Sharp County record., 1888-05-03
TWO ENEMIES.
Miss Briggs and That "Conceited
Wretch" Over the Way.

lived IN the brick house on the hill,
and she in the cottage opposite, and
they were mortal enemies. He de-
spised her because she kept two cats
and a canary, and she lOathed him
for his affection for huge mastif
and an old knock -kneed horse.
why on earth the man don't try
to get a decent horse is more that l
can imagined" she would say, as he
plodded up to the door, Il believe
that he is too mean and miserly to
buy one.
Miss Briggs would have hardly felt
pleased had she known that Mr.
Perry rode back and forward on this
worn-out piece of horse flesh, for the
purpose of annoying her
They never spoke, but yet they
managed TO keep up q perfect war
fare, by disagreeable manners and
wrathful glances.
She sat hour after hour beneath the
canary bird in the window, with her
cat perched upon the sill. and her
knitting in her hand. throwing glances
of scorn to the opposite side, where
he, with cigar and newspaper, re-
ceived, and paid them back with in
terest.
His detestable dog came over and
ran through her garden, destroying
all her beautiful tulips and hyacinths,
and she gave him a hot bath which
sent him bowling to his master, and
when said master demonstrated, sent
word that she would treat him worse
next time.
Her little red COW broke through his
nclosure and devoured his turnips and
cabbages, and he led her home, and
informed Mss Briggs that a second
offense would give her q comfortable
pasture in the pound.
For two years they lived and fought,
and no one could bring about peace
between them. 1t was a pity, the
neighbors all said, for Miss Briggs
was a dear little soul, and there was
not a finer man in the country than
Mr. Perry.
Julia, my love-" said Mrs. Perkins
one afternoon, as she entered the cozy
parlor, Il am going to have a party,
and want you TO come down in the
afternoon to tea, and remain during
the evening. Every one will be there. "
"Will that old bach over the way be
there?"
'Mr PerryP oh, yes! We could not
get along without him."
Then that settles the matter l
sha'n't 60"
Now, Julia, don't be so foolish! If
YOU remain at home he will think
that you are afraid of him"
Miss Briggs thought the matter over
Well, it would look little like that,
and she would not have him think so
for the world-the conceited wretch!
Mrs Perkins went home, and it was
arranged that Miss Briggs was to
spend the afternoon, and remain for
the party.
She was a pretty little woman, and
it was always puzzle to every one
why she never married. She had a
round rosy face, clear brown eyes,
and beautiful hair, and if she was
thirty there was not smarter wom-
an in town.
She stood before the looking-gl ass
in the chamber, and fastened her lace
collar over the neck of her dress with
plain gold brooch, and began TO
think that she looked very well. There
was a bright healthy flush upon her
cheek, and her eyes were full of light
and beauty.
She walked into Mrs. Perkins sit
ting-room, and found her awaiting
her with q smiling face. She thought
that she must be in very good hui
NOR, but said nothing, allowing the
good lady to smile as long and pleas
antly as she wished.
She understood it all when supper
time came, and Mr. Perkins entered
followed by Mr.. Perry. This was a
well-laid plan to make the two become
friends.
Miss Briggs bit her lips, and IN
wardly vowed that nothing should
tempt her 10 give "that man" her
hand in friendship. Sne hated him
and always would.
He was placed directly opposite at
the table, and many times forced to
pass the biscuits or preserves. and
Miss Briggs accepted them although
she declared 10 Mrs. Perkins after sup
per. that they nearly choked her.
Before evening they were both per-
suaded 10 overlook the horse and COW
difficulty and be civil, and Miss Briggs
was frightened when she found herself
talking to him with easy and pleasant
familiarity
The party was success, and al
though the sports were generally
monopolized by the younger portion.
\ they found room for the old maid and
Ser enemy, and several times they