The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1892-12-31
Miss Elisabeth FIOrine Smith Wins
First Prize

ma A. Oprer and Charles \. Marshall,
decided that for style and idea, Miss
Smith, who is the daughter OF Alder
man Neil Smith Of Central Park, was
Siititled to first prize, $40. The story
which we reproduce from the Tele-
gram, is entitled The Last Chapter.
The TIMES wishes to congratulate Miss
Smith on this her first literary tri-
ump, and hopes she may acliieye many
more.
s.The Last Chapter"
HAS this been a merry Xmas, Miss
Seacard?"
Yes" she replied, "it has been a
pleasant day and fitting close to
delightful visit CHANGING up she
noticed his surprise and divining his
thoughts, added, Il had almost forgot
ten to tell you that leave for home in
the morning"
II thought you intended remaining
until February" he replied. "I GU
must have tired OF us, for it IS only
three weeks since you came Three
weeks. Surely l have been here over
three weeks" she exclaimed. mo you
have rot, for l met you the evening
YOU arrived" he said dryly.
She made no reply and they drove on
in silence through the deepening twi-
light. Only three weeks, yet it seemed
to Maud Seacard as many months since
she had met this man. She smiled at
his recollection of their first meeting.
She, too, recollected it distinctly. 1t
was at reception, and she had caught
but glimpse of him as he entered,
but had been impressed by his hand
some face and manly bearing. Later
in the evening she asked her aunt who
he was, whereupon that good lady had
been greatly alarmed. That man"
she had said, us Horace Hardness.
Maud, do not, l beg of you, fall in love
with him. He is handsome, clever,
wealthy and facinating, but not mar
rying man. If YOU ainllse him he will
be very attentive for time, then sud
denly shun you and seek fresh CON
quests" That advice seems less UNI
truthful now.
Poor Horace at that moment was
rather an object of pity than contempt.
Rumors of Mauh's engagement to d
western lawyer had reached him and
he was anxious to ascertain the truth
concerning them before asking the
momentuous question. 1t was case
Of now or never. Time was precious,
but each moment made his task seem
more difficult.
Before he could decide on plan of
action the horses stopped in front of
the toll gate. The collector of tolls
failed to matcrialiZe, and while they
| were waiting Horace took his compan-
| ions hand to examine more closely the
rirgs she wore. He glanced at them a
| moment, then said:
Ito which of these rings is there a
history:'
The one with the emerald setting
is connected with the third chapter of
my history" was the unexpected res
ponse.
Nv ont you tell it to me:''
| eff you wish to hear it. | am sure
it will either amuse. instruct or enter
tain you," she replied.
1.-The first chapter IS commonplace
During my first year at boarding schoo
| had room mate who talked contin
ually of her brother. At Christmas
with her, so l had an opportunity t,
meet this paragon.
''IIe was a nice boy, only he had REQ
hair However he proved congenia
companion, and before many days clap
sed, | fell very much in love with him
or imagined did, which answered the
same purpose. Christmas eve my frien(
gave party, her brother and l mel
under the mistletoe and vowed eterna
constancy and undying love. When
returned to school we corresponds
every day at first. But finding thai
took too much time, letters were ex
changed every week. At length The
time dropped to one month and finally
our correspondence subsidized alto
gether.
I'm chapter two my first grown uI
admirer appears. He had a fierce look
ing mustache and tired expression
Then too, he thought he knew it all.
had the attack lighter this time anC
was content to worship at distance
When l discovered my affection wa
reciprocated l was dismayed. l avoid
ed him every day but at last was cor
nered Then was so badly frightened
cried like a baby At Christmas III
sent me rattle and SO ended chapte
two.
Chapter three is consecrated to on
who was my nearest, dearest friend
From childhood he has been like
brother to me. Two years ago he died
Just before he expired he asked fo
me. When | went to him he gave m
this ring as remembrance and Spok
words | shall ever remember
\ tear fell and dimmed the emerald
and her voice trembled as she begal
chapter four.
The hero Of this chapter was pro
fessor of music. He had lovely curl
hair and sang divinely- All the girl
in our set were madly in love wit
him so l was BATTERED by his prefer
ence All went smoothly until on
!, day | met him in the city in dreadft
!, plight. He had been caught by show
er unprepared. The rain had take
the curl from his hair and the dy
: from his mustache. His long lock
; fell around his face Ike rats tail
Ugh. it was horrid. l was so DISCUS
ad I discontinued my muSic lesson