The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1890-04-12

|
Williams smisadventures were as numer-
GUS as ever.
Mr.. Lorenzo Hops, who appeared
fully as anxious as his friend concern
ing the outcome, was therefore over
loyed, alta large boating party one after
noon, to observe that Franklin William
seemed about to take the momentous
step. The boats had been made fast to
the bank, while the young people were
strolling about in confidential couples
under the trees or preparing the lunch.
Mr.. Hops fair companion had sent him
to the river after water, and he was just
STOPPING to fill his pail when he noticed
Franklin William and Miss Anastasia
Brooks, very pretty young lady, sit
ting alone in boat and talking so
earnestly that they took no notice of
him.
Mr.. Hopps crouched and waited with
breathless silence. He saw Franklin
| William Lee seize the young lady's
hand, and then dropping it, rise ex-
citedlv to his feet, saying, in an uncon-
sciously loud voice: "Nliss Brooks-An-
| astasia-Tm sureAyou must have seen
that have always been--"
suitor forgot that he was in q boat, and,
suddenly losing his balance, fell over
into the water.
Miss Brooks screamed but had suf-
ficient presence of mind to retain her
grasp upon the boat, which fortunately
did not upset An instant later Frank
lin William scrambled out of the water,
dripping and disgusted, and was left by |
the fire to dry. Everybody said they |
were so sorry for him, except Miss |
Brooks, who kept handkerchief pressed |
to her face for some time, although she
was certainly crying.
The next day Mr.. Hops called upon
his friend and found him very miserable
81 made up my mind some time ago."
said the victim of ill-lucl, "that Anas-
tasia Brooks was the only girl / could
ever love. She seemed to encourage me,
but for weeks l held myself back, be-
cause didn't want to make her misera-
BILE with such an unluclsy fellow for a
husband But at the picnic | couldn't
wait any longer. Besides, the time is
getting dreadfully short, for I'll be
twentyfour two months from to-day.
''Yes, said Mr.. Hops, $50 you pro-
posed and put your foot in it?'
II went in all over" answered Frank
lin William, with woe-begone literalness.
"And ! had only just began to tell her
| wanted. She won't know
what | was driving at"
"Wcll, you can try her again any time"
"No. l shall always be an object of
ridicule in her eyes now. | can never
speak to her in that way again. ~ sup
pose" and he heaved deep sigh, "I'll
have to go away from here and look out
for somebody else
Thus it happened that Franklin Will
lam and Mr.. Hopps, by dint of borrow
ing and scraping, continued to spend d
TWO weeks at the seashore where Mr. y
Hops industriously circulated stories
Df his companions fabulous wealth, and y
nveigled that young gentleman into
number of very desperate fiirtations. As
young men were scarce at this particu-
ar resort, as at all summer resorts,
franklin William did not lack for femi-
line society. But the very scarcity of
male escorts, instead of being in his
avor, operated against him. The num-
,er of forlorn maids was so great that y
lie was obliged to accompany whole
y |
ar girl wherever he went. and with
rom two to dozen continually demand
ng his knightly services, Franklin
William found himself as far away from
as ever.
Come said Mr.. Hops, finally, one y
1oonlight evening. Our funds are !,
orribly low, and we'll have to leave II
ere inside of two days. Now, what ?
ave you done?" !.
Nothing" said the unhappy seeker y y
fter welded bliss. you see how it is
ourself. How can l ask girl to marry :,
ne when there are seven of 'em, all =
alking to me at once. 1t wouldn't be II
olite to ask one without asking the 7
mean it can't be done and
hats the end of it, The only girl I've
ad five minutes conversation with
lone since we came here. is Miss Will
on, the Chicago grain mans daughter y
''Shes just the one you want" cried
Ir. Hops, you've danced lot with II
er and she told me she thought you d
ute awfully SWELL II
did she?" inquired the victim, twist s'
ne his small mustache.
Yes, and by the way, there she goes y
ON- vi bnc pldZAh dlOlic, lOO.
VOWS your chance"
But don't love her." n
That's nothing" ~
And she may refuse me-" II
Il don't believe it," said Mr.. Hops, u
eizing his friend by the shoulder and y
ushing him forward. $50 on. Re-
lcmbcr your birthday and make a des- p
crate effort" a.
At the mention of his twenty-fourth 81
irthday, which had become a sort of =,
orrible nightmare in his mind, Frank i
in William started after the grain mans y
aughter, with grim determination, like "
n Indian warrior going to the stake. a.
he was disappearing around the corner :,
nd he hastened to overtake her. ~ =.
MAY | share your promenade, Miss VI
yilson?' he inquired, in his most dulcet
ones. -
Why, good evening, Mr.. Lee" said II
iiss Wilson. Certainly, you may. u
m looking for mamma. Isn't it just too
weet for any thing tonight" "Yes," ie
aid Franklin William, Offering his arm IN
nd wondering how he should begin. o'
Yes, it is" Sc
so, I've been having an awfully nice al
me here" said Miss Wilson, This is u
lch a charming place. Mamma prefers OF
aratoga, but like the great big sea, e'
.lss n