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

| er 1oaVeSf
Alas, and again alas Instead of be-
| ing asked to be the mistres of his heart
as l felt sure he was going to say, |
was requested to take charge of lot
| of dirty stupid children. For mona
ent felt like crying out. then and
| there, in vexation and disappoint-
ment; but keeping it down by great
effort, l replied, sharply:
''Indeed, Mr.. Maxwell, my health
| is too delicate for me to sit cooped up
in that wretched little school house I
should not accept your offer on any
| condition and, without giving hlrl
time to reply, darted down a side
lane and reaching home and my room
once more deluged the pillows and
Counterpart with my tears.
"Well, now, that's too bad, Susie,
said mother, when I again made her
my confident. II am sure both of
them have hung around you enough
10 make any one think they were
head over heels in love with you; but
they don't seem to have the slightest
idea of proposing. But never mind;
that's only two disappointments, and
the third time never fails, as you
know"
A day or two after this, my cousin
Ninascame over to spend few weeks
with us, and on the evening after her
arrival we went to a party in the vii
| lage, where we were introduced to
lank youth of about "a summers, who
bore the old and classic name of Smith
-Alonzo Smith.
My susceptible heart, having recov-
cred somewhat from the shock Of my
previous misfortunes, was instantly
| Unlisted in his favor, and that night,
having been escorted home by him,
Nina whispered to me:
''NoW, Susie, here is chane to bind
up your wounds for she also knew of
my failures), and succeed at last. I
guess Mr.. Smith must be interested IN
you, for caught him looking slyly at
you several times during the evening""
At this my heart rejoiced exceeding
ly, but, determined not to judge mat
ters too hastily, laid no expectations
as yet. But when, after short &C
quaintance, Mr.. Smith came quite fire.
Quently to see us, and became my part
ner IN dance, croquet, or ride, I once
more allowed my hopes to rise, and as
cended again into blissful realms of ex-
pectancy and hope.
To be sure Mr.. Smith danced occas.
ionally with Nina, and sometimes
gladced at her when she was seated by
me; but he turned his glance SO quick
ly away if she looked up at him that /
fancied it was because he did not wish
her to think that he entertained any
other feeling for her than that OF
| friendship. Things went on in this
way for about month, when one eve
ming asI was sitting alone on the porch,
| while Nina was in the parlor playing
| the piano, heard a step on the gravel
walk, and 10 oking up saw Mr.. smith
approaching. Rising from my seat
with some little futtering, / babe him
good evening, and then sat down
"Who is that playing?" he asked,
seating himself beside me.
'"That is Cousin Nina" / replied :;
''shall we 60 in and join herr"
mot just yet" said Mr.. Smith, lay
ing his hand on my arm to detain me,
as I was about to rise; 81 want to
speak to you for few moments
first"
Thinking that the time I had been
so long waiting for had surely come
at last, leaned back to wait for the
blissful words which I felt sure I
should soon hear.
Miss Susie" began Mr.. Smith after
| few moments of silence, 81 have
| come to you this evening to acqualnt
| you with the secret of my heart and
ask your assistance in accomplishing
my dearest wishes"
He paused a moment and thinking
| that perhaps he was waiting for me to
say something I faltered:
II will give you all the assistance
ing rogushly at him. I added: 81
| hope you'll be successful"
''Thank you" he replied; ''and now
I'll state the case During the last
few weeks l have fallen in love with
a young lady, but the fear that may
have loved in vain has prevented me
informing her of it, but tonight re-
| solved to wait no longer, but know
my fate. And now, Miss Susie, as
you seem to understand me, tell me,
am I loved in return2"
All, blissful moment, here it was
at last; for lie had caught my hand
and was looking eagerly into my face
| For a moment / was silent; then al
| lowing my head to drop toward his
shoulder, l murmured In happy tones
"Oh, Alonzo, can you doubt that I
love you2 Indeed, t"
But here was interested by an ex-
| clamation from Mr. Smith, and raising
my head, saw that he was staring at
| me in anna cement.
"Why, Miss-Miss Susie |" he STAN
mered, IL didn't mean you; pom
my honor didn't. I was talking
about our cousin, Miss Nina. I am
sorry you made such a mistake, and"
But sprang to my feet, ready to
die with modification at this third
disappointment, and sputtered out j:
Mr.. Smith, don't you ever presume
to speak to me again If you want
my cousin Nina, go and ask her your
self. You needn't think I am going
to help you. You wicked creature, to
| deceive me SO u