The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-10-13
How my Wife was Won.

MY name le augustus browning.
believe, at one time, some of my
friends had serious fears that fwoult
never enter the state of matrimony
At all events, each friend knew 81
some one who would make me such
nice wife. What had 1 done to be sc
numerically prosecuted? But thu
truth is, 1 had my own ideas ofa wife
/ knew 1 should find somewhere In
this great world a woman pure as q
snow-drop and modest as a daisy
with a sweet voice and dainty ways
with eyes that might fash, yet be
controlled by thegentle power oflove,
notwithstanding the matchmaking
propensities of my friends, I remain.
ed steadfastly d bachelor until go
and enjoyed hearty my single blessed.
ness. The ladies will doubtless think
that during this time my garments
were without buttons, and my hosiery
with more than the proper aperturesi
but such was not the case, Mrs,
Vail, my landlady, being in charge
thereof. She was very nice house
keeper, and woman who had seen
better days, or at least happier ones.
if one might judge from occasional
remarks made by her, and the fact
that she occupied house of her OWL
"a three-story one-in a pleasant
street in Islington.
had breakfast and tea at the
house, but dined in the city; fol
being head clerk in a large whole.
sale house, found it necessary to
look carefully after the interests Of
my employers, considering likewise
was working for myself, as expected
to be one of the partners the next
year.
At Mrs. Wallis my room was the
second floor front, and afforded me
a good view of all that TRANSFERRED in
the street; and, as I was not &C
quainted with my neighbors, not
even knew their names, | used to Sit
on summer evenings in comfort
able easy chair by the window smok
ing fragrant cigars, building castles
in the air, and watching tho occu
pants over the way, }
Some one at my elbow says. "for
ought to have been ashamed o
yourself" but do not know that
have ever regretted it.
| l discovered that beautiful CIR
glided gracefully about the house il
drapery that seemed to envelope he
like q delicate summer cloud. no
ticed her little caressing ways abou-
the loved ones, and of course it mus
have been the maiden fair to see
whose voice l heard trilling away
as only birds and maidens can.
| am q man who even now canno
resist paying homage to every bit o
womanhood / see; therefore, whel
this pleasure was to be my evening
entertainment, can you wonder tha
l remained at home, nothing else offer
ing any attraction?
ventured to ask one morning WHIT
our neighbors were over the way
whereupon Mrs. Vail said: ooh, tina
is Mrs. Forests house. They hav
lived there for many years, for l re
member their daughter when she wa
a little wee thing-she used to lool
so sweet in her white frock ant
corals."
Thought to myself then she wa
just as sweet now as she was then,
not sweeter.
81 have heard" continued Mrs
Vail, chat when she was young sh
Yves q somnambulist, but she ma,
have got ever it. I've not heard O
it lately. I'm very little acquainte'
with them; but it's a good thing t,
know ones neighbors, in case of fir
or accident happening;"-which sen
sible remark finished, I roamed il
fancy with the beautiful unknown
while visions of operas and hair
breadth escapes were mingled in de
lightful confusion.
"Rather a dangerous young lad,
to marry, Mrs. VAIL" said l, m.
dream being over.
"Bless mel you don't thing of maj
rying, do you, Mr.. Browning?" sal
she, looking alarmed--I suppose tn
thought of losing me was insupport
able.
"Well, not at present." said I.
All day long / thought of Grace
and Immediately after teasought m.
room and looking-glass to take al
inventory of my personal attrat
tions came to the conclusion tina
! was q good looking fellow, and I,
go in and win-if / could. But
must tell you of myself, and leav
you to Judge.
am not what the ladiescall Low
and a perfect little dear OF a man
On the contrary. | am tall, rattle
stout, with fair complexion, haze
eyes, and brown hair, that, althoug
cut short, will curl in spite of fate;
mouth too womanly for one of tn
sterner sex, and teeth that render
smile irresistible. Men know whel
they are admired.
took my post at the window, ant
observed that the family were NOV
ing. about, dressed as if to receiy
company. My heart beat fast wit
Jealous fear. Perhaps some lover
expected. or it might be marriage
"Have /, then, wasted my time"
soliloquized, "while some miserabl
fellow has walked in and borne Of
the prize2"
Just then Grace entered the draw
ing-room opposite, more beautiful
than ever, and very soon the guest
began to arrive.
They danced and sang, and / wa
in q state of misery as | watched tn
attentions bestowed upon Grace
/ waited until every guest had de
parted, and satisfied myself tina
there was no whispered Goodnight
for any favored one. After ever.
light had disappeared, / was still dis
inclined to sleep, spite of morrow