The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-01-29
pENTAL TRAGEDY.

pretty lace l0t TOD NUN c'et'-T --'-
cool million in hard cash. There was
every indication that smalibors's suit
would be crowned with success. Nevei
before had his smile been 50 bewitchins
or his elances 80 thrillingly tender. Mis-
Angelina basked in the sunshine Of the
former and reveIled in the radiance Of
the latter.
In fact 50 Curious was it that Small
bore was the favored suitor that all other
competitors had retired from the field
with the exception Of Frank Bluff, and
it was the general opinion that he didn't
leave il simply because of his constitu-
iional inability to perceive when he was
beaten.
The Goodinck parties, as everybody IN
the social swim knows, are delightful and
joliy Affairs. They are not Sufficiently
particular. perhaps concerning the Lineage
Of some persons they invite to suit those
who hold strong and uncomPromising
opinions on the subject Of blue blood,
but it has always been conceded that #
anv one gets bored at one Of the Good
lucke entertainments the fault is his
own. There is no stiffness OF restraint
about their hospitality. They possess
the happy faculty # making everybody
feel az home. The house. with the large
conservatory attached 10 it, is delightful
ly arranged for 'spooning" or flirting or
even more serious anatory bt.siness The
house Is deseryedly very popular with
aammas with mafriageable daughters.
One mamma who there successfully
launched three daughters on the serene
and placid SEA Of matrimony once re-
marked: III Is my candid opinion that
If a girl can't get of tie hooks through
.Goodluck's parties she may as Vel retire
to nunBery al once
II is not strange, therefore, that Small
bore should have decided after careful
consideration, 10 formally pop" to Miss
Angelina. az the next Goodluck party.
The fateful evening came round in due
course. as all evenings co, fatelnl or
otherwise. smallbore was happy man
and he believed that someghere in the
neighborhood Of midnight he would be
still happier.
The most careful and methodical Of
man is apt to become absent-minded
when be thinks that be is going to pop
to young lady within the next few
hours. DO not speak from experience
out have been 50 informed by those
whom have consulted on the subject.
Smallbore himself told me afteFward that
he dressed like an sutoinaion that even
ing, be was thinking al the time Of
something else"
Ii was a long drive TO the Goodluck
mansion, hnt the way didn't seem long
to sinallbore. The rain fell in dismal
drizzle. The contrast between the cheer
less streets and tho brilliantly lighted
parlors, full Of fragrai &c and laughter
and well bred men and handsome NO
men was equal to that betweenthe ogre's
den and the fairies' grotio in the panio-
mime. SO il seemed 10 the poor people
gathered outside who occasionally caught
fragmehtary gliinpses Of the scene within
when door was opened, and they wish
ed wistfully that they, too, might be
rich.
But no sooner had Small5ore opened
his mouth to greet the first friend that
he met-young Jack Seaspray-tban he
made discovery which caused him to
feel that he would gladly change places
with the poorest Of the poor chaps out
side and iemain poor poor chap for
the rest ofhis days. That he Told me
himself
lie had forgotten his false teeth.
He turned pale and clapped his hand
kerchief 10 ms mouth while narrowing
thoughts swirled through his brain.
Great heavens, ii he should smile he was
a lost man lie could not sing. lie was
robbed Of his accomplishments and trans
formed into an aN Nkward body.
What's the matter old fellow ?" ask
ei Seaspray, with genuine soiicitude.
Nothing, nothing" muttered poor
Smallbore behind the folds OF his hand
kerchief, the absence of his teeth max
ing him lisp. Il gueth ith only a thill,
ouih think ia betther go home"
Wise decision. Why didn't he stick
to it? Because fate had ordained that at
that moment ne could see, through an
open door, Frank Biud paying ardent at
tention to Miss Angelina.
Smallbore 5 affection was, under ordi-
nary circumstances, OF a sell regulated
and discreet character. But even tEe
most temperate OF wooers is likely to get
ms mental balance disturbed when he
sees rival making love to the woman
whom he has resolved TO make his vile.
50 Smallbore hastily decided that he
would stay to keep an eye on Bluh, but
would make himself as inconspicuous as
possible.
Come upstairs and take a brandy and
soda,7 said Sgaspray. "you will feel better
then"
"Thankih, tl.inkth ] will" replied
Smallbore, who felt she need OF some
thing TO stimulate his courage. 1t was
the worst thing he could take under the
circumstances. What he wanted was
s,meihing to quicken his judgment
Brandy and soda doesn't do that
ats my private opinion" subsequent
/ ~ observed Seaspray, in the smoking
room, "that Smallbore is three sheets IN
the wind with The fourth ilappiag"
"wen, if that is the case, he had better
fight shy of Miss Angelina" was the ju-
dicions response she threw over VIII
Highly last year because she found him
tight once
smallbore, despite the brandy and
soda, was of the same opinion, but as he
explained 10 me afterward when making
a clean breast Of the whole business, he
could not resist the temptation 10 steal
down stairs TO see what Bluff was up TO.
He selected place in deep shadow
where he could see without being seen.
But in this world when fellow gets into
fix the thing that he wishes most to
avoid is most likely to happen. The
sharp eyes Of Miss Kitty Clipper discov-
/ erad hin. She had leen ont six seasons