Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-11-04

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the impression of his extreme youth
contributed by slight, fair moustache,
a pair of frank gray eyes, and an I'M
pulsive manner, wore off on nearer &C.
quaintance. No one could have con-
trasted more completely at all points
with George Field. 1t was the differ
ence between cart horse and a race
horse. Oliver James was excitable,
agile of limb and brain, good at games
ready of tongue, delightfully."- free of
self consciousness, chiyalrously court
eous to women. His drawingroom
gifts had earned for him no little chaff
from his male friends, but there
was too much good stuff in him of
more solid nature to allow of their
putting him down as a mere ladies'
man. There is a charm about these
frank, boyish natures that appeals as
strongly to men as to women; and the
fault to which they are most prone
the sudden overstepping of the lines of
justice, prudence, and forethought that
hem in the more evenly balanced
minds-is rarely judged with the sever
ity it deserves. No amount of reason
ing will induce people to view with the
same harshness the faults which spring
from impulsive thoughtlessness- bad
as they are-and those which are cold
blooded in origin and action.
At the end of a very short time Oliver
James was the most popular man in
Haverston. Yet he was not ready to
affiliate with every one. About women
especially his instincts were peculiarly
quick and true for a young man, and
cool from the first toward a certain set
Of girls who were most anxious to well
come him in their midst. His bearing
towards Kitty Delane was eagerly at
tentive, and she, for her part, soon de-
cided that she liked him better than
any man she had ever known. This
mutual attraction, however, was not
destined to last on without hindrance
to it's natural close.
For some time George Field did not
resent Kitty's being friendly with his
school fellow. He complacently in
formed neighbor that Kitty wanted
to hurry him up, and was trying to
make him jealous, but he shoulder t
fall into the trap, not he. He was up
to her tricks. Why, James haden't a
quarter the money. But one evening
he came home furious.
"l'll horsewhip that fellow yet!' he
exclaimed, stamping heavily up and
down his mothers sitting room. ''I'm
not to be trifled with-he shall under
stand that!''
"Who is the offender?' asked Mrs.
Field.
"Why, that whipper-snapper Hayter,
the cad!-comes up with a grin on his
face and asks when the Haverston con-
gregation are to hear the banns read
out between me and Kitty Delanc!''
"Well?' observed Mrs. Field, as
George stopped, almost spcechless with
wrath.
II said there was no hurry he con-
tinued; land then the fellow gave an
impudent ]augi-said he supposed I
knew best, but the world in general
noticed that while I talked another
acted, and that the names Oliver James
and Kitty Delane rang together like a
chime of bells!''
Mrs. Field raised her eyebrows
slightly and then said -
"Wel?'
"Well, won't stand it!'' declared
the irate son. 'She's the prettiest girl
about here, and she's my style and l
mean to marry her. I'll ask her to-
morrow, and settle the matter.''
"Shall I tell you what would happen
if you did, dear?''
| "What?"
'She would refuse you
"Refuse me!''-George laughed in
redulously-''s not such a fool!'
''Be guided by me, George; let me
act for you. l consider that Oliver
James has acted treacherously in
making love to the girl he must know
you wish to merry. He shah under
stand that he has stepped into your
place and hindered your engagement.
I advise you to behave tenderly to
Kitty, but show her that you consider
yourself wronged by her. On no
account 90 further. Leave the rest to
me-
George grumbled and growled, but
ended by giving in to his mothers
Judgment.
A day or two later Oliver James
called on Mrs. Field and found her
alone at home. To comprehend what
followed it must be borne in mind that
Mrs. Field was very clever at misrep-
resentation, and Oliver was abnor-
mally sensitive.
''This is very nice of you,' said Mrs.
Field smiling up at her visitor. ''Do
you know you are one of the few young
men in Haverston who ever take the
trouble of calling on their friends?'
II do it fol my own pleasure, re-
turned Oliver, with equal politeness;
But to-day have come with a pur-
pose. 1 am leaving Haverston and
this is farewell visit
"Why, why?' asked Mrs. Field, who
hoped that Kitty had refused him.
'The why l prefer to keep secret.
l shall be gone about four mounths.'
''Then you will not return here?'
"Oh, hope so, replied Oliver, with
a sudden sweet smile.
Mrs. Fields hopes were dashed.
She feared he had already spoken to
Kitty.
"Mr. James," she began, and then
hesitated, looking up at him wistfully.
Eyes, Mrs. Field.'
cit is very difficult for me to 90 on
but this matter is of such Importance to
my son that at the risk of offending
you 1 must speak"
Oliver regarded her little curiously
and inclined his head.
George is so wretched. All his life
he worshipped one girl, and up to a
month or two ago she evidently re-
turned his love, yet since your coming
she has thrown principle to the winds
~I Tod ~ +~ caIf witt h
you''
Oliver sat silent, resting his arm on
his knee and shading his face with his
hand, and Mrs. Field went on.
George little thought that when he
suggested your father taking The Pop
lars he was introducing rival to him
self. and now he is almost heartbroken.
He bears it bravely, but I know how
terribly he suffers"
All of this statement was false, but