The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1892-04-28
may be her way of entertainment
may be making a fearful mistake"

lug ncT, anu, tuOuSn udttcIcu, INC Olu
doubt grew stronger. The duties Of
hostess did not necessitate such action;
she had tried to draw the author on,
was trying him now. The only result
would be that she would reject them
both in ridicule.
Music and promenading through the
spacious house followed cards. Cecil
fastened to engage Bessie as compan-
ion, the author forestalled HIM. He
walked angrily into the conservatory
and stopped before a palm, ostensibly
examining it, but in reality analysing
his state of mind. Was he jealous? If
SO, he really loved Bessie, but could he
ask her to be his when all he had seen
confirmed her coquetry?
Bessie and Hughes came near and
stopped before large plant, but with
their backs toward Cecil, who was we'll
screened from them.
miss Fallington," said the author, in
the unmistakable voice of devotion, do
you like literature?"
Il love it," she replied. Let me tell
you little secret that you must never
reveal. l have lately had quite a num-
Der of poems pub!ished-anonymously,
of course"
"Adora BILE, he cried, enthusiastically.
''Iou must show them to me-.
by no means. You would criticise
the poor little attempts"
Not for worlds. They could not
help being full of fire and genius. But
would you not like to devote your life,
yourself, to literature?'
"Oh! Mr. Hughes, my humble talents
wouldn't last fortnight"
II don't mean in that way; though
your talent would. mean would you
not like to live always in literary at
mosphere-in fact, Miss Fallington, as
the wife Of an author?'
Pardon me, Mr.. Hughes" she ex-
claimed, but l do believe this rare
plant is dying. l must tell father at
once"
Don't turn me aside,' pleaded the
author, trying to catch her hand. 81
love you to"
flush, hush, Mr.. Hughes" she
whispered. Here comes some one
The some one was Tom Potion, and
he was coming directly for them.
"Mr. Hughes" he said. "they are
asking for you in the parlor. They're
discussing the authorship of late
anonymous poem. They want you tc
help them out"
Very WE'LL" replied Hughes, gallant
ly, land think can make good de-
cision on the latest and directest infor
nation"
/ Don't you dare" exclaimed Bessie
with a light laugh, the meaning Of
which came in words as soon as the
author was out of hearing.
"On. I'm so glad you came, for, don't
you think, he was just declaring his
love for me-
Both broke into hearty laugh. Con
viction struck Cecil. If this wasn't ar
evidence of heartless coquetry, what
could be? He sincerely thanked his
good fortune that his doubt had kept
him from declaring his own love sever
al months before in a similar place.
"And l have no doubt" he hearc
Potion say, that if l were now to say
that love you, you'd thank some one
for interrupting, and laugh as heartily
over my Stiffness, wouldn't your
"Perhaps should"
"Though you have given me some en-
enlargement, Bessie"
Have l? Come, l want to tell father
this plant is dying"
They moved away, and Cecil returned
to the parlor, thrilling with pleasure a
his narrow escape. He rejoiced greatly
that Bessie Fallington had never had e.;
chance to laugh at him. He shortly
withdrew elated, but in the night
doubt of his decision troubled him. Th,
heart and head would not agree. Tn,
stronger became the latter, the fulle
was the former of regret that he coult
not have Bessie Fallington.
Next morning he fastened to Plot
sons esta blishment and found that gen
tleman in his glass Office looking quit
happy.
Happy commission stroke?" aske,
Cecil.
eyes, an unusual one. Well, sup
pose you have come to compare note
about Bessie Fallington."
Yes"
"Well. what's your decision?"
That she is heartSess hirt, and
think I'll give up all thoughts of her."
You think So
"Yes, only think, for still can't de
eide, and l came again to get you
opinion"
well, Ill let you have it. l dom
think she would make you good wife
believe myself she is firt, and tina
she has lots of faults. If were you T.
look elsewhere"
This is your earnest, sincere advice
is it?''
1T is. But there is another reaso
why I'd give her up if were YOU
What is it?'
"She is engaged"
Engaged, and flirting around tn
way she did with you and Hughes an
myself. It's awful. Who to?'
"Well, it's something of secret We,
She engaged herself only last night"
Last night? Not to Hughes??'
Plotton laughed heartily, and sale
"Guess again"
II can't. Give me the name'
"Thomas J. Potion"
Cecil sank into a chair, and stared
Tom laughed boisterously, nineteenth
of it being pure, unalloyed joy.
But, but you said," stammered Ceci
that she was a flirt, no houssixeepe1
and full of faults
II know did, and say so still"
And going to marry herr
Yes, by all means, and We'll be a
happy as anyone can DO on earth.
love Bessie Fallington, and if she ha
ten times her faults, my love demand
that must have her, and it will hav
har AS told Won haforo Iowa Wi