Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1890-04-05

ALL A MISTAKE.
How the Black Eyed Woman
Stole a March on Miss Maroon.


81 dare say all my relatives will
think 1t very silly OF me-" said Miss
Maroon. "But | really think | am
quite old and experienced enough 10
manage these affairs for myself. And
I've heard OF great many happy
marriages that have been arranged just
In this way To be sure. II is running
risk; but. after all, life is lottery, and
one has TO take things as they come In
this world"
Miss Malvina Maroon generally
known as "Mally" by her friends and
acquaintances) was sitting in a very
stif-backed chair in the best room OF
the little country tavern at lnheld-on-
the-IIudson. The stage had been in for
an hour. at least and Miss Mar non was
tired waiting She had chirped 10 the
thrush in his cage, counted all the little
red balls on the Jerusalem cherry tree
In the window and looked at the pict-
ure Of the signing OF the Declaration
of Independence" until she knew every
wig and huckled shoe by heart, and still
nobody had come to meet her. She
was beginning 10 feel little uneasy at
this unexpected delay. The landlord
had peeped at her, under pretense OF
coming to fiji up the big stone pitcher
with fresh cabbage roses; the landlady
had courtesied at the door. and asked
her II she should cook little piece of
steak or dish of brook trout for her
dinner.
Il don't expect to be here to dinner"
said Miss Maroon, with dignity.
"uh!" said the landlady
"My friends will doubtless be here to
meet me in very few minutes" ex-
planned Miss Maroon, glancing at the
clock,
"Ah." said the landlady.
But this was where Miss Maroon had
intrenched somewhat on the strict truth.
She had no friends at lnHeld-on-the-
Hudson. She had come Hereunder
our breath be tspoken-with the desper-
ate resolve 10 answer matrimonial adj
vertisement She had seen IL in the paper.
She had read IL twice over and rather
liked the way in which IL was worded.
She had asked herself. "Nhy not?" and
echo had returned no unfayorable re-
Spouse. And she had, SO 10 speak, taken
her fate into her own hands, and come
boldly 10 Infield.on- the-lIudson.
But now, as the moments sped by, she
was beginning TO wax secretly uneasy.
Suppose there should DO any mistake?
Suppose the advertiser should be
suited" already? Suppose any number
OF awkward circumstances to have in
terposed themselves in the way of her
welfare? But just as she was beginning
10 make herself thoroughly uncomforta-
BILE there came a tap. tap at the door,
and in walked a stout. short man with a
red necktie aud a countenance 10 match.
Lady from New YorkPn said this
parsonage, without the least embarrass-
ment.
Miss Maroon rose with dignity. Eyes,
sir" said she.
He was not exactly aristocratic look
ing. There was no mistake about that
lie wore no gloves. and his hands were
stumpy and freckled-his hair stuck up
like the bristles OF the fretful porcupine,
and his face, although good-naturcd.
bore in it no trace of ancient blood or
lofty lineage! But Miss Maroon be-
thought herself of the old proverb about
the deceitfulness OF appearances, and
plueked up spirit
'.You saw the advertisement, sup
pose" said the stout man.
II did. sir" said Miss Maroon.
Think you'll suit?r questioned tho
stout man.
''Sir?' said Miss Maroon.
because he's little peculiar" ex.
planned the man; land il amt every
body meets his views. you Sect
oh" said Miss Maroon. a light break
ing in upon her darkness, then you are
not the party himself?"
.sOh, no" said the stout man. "No;
I'm the business mani settle every
thing for him.
Il should prefer negotiating with
principals" said Miss Maroon, drawing
herself up.
Its the usual way we does it," re-
marked her intcrlocutor, picking a
broom-splint from the floor and begin
ming TO chew IL.
THE usual way?" repeated Miss Ma
room, more puzzled than ever. MAY
ask how often the-the gentleman has
been married before2n
Never been married in his life,
said the stout man. circumstances
was against II, you See
"Ohy' said Miss Maroon.
'sHe amt hard TO manage" said the
stout man. Them as he takes a fancy
20 can do most any thing with him.
Miss Maroon cast down her eyes and
almpered at this.
Did you bring any reicrenees?" SAID
the stout man, abruptly.
'tReferences-' echoed Miss Maroon.
Ever had any expeNence?+ he wen
on.
Sir said Miss Maroon. Il reall,
don't understand"
Your age seems quite suitable SAID
the man. Il calculate you're abou;
forty, amt you? We couldn't give yoi
many holidays, nor sundays out. but fot
good, reg lar, steady place
stop" cried Miss Maroon. do stop
don't at All know what you're talking
about Holidays = sundays out! I'd
have yog 70 knos that | am no house