River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1892-11-10
A RIDICULOUS MIDDLE.
How II Came Near Separating
Two Loving Hearts


uncommon, but Il is always exciting
II is scarcely necessary TO say that
Lucy was like most other girls and en-
loyed the excitement. At heart she
was an honest maiden, but she was ad-
dicted TO harmless Irritation. She gave
each sutton a little encouragement, but
not too much, and excused her conduct
on the ground that she did not vet
know which she liked the letter.
In fairness TO our heroine il must be
confessed that her excuse was not a
bad one, for her admirers happened to
be as nearly equally desirable a. they
could be. Each was fairly good LOOK
ing. each could maze himself quite
agreeable, each had average intelli-
geBce, each had a good business and
attended 10 u in a cOmmendable man.
ner. and neither had any glaringly bad
habits BY anxious mothers and pru-
dent fathers they were both considered
good catches for daughters.
To the young men the double court
ship WAS not So pleasant as il was to
Lucy They were often on the tenters
aud regarded each other with Jealous
eyes whenever they met But fate had
decreed that their charmer also should
have her feelings not slightly disturbed
after she had for some time contributed
10 their torment without any compunc-
tons OF conscience.
Her punishment was meted out to
her one winter evening. She had been
20 the theater with Jacob Walters. the
sutton who at that time was TO a small
extent more in favor than his rival.
The couple were strolling along watch
ing Tor horse car on which They could
ride TO Lucv's home While they were
chatting 10 their mutual satisfaction
they became involved in a j0stling
crowd that vas pouring out of another
theater. The girl became separated
from Mr.. Walters, and hurrying for
ward in search of him in the indistinct
light, found him. as She supposed. and
linked her arm in his with that confid-
ing and afTectionate touch which men
like to receive from those whom they
adore She walked cOutentedly in 81
lencC for about minute, when for the
first time she raised her ewes TO the
face of her escort She gave a little
scream and quickly drew her arm from
that Of her companion. He was not ia
cob Walters, but John Hutchinson, her
other admirer
oh excuse me; did not mean to.
l.
''No excuse is needed. am delight
cd, l assure you" replied Hutchinson.
who had concluded from the charming
manner in which she had attached her
self TO him that she intended AZ last to
show n marked preference for him.
oh, what shall do! How shall ex-
plain my conduct" She continued, not
needing his words
No explanation is necessary. Tell
me, and he bent over her eagerly,
were You not about 20 reward my de-
votion when YOU were frightened by
your own boIdness. Oh, tell me there
Is hope
lie attempted TO place her arm in his
and 10 walk as they had done when
they met
lyon must not; you do not under
stand, she cried, as with desperate
effort shc cxtric ated herself from hi
grasp.
What does all this mean7" was the
inquiry in excited tones
Jacob Walters was again by her side
after an anxious search.
The rivals glarcd at each other.
at IS none Of your business" shout
ed Hutchinson, who proposed io show
his sweetheart how doughty a cham
piOn he could be.
You must not quarrel" exclaimed
the girl as she ran between the angry
men Overwhelmed with distress, and
confused in her mind. she extended her
hands toward Walters
Forgive me. she !. ed. ut is all
dreadful mistake"
DO YOU suppose / am fool? You
deserted me to 20 10 my rival when you
were bound by every rule of politeness
TO allow me TO escort YOU home. Your
conduct ! amazing"
Your Language is amazing, also.
desire you to understand that l shall
protect this Young lady from insult"
said Hutchinson with dignity.
Lucy turned toward him and said: 81
beg of YOU 10 keep still. You do not
know what you are talking about"
Please enlighten me. then"
Mr.. Walters was escorting me home
from the theater; we became separated
in the crowd Just before l met YOU. l
searched for him and when l took your
arm thought you were he. You were
the last person whom desired 70 see
under the circumstances"
Thank YOU, ! shall endeavOr 20
avoid meet YOU hereafter"
Lucy saw her mistake. but knew not
how tn rectify it. Her intentions were
good. but in ner confused attempt TO
make satisfactory explanation she
had been guilty Of a woe. ul lack Of tact
Naturally At this Gisagreeable moment
she turned 10 her other lover for sym
pathy.
You at least must understand the
situation and must know that am not
to blame" she cried, in appealing
tones
4 am not satisfied" he replied.
gloomily.
Out of patience she exclaimed: lyon
are both 50 stupid l shall ask no more
favorS of either of you"
She stepped into the street, and be-
fore they could recover from their sur
prise passing horse car was carrying
her from them
What do YOU think?" asked Hutch
insou-
Il think She is a consummate Eirt"
80 do ].
she has tried TO hoOdwink both OF
rs Whatever had been our differences
la the past. we have a common cause
now. IL is ineum bent on both of rs 10
assert our dignity, and 20 show her no
attention in the future except what the
most formal POliteness requires
i agree with you: and further pro-
pose that each Of rs shall sOlemnly
Dr., mise the other never again TO seek
her hand in marriage"
Your proposal suits me exactly
They shook hands earnestly and
vowed again an6 again TO be faithful
- their pledge. They were a friendly
now a. they had been hostile q short
time before.
Meanwhile Miss Meadows also cher
lsh-l anger. She resolved never 70
forgive either OF her admirers. But at
the end Of a week her m God was some
waat conciliatOry. She reflected that
the Young men must by that time real
- -. thav f,ad mada fonls of tham-