San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-02-13
A BACHELORS STORY.

cOntentGu ana happy. l am still a
bachelor, cUltental but not happy.
Tins is tho difference between Thomas
Grow!er Of month ago aud the same
person today. But one short month ago
[ thought nothing oE rlatrlmony. l
smoked my pipe il comfort at nv lodg-
ingS (in the city of Canterbury or scwed
refractory buttons upon my clothing
without thought CT any female 20 take
thai employment Ou; Of my hands.
But was one day seated in the beauti-
ful grounds Of the Dane John, watching
the chi!drun drinking at the fountain,
when shadow fell upon the path. 1t
might have been the shadow of coming
events, bat upon looking around per-
ceived that the substance was n very
beautiful young lady. with rogylish blue
eyes that might have been the head
quarters Of fun and good humor. looking
at me from a frame 81 golden ringlets.
Now, you need not imagine that l,
sober gentleman of 90, was in love
vita girl Nothing of the kind. She
was at least 30, and ragged little boy
who stood near, whose tongue loosened
with Il piece of silver, told me that she
was widow, who owned small farm
outside the town, and that her name was
Mrs. Faber. lie also informed me that
her brother lived with her and managed
tile property.
Upon the following morning | greatly
surprised my friend. Harry Powers, by
praising the Widow Faber, and request
ing an introduction. He gaZed at me
moment in speechless astonlshment. and
think that he really thought of knock
ing me down with Webster's Dictionary
and calling for assistance. But Harry
was engaged himself, and soon compre-
hended the state of affairs. So he
dropped the book upon the table and in
vited me to a picnic which was to take
place in the woods in Il few days, where
| should meet the lady and be intro
duced.
Immediately purchased new suit OF
clothes. beautiful wig and pair of
tight boots, ard when the morning of
the festival dawned crowded myself
into the broadcloth, put on my wig, and
after much preparation and strong Ian
guage had been wasted managed to
squeeze my feet into the patent feathers,
where they felt as if ircased in red hot
iron boots.
At the picnic Ireceivcl the promised
introduction. and he'd the pleasure of es-
Corting Agnes all day. She talked with
me, aud we attacked the eatables in
company, investigating the interior of
pigeon pies and dissecting chickens to-
gether. was happy al day, aad when
at parting she invited Iue to visit her I
believe the tightness of my waistcoat
was all that prevented my heart from
bursting its bonds. My feet prevented
me from sleeping that night. but | was
willing to suffer in such cause. and |
bore it without murmUr.
One day hired horse and gig ut the
livery stable, and started toward the
farm to carry Agnes to party ut a
neimhboring town. She was already
dressed when drove up. and looked
beautiful in new bo1net and shawl
We were very comfortable. and our con-
versation WIS very interesting. | was
advancing rapidly in her good opinion,
ana was beginning 10 think seriously of
popping the question, when the horse
stoupal Suddenly as if termed 70 stone.
We both tumbled suddenly forward
with Il low bow. and my companions
lovely Hosa came into sharp contact with
the dashboard.
Immediately jumped ont to see what
was the matter, but everything about
the Lolsa appeared TO be all right. and
again climbed into the gig and prepared
to start. But the horse obstiuately re-
fused to move. icoaSed and nuttered,
but be would not be persuaded. |
thrashcd him with the whip until my
wrist acned, hat he remained immova-
bic as IL statue. Al last ! sharpened
hedge stake, took M seat, gave the
reins ~ my compaa;un aud gave him
tremendous blos. hardly hoped to see
him stir, but heidi. and started with a
leap that almost threw TIE or my back.
[ Immediately seized the rcins, but his
determination had taken another chan
mel. and he would not stop. | tagged at
the reins aud shouted. "Nhoa!" but he
held the bit between his teeth and rushed
along tine road like Il Runaway comet
Agnes screamed and rosred as we
dashed by the farm houses with the
sr.ee;l u q 10, l..:2tiva The horses heels
sDlinterpd the Dashboard atcvery leap,
and the bright shoes twInkled like small
Stars in dangerous proximity To our eyes.
Finally the wheels struck tree, the
ho,s. stumbled and the next moment |
was living upon NY back in the road.
ED,'...-. i..r IA e:,aaJr,sl bellows | re-