Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-12-02
4 LOVE TIFF.
Clara Thwaites.

They had 4 loVe-quarrel. Ethan
Nash and Tilly Fogg had been the
most earnest of lovers, especially lilly.
Ethan did not betray half the warmth
about it that she did, because it never
was in him; but if ever man wanted
moro devotion, and affection, and all
that sort of thing than lilly Fogg gener-
ously lavished on Ethan Nash, he must
have been an unnatural and cXacting
fellow.
For some days they had been very
careful not to speak to one another.
No two people ever tried so hard to
be entirely indifferent each TO the
other.
At last it got to be so bad that Ethan
had stayed away from lilly for two or
three weeks. How he managed to do it
was mystery, and always will be; it
can be explained only on principles of
contraries, and sulks and oddities.
1t was getting to be rather unpleas-
ant considered in all points of view.
There was poor lilly almost dying from
the treatment, though she never would
have entered complaint of any sort in
the car of any living soul; her eye was
beginning to lose little of its usual
brightnesS-Icould see itplainly enough
and the red roses on her cheeks were
fading rather fast.
There happened to be another young
miss in the village. who had been teach
ing the district school during the sum-
lner, and had finally concluded that it
would be the pleasantest thing she
could do 10 stay through the winter, too,
and visit around. just at this particular
time she was staying at Squire Judkin's
house. Her name was Lucy Doanc.
Lucy Doane was just the smartest
girl, in her own estimation, l think l
ever knew. Having been selected to in
struct the younger portion of the chill
dren the past summer in needlework
and alb, alb, and being considered COM
potent TO keep the smallest ones from
rolling off the benches, while asleep,
upon the floor. she somehow reasoned
herself into the complacent idea that
there was no lady in the place who
could beat her in conversation, correct
grammar, or, indeed, any of the accom-
plishments that were going.
She wore glasses with silver bows,
mittS on her hands, and always kept
her work-bag on her left arm. per-
feet picture of ''school-marm" in all
the persons parts and qualities.
At this particular time there was
deep fall of snow on the ground, and
the sleighlng was glorious. Bells and
bellies made the old country roads mer-
ry, far and near. There We're parties
without number to the nGlghboring
towns, making up merry dances in
every old tavern-haIl where the screech
of the fiddle had ever resounded.
Well, to make the story us short as
possible, Ethan received II very neatly
written note one afternoon from Lucy
Doanc, written in her characteristic
style of precision and trmness. all cor
rectly phrased and spelled, saying that
she would be very happy TO accept his
polite invitation to 90 to the next ball
over ut Upfeid, and would hold herself
an readiness accordingly.
whats AIl this!' exclaimed Ethan
when he had fairly read the note
through.
He was puzzled and confounded
Il never invited Lucy Doane to 90 to
the Upheld ball in my life! Why, what
does she mean? Tn sure don't know
how to proceed in such case!'
Which was all perfectly true. Ethan
Nash was in Il regular quandary.
So he came right over to consult with
ine about it. Why he selected me out
of all the rest of his numerous acquain-
tances in the village. never knew, ard
probably never shall, but he came and
laid the matter plainly before me, aud
says he:
"Now, John. Iwant your advice"
You shall have it, with all my
heart" says |.
"l'm in regular fix" said he. You
see, the way OF it is this: Here I've got a
letter from Lucy Doane,' producing it
from his pocket, and holding 1t out ut
arm 's-lengtI, land she says in that let
ter that she IS very happy to accept ruy
kind invitation to 60 to the sIcighing
party up to Upheld. when the fact is |
never asked her to 60 with me in my
life"
| could not help smiling.
"Rather awkward" " ! suggested.
"lsn't it? Now | wish you would tell
re what I'd better do about it.
"Do?'
''Yes, what would you do? You Sec
must do something"
"Oh, certainly; that letter must be
answered somehow"
Then what would you say to it.
How would you try to get out of it,
John"
I'D up aud thank her for accepting"
said |, land then I'd secure nice sleigh
against the time came around and carry
her"
"You would! The Old Harry must be
in your
''On the contrary, assure you it's
Just the best thing you can possibly do.
Just take my advice for once and see
what will come of it,
He hung down his head, put the note
in his pocket, and suffered himself %
think of it.
There was no chance of escape. He
saw for himself. thanks to his native
common sense, that the best way 10
silence that battery was to walk straight
up to it.
Which he did, and sent back his mes
sage of thanks to Lucy for deigning to
comply with his request.
The afternoon OF the sleigh-ride was