The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1886-05-13
STORY.
MOONLIGHT.

l. naruly know WneCner 1 was In
love with Pattle Brown or not. She
was one of those artful, bewitching
minxes, who often leave man in
doubt as to whether his heart is cap
tured or only his head TUNED.
Which was my case! If the read
er is able 20 judge he can do more
than can.
Pattie would sigh, and languish
and talk sentimental to my hearts
content, but whenever I sought to
Uring her to the point and obtain Il
categorical answer she would dodge
The issue with as much skill as vet.
eran politician.
Twas determined at last to bring
matters to crisis.
The occasion selected was that of
Il grand masked ball, at which L had
no doubt Pattiee would be present,
where, in the freedom allowed on
such occasions, l resolved to press
my suit and take nothing short of
yes or mo- for an answer.
l went SO far as to purchase very
handsome engagement ring, deter
mined if the response was favorable,
to place it on her finger forth with
aid seal the compact on the spot.
1 got myself up as Romeo, in a
style that would have caused the
hearts of the Montagues to swell
with pride and these of the Capulets
10 burst with envy.
"IIow stunning Smith looks!" l
heard more than once whispered as l
rJamed up and down in search of
Eattle, but Pattie wasn't there, or if
he was her disguise was too cons
plete to be penetrated.
As l walked anxiously about, my
attention was attracted by the most
piquant of shepherdesses, whose
movements betrayed perplexity
equal to my own. AS she passed her
steps faltered.
pardon me, sir; feel faint" she
murmured, resting her hand upon
my arm, as if for momentary sup>
port.
ALLOW me to conduct you to the
open air." answered.; 1t is quite suf-
floating here"
She thanked me gracefully and as
se;ted, explaining that she Was a
stranger and had become separated
from her friends.
The cool air revived her, and after
Il short walk through the grounds
her strength and spirits seemed en-
tirely restored.
Her conversation was vivacious
and witty. But when she came to
talk of the moonlight, and flowers.
and poetry, found that'in the field
of sentiment she could beat Pattie
two to one. In fact, l couldn't help
thinking how tame Pattie's rhapso-
dies, over which I had been wont to
go into such ecstacies, would sound
in comparison to the transcendent
outbursts of the little sherherdess.
In retired nook, almost hidden
by the shrubbery, we found rustic
seat, of which We took possession,
feeling, or feigning to feel, weari'
ness after our walk.
The moon shoRe out in unclouded
majesty. and beneath he's radiance
the flowers and blossoms which sur
rounded us. gemmed with dew drops
bloomed with brightness which the
more ambitious god of day might
well have given half of his glory te
| witness.
And no y the little shepherdess i'm
proved the occasion. If Luna, fe
male as she is, had stopped in bel
course to listen to the enchanting
fiatter lavished upon her, I'm sure il
could hardly have been accounted q
miracle.
"Pray remove your mask" ven
tured to say at last, first laying aside
my own. 81 must look upon the fac'
that mirrors thoughts SO divine
81 fear yeu will be disappointed. Ssh,
replied; "still have nothing to dis
guise, and if you will dispel the il.
lusien under which you labor thu
punishment be your own"