Algernon, as he
slowly advanced with his eye on the
dog. 81 cannot see the smallest re-
semblance. Why, nobody in his senses
could mistake you for a momentum
possible! Still, I am delighted to
make Lady Freda's acquaintance. I
really did not know"
''Did not know of my existence p
laughed Freda. How odd; for I've
heard oceans aud oceans of stories
about you. Indeed, am quite tired |
Hush, Freda" interposed DolIy's