Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-10-07
MisCtllaMenMs.
A BICYCLE ELOPEMENT.

loved my wheel to distraction. Eth
ell loved her wheel, also, to distraction.
Consequently the attraction of this dis
traction united our souls in single
thoughts and caused our hearts to pal
plate on tho unit plan.
OF course we were engaged" and
looking forward to honeymoon Of all
wheel and no whoa, and in the meantime
enjoying almost daily bicycle trips
through the lovely country about our
rural town.
No earthly sweetness could surpass
those blissful rides.
The fragrant flowers nodded, the tall
trees bowed, the breezos whispered and
the wild birds sang their most glorious
serenades to US as we two turtle dov )
on wheels passed before them.
Dame nature, in her gayest dress,
smiled every time she saw US, and so did
a good many other folks, no doubt, but
as we we're too much "cngaged" TO heed
their lcvity, they smiled in vain.
IL was no wonder that Ethel and be-
came romantic and sentimental when TO
the purest Joy of counting was added tho
next best delight of cycling. Such a
combination was indeed calculated 10
make loves young dream too bright TO
last.
There seemed no obstacle between US
and perfect happiness except the consent
Of Ethels parents to our union. nat
urally felt timid about asking for it and
wanted Ethel, who was much better nc
quainted with them, to speak first But
she insisted that it was my place to mako
the opening address, and utterly refused
to do anything in the matter beyond Wig
orously seconding the motion.
"Well, dear Ethel" said, during
one of our cycling trips, "you might at
least tell me the surest way Of making
your father like me before | come TO tho
point. How would it do to start little
political discussion to begin with-tak-
ing his side, Of course, and after grad
uslly drawing him into an excitement
then while he's mad at the other fellows,
offer to become his son-in-law and vote
against the rascals with him ?"
IL hardly think that would work." said
Ethel soberly, "for no one knows how pa
is at present. He has been Republican
and Democrat and Prohibitionist and
Mugwump. heard lately he was on
a fence-whatever that means. II you
didn't strike him just right, you know,
We would be totally ruined"
Suppose talked bicycles to him
don't you think that would arouse an en-
thusiasm and make him want me TO be
his companion in the glorious sport p
80, not for the world" Ethel cried.
"Pa once took header and the scar is
on his nose yet. IIe utterly detests that
superb enjoyment"
"Then Ethel" said sadly, "Ill have
TO come out hatfooted and ask him to
bless US. IL he won't"
"Ie shall, bravsIy answered Ethel,
"only don't mention politics nor cy-
cling"
Assuming boldness that did not
feel, that very night sought business
interview with my fate's father in the
parlor Of his home
AS he entered the room /, neryed for
the awful ordeal, rose and, with my best
bow, wished him "gOo1 evening"
GOOD evening Take seat, sir" he
said in rather too digniGed tone for
my comfort, II understand you want
10 see me on very important business
eyes, sir" /, trembling, replied. II
am here TO ask you for, for"
"For what, young man p He spoke
pretending not 10 notice my bushes.
"For your daughters hand"
The old gentleman gazed at inc in ey.
dent surprise at my iemority.
my daughters hand" he slowly 70.
peated, (Which hand, might ask, d.
you want 7"
why, both, SIR. ! stammored. 81
love her 10 distraction, and--and ~"
! The stern parent eyed me from heat