River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1886-01-28
ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS
WELL.

1NNAAAAAA thtiAAAiEo 81 AAABA tatANA i1tAL Va
southern Illinois, that two Young men
lounged in front of the main hotel of
the thriving little village OF R.,
smoking an after-supper cigar. As they
watched the curling smoke Of their
Hayanas, they engaged in a lazy de-
sultory conversation, induced by the
subtle splendor Of the departing day.
The interest of Glare was suddenly
aroused, however, as two ladies passed
and bowed to his companion. They
were both young, but one of them was
woman who woulC attract attention
anywhere, and mo,e especiallyso in an
out-of-the-way village, such as R
was az that time.
A figure beyond the average height,
the graceful curves of which showed
perfection in tho close-fitti ny black
walking dress she wore, queenly head
with the heavy, dark braids coiled 81
the back, and the whole surmounted
by stylish and coquettish, hat. made
pretty picture. Add to this haugh-
ty. high-bred face, slightly pale but
every feature perfect as the most fas-
lidious lover of beautiful woman could
desire, and you have Florence Fielding
as she appeared on that calm autumn
evening.
isn't she beauty" Jim, Glare IN
voluntarily exclaimed to his companion
pulling himself together after the ladies
were some distance away.
Which one?'' asked Mcleod, with
a latent CLEAN in his eyes which belied
his ignorance of the lady meant.
The younger, and smaller, Of
course, said jim petulantly.
We'll. yes. she is rather comelv,
aud is somewhat of on heiress, too,
which adds &c her many charms. " said
Frank.
And who is she, pray? and does
such a divinity rs that animate this I'M
interesting spotP' anXiously inquired
Clare
That is Miss Florence Fielding, the
belle of the village. who resides with
her father within the envirOns Of the
town, said Mcleod.
Wonder if she is heart-whole and
in maiden meditation fancy free?'
unused Jim.
''Oh, no; her heart and fortune are
bespoken-more 5 the pity
''Such a sbame!' Indignantly re-
marked Jim. "when there Is such good
material Tor husbands in r.. and
where her money could be placed
where it would dc the most good
ooh, one of the village swains has
captured this matrimonial prize. But
he has had anything but smooth sail
ing, and she may escape him yet.
Something of ilirt. eh?''
''Not exactly. But come up to my
room, and Ill tell you all know about
thesmatter.
This being done. Mcleod commenced.
his narrative
Florence Fielding and Joe Logan
grew up together in this village. She
was ever a belle. courted BY all the
boys of the village, who were yeritable
slaves to her sweet will Among the
most ardent of her boyish admirers
was Joe, who. Notwithstanding the
many snubs he received, was always
her knight. true and trusted.
'Time went on, and Joc's devotion
seemed to have touched the heart OF
the petted belle, and he received more
of her attention than any of the others.
eat last Florence had acquired all
the knowledge that could be impaired
in the village schools, and was sent oil
to Ohio to a female college, while Joe.
whose parents were too poor to afford
him the advantages of better educa-
ton than the village afforded, labored
during the day and studied hard at
night, and before Florence was 'iinisi-
ed, he had been duly admitted to the
bar. and hung out his single in has
native town, his aim ever being to win I
. place for himself. and Florence for /
his wife.
But the best laid plans. etc. [
While at school. Florence formed the I
acquaintance and was smitten with the /
charms of another. and without be- /
a thought on the devoted and .
t lithful Joe, promised her hand and .
fortune to her new lover.
''Joe was wretched when lie received I
the intelligence, but his indomitable .
spirit was not crushed. He worked .
the harder, and was somewhat morbid .
for a time; but his was a nature that
could not long remain morose or sui /
len, and he soon appeared his natural (
self again, only more quiet and sad
than usual.
Florence completed her education
and came home. and at once took the
lead in all the social events of the vii
lage. and Joe was soon her devoted
escort to all the parties and other
places of amusement that this quiet
place afforded, more deeply in love
with her than ever; she had more than
realized hex youthful promise of
beauty.
Joe made mad love to her. but re-
ceived no Encouragement. though she
treated him a a very dear friend. and
accepted him as her regular escort.
Then came break in even this
questionable pleasure for poor doe.
Prince Charming from ohio appeared
on the scene, on visit to his betrothed%i
and
us he handsome?" broke in jim,
the narrative.
yes. indeed. A cOGnaissaer in
with his personal appearance. And he
IS a polished mau of the world. well
calculated 10 charm the fancy of q
maiden who had never come in contact
with any type of men higher than the
village beauX.
His highneSs spent several days in
viewing the landscape. monopolizing
his lady love, and investigating her
bank accOunt-so it was maliciously
As 10 whether this was
true, or merely the invention Of rival,
the deponent saith not. At any rate,
poor Joe had to take a back seat, and
{ troubled him terribly. And Dame
Rumor hath it that bis ioIdship from
Ohio, heard Of the friendly terms his
rival and betrothed had been upon, aud
ou. his veto upon it. Be that as it may
i was some time before it was resumed,
but resumed II was.
Then some person in Town received |