Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-03-11
HER AWFUL TRIALS.

I'm sure I don't know! and I'm all
out of patience with trying to find cut !!
so therel l don't see why I should be
doomed TO life of Single unblessed-
ness" any more than any other NOR
tai for, although I'll be frank and CON
fess that I am by no means bewilder-
ingly beautiful, yet I'm tolerably
good-looking. Tt isn't that I've been
destitute of admirers; oh, no I've had
at one time or other. There was a
young man in "our town" who rejoic-
ed ia the melodious and romantic ap-
pelation ofAminidab SlipkIns-a ter
rible narrowing one for yonng deli
cate lady like myself to think about;
but then, even Mrs. Slipkins was bet
ter than Miss anything, you know.
We met quite frequently at the
parties and the picnics with which the
good people OF our village were wont
to amuse themselves; and each time |
returned with the bllssful conviction
that he was more deeply in love with
me than ever, and that the day Of his
declaration was not far distant.
He'll soon come to it, =" soliloquiz-
ed one morning, as [ sauntered out in
to the garden to feed nay pet hen, a
great beauty in my eyes and those of
others, and one that Mr.. Sipkins had
seen and admired; 81 declare, I wish
he'd hurry, for I want to see how it
feels to have a proposal?'
Hardly had I given utterance to
this sentiment WHEN Iheard some one
I.a1~sv,~ ~
in the kitchen door.
Susie" said she, as [ came up to
her, Mr.. Slipkins has just called,
and wants to see you on particular
business, he says"
Of course these two words "partic-
ular business" had but one interpreta-
ton to me, and FASTENED to the par
Ior where Mr.. Slipkins was awaiting
me, and, after shaking hands with
him, sank into a chair to await the
course of events. He fdgited around
a little, and finally, hitching his chair
a little nearer to mine, he began.
''Mlss-Miss Susie, | came to ask q
"a favor of you; I don't know wheth-
er you'll grant it or not, but [ hope
you wlllp
OF course I thought this the proper
time to blush, which I did to my COM
plete satisfaction, afterward tanning
myself and coughing little to recover
my equilibrium.
Proceed Mr.. Slipkins!" I said, in
tones of sweet encouragement, while
bhssful visions of a kneeling adorer
and prOtestatiOns of undying affection,
ETC., hoated before me; let me know
your request"
''WelI you see Miss SUSIE" contin-
ued Mr.. Slipkins wriggling around me
like an cal, and speaking as if the
words were jerked out by force
pump, you see my mothers very fond
OF them things and [ promised I'd
bring her one if could find a pretty
one, so thought d ask you" here
he kept me IN a state of delicious sus.
pense, and then added you let me
have that ere white hen of yours. I've
taken an awful fancy to her and [
thought mebby you'd be wiliin' to sell
her to me, SEEM that we're friends. :"
MIR. Slipkins, you'll have to look
elsewhere, for / shall not sell my pet
to any one"
And leaving him III the parlor, to
find his way out as best he might,
| hurried upstairs to my room and
threw myself n despairing heap on
, the bed, indulging IN that Roman's
luxury, "a good cry"
Never mind, Susiei" said mother,
when [ decended from my room half
an hour later, and told her of my
misfortune. There are plenty left
yet, you know. Now, there's Mr..
Maxwell. He seems to like you, and
| shoudn't wonder if he'd propose some
of these days"
These words soothed my troubled
feeling, and once more infused hope
into my maiden heart; and the very
next day, as [ was sauntering slowly
home from an errand Ia the village
heard step behind me, and turnin-
ing, saw Mr.. Maxwell.
GOOD morning, Miss SUSIE" he
said, as he held out his haad. 81 was
just coming to your house to see you,
and now that | have met you I might
as well state my business bere.n
Again my hopes rose balloon-like'
as he paused for moment.
" I have been looking around the
village for some time" pursued Mr.,
Maxwell, to find young lady suited
for the station that is to be occupied.
and don't see any SO satisfactory as
yourself, Miss Susie"
Here he paused again, and I MUIR
INJURED:
Il am sure, Mr.. Maxwell, am
honered with your preference. I
should be very happy to"
Il thought so, Miss susie, Interrupt
ted he;" and therefore let me ask you /: