Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-05-31
AN EDITORS LUCK.
Ely WIN. II. $. ATKINSON.

Ely wM. II. s. ATKINSON.
There are undoubtedly many mem
bcrs of the craft who are ready to aver
that there is only ono quality of luck
that ever overtakes an cditor-bad luck.
Speaking from personal experience. [
beg very respectfully to differ from
these gentlemen.
It is by no means necessary for me to
say how long since the circumstances
transpired which brought me to believe
IN editorial good luck; not that 1 object
on my own account, but 1 might
disclose the number of somebody's years,
and thereby seriously offend lady
whose interests are closely bound up in
my own at the present time. I refer,
naturally, to my wife.
The old fairytale will answer admir-
ably, and 1 shall fall back upon it in
commencing this short narrative.
"Once upon time" was in charge Of
literary periodical Of considerable rep
ntation, published in on Eastern city.
Furthermore I was in love-desperately
in love with most cstimable young
lady. Unfortunately the young lady
was not by any means desperately in
love with me, although she tolerated
my addresses and entertained me
pleasantly if not enthusiastically. The
trouble which troubled me was.this: She
just as pleasantly and willingly enter
taincd and accompanied to various
places Of amusement two or three other
young men.
Now 1, John Huxley, did not pro-
pose for any great length of time to be
one OF a crowd Of Toms, Dicks, and
Harrys, who were all valued at the same
valuation by Miss Edith Presley. i
felt that my dignity as editor
of the Compendium would hardly
permit it, and 1 resolved to bring mat
hers to crisis.
SO went out one evening with the
express purpose of calling upon Miss
Presley, and asking her to send Messrs.
Tom, Dick, and Harry to the right
about OF course purposed request
ing her to accept in their place the sole
attentions and addresses of Mr.. John
Hixley, bachelor and literary man, with
an ultimate view to matrimony.
[ reached Miss Presley's house in
due time and rang the bell. I was ad-
mitted to the reception hall, where ]
cooled my heels for few moments,
when the maid again appeared with hel
young ladys excuses and regrets.
Miss Presley is very busy, sir, or
some important work which she cannot
we'll postpone. She is very sorry, but
hores you will excuse her this evening.
She would very much like you to call
again on Friday evening""
Although L was by no means pleased
I told the girl would certainly call or
Friday evening, and took my departure
That was Monday. L must wait foul
whole days, which was most aggravat
ing to me in my then anxious state O
mind. -Four days Of suspense is worse
than four months Of waiting wher
there is no serious question re
naming unanswered. There was nc
help for it, however. and I re-
solved to be revenged by put.
hing myself into four days spell Of
decidedly bad humor. IwouAd take my
yevenge out of somcbody-the Office
boy, my stenographer, and (above all
the proof reader. MY resolves tool
practical effect the very next day, and
Imade poor jerks, the proof reader,
lite a misery to him for the space Of
eight long hours.
On Wednesday morning the Office boy
opened the door of my sanctum and an
nounced.
"A lady to see you, sir"
My first impulse was to tell him tc
instruct the Lady to quietly and quickly
go to timbuctoo or blazes or some equally
remote and unpleasant resort. But
did not; Ionly muttered rather grump
lily.
"Show her in.
When my visitor appeared I cursed
my stars for permitting her admittance,
ior she was an elderly young thing
with spectacles and short side-curls
decorated profusely with small combs.
She carried small roll (why will wo.
men roll manuscript p and cold shivers
ran down my back as I instinctively
muttered Spring Years-A
BEghted Past, &c."
Contrary to my own expectations.