The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1892-10-05

years the two cavaliers presented them
selves at the house of Portia-one emf
nent, rich, successful; the other emf
nent only as failure, rich only in debts,
successful only in lacking success.
And Portia received them both with
smiles. Her heart was still true to both.
Hullol" sneered Prince John, as
he caught sight of Prince Henry enter
ing the front door What are you
here for? You don't suppose you have
any chance now, do you?"
mo-" returned Prince Henry, sadly.
Z" am here simply as matter of form;
that is all. said I'd be here, and here
am. | shall content myself with say
ing good-by to Portia, and congratulate
"Ahr' said Prince John, softening.
You We had hard luck, Hal, for fact
I'm very sorry for you, old fellow,
but it wasn't my fault"
NO." returned Prince Henry, it
wasn't"
And then Portia came in.
b" We have come for your formal de-
cision, Portia," said Prince Henry.
"Of course l know what it is to be, so
if it gives you any pain to announce it
in my presence, don't do so. Let me
take it for granted. There's no ques-
ton about it, Jack has proved himself
the better man."
"That's very true" returned Por-
tia. "But l don't think it's nice of
you, Prince Henry, to forestall my de-
cision in that way. In fact, it almost
impels me to change my mind, and
marry Prince Jack"
"Cbange your what and marry
which," roared Prince Jack. i didn't
hear exactly right, did II"
Prince Henry was speechless. He
did not know whether to be full of Joy
or of amazement.
" Change my mind, and marry YOU"
repeated Portia, looking severely at
Prince John.
" You don't mean to say there is any
question about my being accepted?"
queried Prince John.
"Why, certainly" returned Portia.
" had decided in Henry's favor be-
cause he scored the greater number of
points. You have succeeded, and he
has not. But he has been pertinacious.
| admire success. l admire pertinacity
and | sympathize with failure, 80 that
the record now stands, Prince john
Love, 5 points, Affection, 8 points, Ad-
miration, 5 points, Total, 10. Prince
Henry-Love, 5 points, Affection, 5
points, Admiration, 8 points, Sympathy,
5 points, Total 90"
"That's one way to look at it,"
sneered Prince John; while Prince
Henry gazed blankly at the carpet.
" Yes, p" replied Portia. "And
here is another. You have fame and
fortune. Prince Henry has nothing.
You have shown your ability to stand
alone. Prince Henry has not Shall
give to the rich? Shall support the
strong and neglect the weak?"
Portia," said Prince John, "you
are well named. The great original
herself would bow to you in the mat
ter of argument. If Shylock could
have had you for his counsel, he'd have
got his pound of flesh"
Certainly he would" said Portia.
1t was for Antonio to pay the bill, not
for Shylock to collect it,"
"Goodw returned Prince John.
" And good morning. l congratulate
you, Henry, on your good fortune, but
1 cannot say l envy you. Life with a
woman so reason liable as Portia can
not be bliss unalloyed."
"Stay!" cried Prince Henry, spring
ing to his feet. 81 cannot consent 10
Portals arrangement. She is yours,
Jack, not mine. You have won her
fairly and squarely. Take her, for
shall not"
Portia looked faint.
emo" returned Prince Jack. "She
has expressed a preference for you,
and that settles it. AS a gentleman l
cannot appeal from her decision, and l
shall not remain any longer"
Jack, you must; for l cannot"
cried Prince Henry.
"Nor can IL " roared Prince Jack.
Gentlemen" said Portia, do not
quarrel. /"
But she addressed the empty air.
Both princes had rushed from the
house, not to quarrel, but each actuated
by spirit of remuneration.
Two noble hearts indeed were they
and strong, for twenty years have
passed since then, and Portia is still
single
The remuneration is still on, however,
and is likely to remain so for some time
to come, since both princes have mar
ried-Prince John twice, and Prince
Henry even now is enjoying his third
honeymoon.-John Kendrick Bangs.