Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-03-27
LOOKING FORWARD.

written. AS it is, | have a tale to un-
fold. Right here / will say no matter
how many Looking Backwards" or
books of like ilk that | shall read in the
future, / never. no never, will be in
fuenced in a like manner. Fred says
that he will take good care that 1 am
not swayed that way again.
Who is Fred? Well, will tell you
later on. Just now / want to talk
about the dreadful experience l had
after reading Mr.. Bellamy's book.
Ada Sinclair's beau, Havelock Fer
guson had read the book before we
had ever heard of it, and he advised
Ada and / to follow suit. Il have
read better books" said Havelock quite
pompously. This one is good enough
in its way however. l always feel
more interested when reading of wars
or adventures that call forth great dar-
ing. You are aware, Miss Gray" adj
dressing me. ''that [ am a descendant
of some of the Scottish chiefs. "
'Iove stories are for girls and wo-
men," he continued even more pomp-
ously. True, this book of Bellamy's
deals with certain great reforms which
the writer thinks will surely be effected
before the close of the twentieth
century. Now, if his book had beer of
little more stirring nature, for in
stance, a little fighting or rumors of
war. You know that / come of fight
ing ancestry"
| here remarked that the Scottish
chiefs as ancestry were not much to
boast of, as their principal occupation
seemed to be that of appropriating
Al,
upon looked at me very reproachfully,
and as matter of course | desisted
from further argument.
Havelock afterward told Ada that if
she did not cherish profound respect
for his ancestors he hoped that she
would not hurt his feelings by telling
him so. AS to their stealing pro-
clivities, he thought injustice had been
done these dead and gone freebooters
by the historian.
Well, Ada and read Bellamy's book,
and pronounced it splendid Especially
that part where the author thinks that
young ladies will be accorded more
freedom in the choice of husbands.
Ada was disconsolate. She could not
propose to Havelock for he had antici-
pated her in the matter.
Break the engagement" [ sug-
gested. "Afterward confess how sorry
you are. but don't give time for
second proposal"
That will never do" said Ada, You
know the blood that flows through his
VEINS
ooh, bother the blood" said
irreverently, II wouldn't be such a
goose as you. To think, Il continued
''of the rights that will be yours if we
can only live long enough. However,
shall be tuning my harp by that time,
and just mean to take time by the
forelock"
Nell Gray, you are just horribly
boastful. don't believe you have one
whit more courage than have"
Don't be silly, Ada; am not boast
ing. Listen while | unfold my plan.
Tonight Joe Adair is to call at our
house; tomorrow night Fred will be
there. Now, in your estimation which
do you consider the most eligible? AS
friends, | esteem them very highly,
but can not really decide which l like
best"
Propose to Fred by all means, sug-
gested Ada. He is handsome, agree
able, and wealthy. [ have heard you
say that you would never marry poor
man."
80 is Joe Adair wealthy; besides,
he has expectations"
He is not half SO agreeable as Fred, :"
asserted Ada. Il believe he would
make perfect bear of husband and
be stingy besides"
''Oh, you think so, do you?" said l
somewhat loftily. Il must be going
now; come over tomorrow and | will
tell you what decision l have arrived
at"
Before Joe Adair called me upon that
memorable evening | had made up my
mind that [ liked him the best, and
that he would make good husband
for any girl. When the jingle of the
door-bell announced his arrival nv
heart gave one great bound. l at
trihuted this action on the part of that
member of my internal organism to
excessive affection. | have since con-
Guided that it was fear that made my
heart bound about so wildly
My greeting was rather warm; in
fact, ELUSIVE. | noticed that Joe looked
surprised.
For while we talked upon indiffer-
ent subjects; then l felt constrained to
breach the subject uppermost in my
mind.
Mr.. Adair," said /, in a tremulous
voice. ''have you ever thought of get
ting married?n
Mr.. Adair seemed a trife surprised
at my Interrogation, but answered
frankly that he had considered the
question and had concluded to get
married as soon as he could find a nice
little woman that would have him.
Dear Joe," / exclaimed, at the same
time sinking upon my knees before him
in truly masculine style, L am so
glad that you are willing. l love you
devotedly. My life would barren
waste without you. VIII you, my dar-
ling, consent to make me happy and
name the day when l can call you my
own dear husband?
Il have long KNOWN" 1 continued,
s'that you regarded me as something
more than friend, and although 1 may
have taken you by surprise hope you
will not be afraid to give your answer
now"
..What do you mean, Miss Gray?n
said Joe. in surprised and dignitied