Middletown transcript., 1892-09-01

uOt lrom hutn, I0rs00th, was this In
preston gained. Nojudge upon th
bench could be more impartial tha
she in the distribution of her smile
and favors. The beholders, unpreju
diced upon one or the other side
would not have given preference t.
Eeither. And the contestants them
selves, too, alternately hoping ant
fearing, we're sorely puzzled as to tn,
outcome.
| One by one all of Ruth's suitors bu
these two fell away They were forced
to, in fact for between James anC
Clayton every minute that Ruth coulC
spare from her mothers kitchen, was
monopolized by one or the other
Neither made any scruple of intruding
upon the other when in Ruth's COM
pany, and for that reason the two rival:
merged from a condition of quiet,
friendly rivalry into bitter, uncom-
promising animosity. This nnfortun :
ate fact made it exceedingly uncom-
Portable for Ruth, who try as she
would could not induce the slightest
exchange of civilities between the two
enemies while in her presence.
Back of Ruth's home stretched a
meadow, on the far edge of which was
clump of tall maple trees. Under
these had been constructed rustic
seats, where to enjoy the cool of early
evening Ruth and her gloomy-faced
lovers were wont to go.
One August evening found them
there in the accustomed spot. Upon
wide seat between two of the largest
trees was seated Ruth, and at her feet,
stretched at full length on the cool,
sweet-smelling grass, lay james and
Clayton. They were as far apart as
possible to still preserve the smallest
distance between themselves and the
girl, who sat looking from one to the
other with considerable perplexity.
For full half hour Ruth had been
trying to set the conversational ball
rolling, a proceeding which under the
circumstances was fraught with grave
difficulties, and indeed it seemed as
she sat gazing upon them with mingled
indignation and amusement, with al
most unsurmountable obstacles.
"I declare, I think it's too bad T.
the girl finally broke out. =" Here I've
been trying to talk to you for long
time, and hardly word have gotten
out Of you"
"You certainly can't expect me to
enjoy your society,"" continued Ruth,
as neither ofthe young men vouchsafed
any answer, ga couple of more grumpy,
disagreeable boys, l never saw"
"If you don't stop it, I'll go in the
house." she went on, as silence yet
was her only reply.
Then the recumbent youths mani
tested some interest.
"It's not my fault, Ruth said
James, raising himself.on one elbow
and looking up at her.
"I say it is your fault" broke in
Clayton angrily, wasn't I here first.
" It makes no difference if you
were," James retorted, glaring across
at him, you've got no more right
here than I have {"
"Oh, DEAR" CALCULATED Ruth, in
despair, "was there ever such mud.
die as this"
See here, Monroe, suddenly, spoke
up james. 81 at least believe you
have little honor now I'm willing
to settle this matter here and now.
Well leave it to the girl herself whom
she likes the best, and the one who
loses never comes here again. Are
you willing?" a
Clayton meditated a moment.
Yes, I am" he said. s
Well, then, Ruth" continued
James, turning to her, "say which one
you care for most, and if its Monroe,
I'll never intrude myselfo on you again.
If I happen to be the lucky man,
Monroe will have to be bound the
same way"
The girl sat looking down upon the
swain. with brows knit in anxious
Five-ten minutes passed,
James and Clayton meanwhile look-
ing intently at her with unwavering
intensity.
"To tell the truth, boys" she finally |
said, with an embarrassed little laugh, |
Il don't know which one of you l do |
ike the best
81 like to have both of you with
me-" but as for saying which of you I
could best spare, can't do it. I
think I could be happy with
sither," she concluded.
In a moment as neither of the two
7outbs spoke, she said in a low voice
"You settle it between yourselves,
md I'll abide by the decision"
Very well" broke in James, hard
y waiting for her to stop, "we'll fight"
Indeed you'll do nothing Of the
ortl" answered Ruth, vehemently.
I'll have nothing to do with either of
'ou if you do"
"I'm willing to do anything" said