The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-03-07
TWO MISTAKES.

Waveland contributed greatly to til,
liveliness of the little place, the tall
upon the streets from August to De
cember being very largely upon tn,
pets of the turf, as exhibited by tn,
sporting men, aud there was scarcel,
a woman or child in the place who die
not understand timing trotter dowr
to the fraction of second
OF course there was certain elias.
even there that considered it alnlos
n sacrilege to look toward the race
course, and Mrs. Eighme, worthy
well-known, and slightly irascible (sht
called it sensitive) woman, was one O.
these.
But even she had decided to ask Mr.
Gordon, grandmotherly old gentle
man, when he was not rolled, who
owned Limberheel, the fastest trottel
in Waveland, to select for her a black
carriage horse to drive with Snow.
flake, pure white animal whose mate
had recently died, thus showing thai
she was not entirely iusenslble to the
charms of an elegant turnout, or il
might he that Mr. Gordon's charms had
something to do with it.
She would not repose such a trust in
sporting man, she said. although he
was 65 years old and a retired lner.
chant of undoubted integrity, had il
mot been that his grandson, Louis Cor.
don, had lately become engaged to her
granddaughter Rexa, who was her
constant companion.
''We shall soon be related" she con.
tinued. 81 am so pleased that Louis
knows nothing of horses. He told ne
so himself; yet we have to overlook ii
of Mr.. Gordon-he is so rich! Anyway,
/ have resolved to ask him.
''Yes." replied Rexa, with twinkle
in her eyes.
If she was browbeaten her thoughts
were still her own.
81 would like to see Mr.. Gordon tits
very morning. want to, tell him
exactly what / want. A true black,
without a single white hair. greatly
dislike black that fades. OF course
| do not desire speed, but l shall
be particular about color. and stvle. D."
IF you will sit down by the window,
grandmother, l think you will soon
see MIR. Gordon. He exercises Limber-
heel at about this hour. ard he passes
here n-his way to the park.
Mrs. Eighmc was aware of this fact
but she said nothing. only arranged
her laces a little, and then seated her
self by the window.
She had scarcely done so before she
saw Mr.. Gordon coming down the hill.
driving Limberheel before a light
wagon.
Limberheel was true black, a racer,
bitter, and desperate character gen.
orally.
MIR. Gordon caught sight of Mrs.
Eighme the same second that she caught
sight of him.
"Bless me-" he thought. .'if that dis
agreea bic old woman isn't looking out
of the window at ME and my lap-robe
isn't in place! What will she thinkP"
And for Louis's sake the fussy old
fellow began to grope in the bottom of
his vehicle for the scarlet robe which
was just visible.
He hastily got it into place, and then
turned and lifted his hat most grace
fully to the lady; but she did not re-
turn his salutation, but stood gazing at
him, the picture Of horror and undeni-
able rage.
Poor MIR. Gordon! He did not know
that in pulling up his blanket he had
apidated-looking cat
that had been sleeping in his cart, and
that pussy had sprung from his vehicle
behind and taken refuge in Mrs
Eigme's yard.
And Mrs. Eighme abhorred cats.
'An insult!" gasped the old lady,
turning purple. ''And he dared TO
leave that cat here before my very
eyes, and then lift his hat and grin!
Rexa, Rexa. you shall never marry
"Why, grandma, who do you meane
Not Mr.. Gordon, surely?"
Yes, yes, that wretched old Cor
don!"
"But. grandma, I never thought of
him."
s"I know it. We won't eithor OF us
marry him now. To think of insult
ing me by leaving n cat here. There
It is-there it is, Rexa--a dreadful.
three-legged cat! I'll catch
it and send it back to him, that's what
I'll do; and I'll let him know that we
are done with him and his relations for
ever. Rexa, Rexa, ! never would have
believed i'll"
Rexa sprang to the window to see
the strange animal.
"Did Mr.. Gordon leave that cat here?''
"Yes. he did, Rexa. You can never
marry Louis now" -
In spite OF the solemnity of the tones
Rexa was obliged to smile, but she
said nothing. Silence, she knew, was
now pure gold-nay, limpid diamonds!
81 know what 1'll do" continued
Mrs. Eighme. I'll go see my lawyer.
I'll law him till haven't q cent left,
Rexville Eighme."
"Oh, grandmother. I'd wait until
',''t will not. I'll go this minute"
And ReXa was obliged to assist hel
with her toilet, her best hope being
that Mr.. Latimer, the lawyer, would
give the irate old lady some soothing
advice.
She was so used to her grandmother
temper that she did moi
imagine anything more serious than a
few hours excitement would be the re.
suit of this ludicrous episode.
1t was Il surprise to her that evening
when Louis Gordon did not present
as usual, but sent her u note
instead.
my DEAREST: | met your grandmother OF
the street to-day, and she forbade me to enter
her house again. II appears that grandfather
has in some way displeased her, although II,
declares that lie docs not know what he ha!
done. ] am more srieve than can express
but be certain that as soon as the atmosphere
clears / will be at your side a2ain.
LOUIS GORDON"
After this there was a depressing
quiet for Rexa, for her grandmotheI
forbade her to walk or ride out alone
and she saw nothing of Louis, except
as he rode past the house and bowed
gravely to her.
And each day Mrs. Eighme, moved
to pity by its evident misfortunes
called in the ono-eyed, three-leggeC
eat and fed it, enIarging upon heI
troubles the while.
A short time wei t by and one morn
ing Mr.. Latimer sent down BLACK
carriage horse for Mrs~ Eighme. as h'
had been requested to do.
''See, Rexa," said the old lady, com
placently. ''Mr. Latimer has don,
much better by me than the man Cor
don could have done. lsn'tit beauty?'
at is, indeed" replied Rexa. al
Ia the picture of Limherheel. But Linn
berheel is so skittish that am almos
r. .l,;- ,.,n