The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1892-12-16
A RIDICULOUS MIDDLE.

court hor while the other tried to do
the same thing. The experience Is
not uncommon. but 1t is always ex-
citing.
1t is scarcely necessary to say that
Lucy was like most other girls and
enjoyed the excitement At heart
she was an honest maiden. but she
was addicted to harmless Irritation.
She gavo each sutton q little encour.
agement but not too much. and ex-
cused her conduct on tho ground that
she did not yet know which she liked
tho better.
In fairness to our heroine 1t must be
confessed that her excuse was not a
bad one, for her admirers happened
to DO as uoarly equally desirable rs
they GOULD be Each was fairly good
looking, each could make himself
quite agreeable each had average in.
telligence each had good business
and attended to 1t in commendable
manner and neither had any glar-
ingly bad habita by anxious moth
ers and prudent fathers they wore
both considered good catches for
daughters.
10 the young men the double court
ship was not SO pleasant as 1t was for
Lucy. They were often on the tcnt-
ers and regarded each other with
Jealous eye whenever they met But
fate had decided that their charmer
should have her feelings not slightly
disturbed after she had for some time
contributed to their torment without
any computations OF conscience.
Her punishment was meted out to
her one winter evening. She had been
to the theatre with Jacob Walters. tho
sutton who NJ that time was to small
extent more in favor than his rival.
Tho couple strolled along watching
for horse car on which they could
ride to Lucy's home. While they
wero chatting to their mutual salts
faction, they became involved In a
crowd that WIS pouring out OF an
other theatre. Tho girl became sop
arated from Mr.. Walters and hurry
ing forward In the indistinct light.
found him. as she supposed. and
linked her arm In his with that con-
ilding and affectionate touch which
men like to receive from those whom
they adore. She walked contcntcdly
in silence for about minute when for
the first time she raised her eyes to the
face OF her escort. She gave little
scream and quickly drew her arm
from that OF her companion. lilo was
not Jacob Walters but John Hutchin-
SON her other admirer
"0h, excuse mo; did not mean to
l."
NO excuse Is needed. am de-
lighted, assure you replied Hutch.
inson. who had concluded from the
charming manner In which she had
attached herself TO him that she in
tended u, last to show marked pref
crcnco for him.
.Oh. what shall do! How shall
explain my conduct she continued,
not needing his words
mo explanation is necessary. Tell
mo" and he bcnt over her eagorly.
were you not about to reward my
devotion when you were frightened
by your own boldness oh tell mo
there is hopc"
lie attempted to place her arm In
his and to walk as they had done
when they met
You must not you do not under
stand she cried us with desperate
effort she oxtricated herself from his
grasp.
What does all this mcans' was
tho inquiry in excited tones
Jacob Walters was again by her
side after nm anxious search
Tho rivals glarod ut each other
lit Is none OF your business 4"
shouted Hutchinson. who proposed TO
show his sweetheart how doughty u
champion he could ba
you must not quarrel" exclaimed
tho girl MS she ran between the angry
mon. Overwhelmed with distrcss
aud confusion In her mind. she OK
tended her hands toward Walters
Forgive ma she cried. ut Is all
u dreadful mistake.
'po you suppose ! am fool' You
| deserted mo TO go TO my rival when
you woro bound by every rule OF
polltencss TO allow me to escort you
homo. Your conduct Il amazing.
Your language Is amazing, also,
] desire you TO understand that |
shall protect this young lady from
Insult" said Hutchinson with dignity.
Lucy turned toward him aud said
Il beg OF you To koop still. You
dn mt knnw whit van nr, taiLIpu