The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-07-09
Written for THE COMET.
SLIGHTLY TANGLED.
BY ANNIE L. BUIK.


handsome, dreamy, blue eyes were
anywhere but upon its pages.
Mamie, Hugh's cousin, sat on
rustic bench near by, presenting a
provokingly sweet, unconscious pic
ture and somehow he could not, for
the life Of him, keep his eyes off of
her, though he tried hard to do so.
The truth is, he loved to look at her.
Who didn't?
Mamie was not beautiful, but only
passably pretty and very, sweet and
facinating. That is homely girls
only privilege as well as consolation.
She is inwardly "a very sweet girl
poor dearp How we should like to
spring at such commentors and-pull
their back hair.
Nannie's dark head bent over her
dainty work, taking no more notice OF
her cousin than if such person were
not in existence Hugh bore it as
long as possible. Finally he burst out
with "The deuce, Mamie, can't you
put up your everlasting work mo-
ment, OF does life depend upon your
exertions?" as he pulled his hat down
over her eyes and looked up at her.
Certainly. That is, can put it
up; but why, cousin, does the green
zephyr affect your eyesr with very
sweet little smile.
"Plague the zephyrl You have not
looked off but twice since you be-
gun"
"Am so closely observed as that?
There You have caused me to take
wrong stitch. One has to be very at
tentiye to such work." as she bent to
bite thread.
eyes! and let a fellow lie here and
die with the blues, wanting some one
to talk too" and he flung the book on
the lawn and looked down steadily
at it.
"Is that it? OF course / can speak
now and then. This bird is so diff
cult to make, cannot raise my eyes.
"Mother's out on some of her chari-
ty work, NelPs with her dolls and I"
as he yawned.
"You are here to tease me into
speaking angrily to you again, finish.
ed his cousin, Miss Loving is to pay
us n visit this afternoon"
Eyes" She watched his face; but
nothing was gained. Mamie, the
truth is I've something to say to you
Of course it is confidential. Pm in
love and"
"There, Hugh, some one is calling
Company has arrived, suppose. o.
course you will join me in few mo
ments.' She gathered up her work
and Hugh watched her pretty, white
robed figure fit here and there
through the shrubbery till she reach
ed the house. Then he fell back will
smothered ejaculation. WHY
couldn'tcompany wait awhile2 Their,
was always something to call Nanni,
when he wanted her worst. The Wis
itors might go to the--to Mexico fo
all he cared, and he turned upon hi
back and pulling his hat over his eyes
lay there, little caring whether tn
sun entirely roasted him or not, the
we dare say he would have done a
most foolish, love-smitten, despairinl
youths do, under the circumstances
assumed position to avoid Old So
had his.rays become too penetrating
for his comfort.
Mamie Maine was Hugh's secon
cousin and SO very lovely and facinat
ing that she found her way to a
hearts alike.
Little Nell worshipped her, SO di
DIR. viii Grey and certain youn
gentlemen, nameless for the presen
but the girl went on in her way, gi,
ing encouragement to none, becomin
extremely cold and dignifed howeve
should any unfortunate youth betra
any unusual affection. That VIZ
what mystifed more than one az
mirer.
There are some girls ready to brea
their neeks for a smile from mou
tached, tabacco-stained lips, or for
glimpse Of few brass buttons on
very blue coat of very young maj
Mamie did not belong to this class
dolls or dummies. She was flesh an
blood and she lived and acted, n,
merely breathed and. existed.
The evening passed away and i
Hugh appeared to help entertain con
pany. Miss Loving was surprised
behold Mr.. Hugh d. Main rocking
and fro in the hammock as she an
hei friends passed down the lawn tn
she looked and smiled sweetly.
The fact was Mr.. Hugh was more
favorite of hers than she of his.
A few hours later Mamie lay in h
pretty, little room, the picture Of
spair, her eyes red from weeping al