Smyrna times., 1888-12-26
An Eavesdropper.

For long time Montague Smith had
been debating which of two ladies he
should marry. They were both charm.
ing. Ollie Martin facinated him by hel
beauty, and Annie Stetson by her ami
ability. Beauty, however, triumphed
IN the end, and he made up his mind
that he would that evening propose tC
Miss Martin.
lie was not young man, so he
sailed out to the nearest hair-dresser's
TO have his hair and whiskers dyed in
preparation for the proposal.
Finding the room full of customers
he betoOk himself to the waiting par.
lor. There was no one present, but on
the other side of the screen lady was
having her hair dressed, evidently a
young lady from the voice.
So they say you are going to step
OIL, Miss Martin ?" he was astOnished
to hear the hair-dresser say. "Oh, do
tell me all about him ?"
Well," said a well-known voice.
he's an old bachelor, and what's
worse, he's ugly"
Oh, my !"
No figure at all, and dyes his hair
and whiskers, too. But then he owns
the most beautiful double house and
keeps cOachman and carriage. He
has an old father and mother, but they
shan't bother me.
It's bore, know" said Miss Mar
TN, but there is always drawback
OF some sort to happiness. 1t can't be
perfect; and shall be very rich and
wear diamonds-real ones, Maggie, and
dress just as please. Won't | spend
his money though? l shall have nv
hing for once; and, another thing,
Maggie, you know a married woman
can tiirt as much as she likes. It's all
the thing. | shall have a husband who
dyes his whiskers, but I'll have beaux
running after me who have splendid.
real black ones. It's ever so much fun
nler, for a girl is expected to engage
herself after she's flirted a good deal.
ana, OF course, a married woman is fix
ed and settled, and no more to be said.
Oh, yes, I'll flirt as much as
please; and then, you know, he's ever
so much older than me, and he'll prob
ably die first, and then can have a
second husband to my fancy. He shall
be handsome, you'll see, Maggie; and
l know I'd make a very interesting
widow and look well in black"
All, indeed murmured Mr.. Smith.
" Doubtless. But you won't wear it
for me-"
I'm going to a concert with him to-
night" proceeded Miss Martin. "I
know he means to propose. l think
I'll refuse him first, and then take pity
on him Eh, Maggie? Oh, shall en-
Joy it: Oh, another thing. Do you
know I'm making another girl so de-
llghttully jealOus-that little Annie
Stetson? You did her hair last week.
you know. She's actually in love with
old Smith. Ha, ha Says he's so
pleasing; and one day when 1 said
that his money would marry him if he
did dye his whiskers, she fred up and
SAID that any one might be proud TO
have him if he was even poor, and that
he was very kind and good, and would
make a wife happy"
Bless her." sighed Mr.. Smith.
And she considered him actually
handsome"
Lovely girl, " murmured Montague.
Oh, l just shrieked," proceed Miss
Martin; land she's looking awfullv
pale now, and when I let her know of
his attentions she sighs. Oh, it's funny.
She's such a little fool. I've often
heard her say that she would never
marry a man she did not love. That's
SO old-fashiOned, like a girl of the past
ages"
" She's an angel, and she shall be nv
vile" said Mr.. Smith in stage whis-
per aside.
" For my part" said Miss Martin.
evidently rising, l wouldn't marry a
poor man if he was an angel, and 1
don't believe in love. Yes, that looks
very nicely, Maggie. Let me have
your bill"
Shortly after Miss Martin went out
OF the side-dOor of the hair-dresser's
establishment, catching a glimpse of
several gentlemen envelOped to the
chin IN white cloths, as she passed an
open door; but she did not recognize
Mr.. Smith.
He escorted her, as in duty bound.
TO the concert that night, but he did
not pop the question, and great was
Miss Martins astonishment to hear
shortly after of his engagement to little
Annie Stetson.
Nor did she ever know, as she
watched that lady ride past her door
IN her carriage, after her marriage.
that it was her own chat with Nag9ie
that had won Annie the husband She
had lost.