St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1892-12-31
A RIDICULOUS MUDDLE.
How It Came Near Separating
Two Loving Heaxta

How It Came Near Separating
Two Loving Hearts
Miss Lucy Meadows, had two nd
mirers, each Of who's endeavored to
court her whilr Ne other tried to do
the same thing. The experience is not
uncommon. but it Is always exciting.
It is scarcely necessary to say that
Lucy was like most other girls and en-
joycd the excitement At heart she
was an honest maiden. but she was ID
dicted to harmless Irritation. She gave
each suitor little encouragement, but
not too much, and excused her conduct
on the ground that she did not yet
know which she liked the better.
In fairness to our heroine it must be
confessed that her excuse was not .
bad one, for her admirers happened to
be rs nearly equally desirable - they
could be. Each was fairly good loojE-
ing. each could make himself quite
agreeable. each had average intelli-
gcncc, each had q good business and
attended to it in a commendable man
ner. and neither had any glaringly bad
habits Ey anxious mothers and prn-
dent fathers they were both considered
good catches for daughters.
To the young men the double court
ship was not SO pleasant as 1t was to
Lucy. They were often ON the tentcrs
and regarded each other with Jealous
eyes whenever they met But fate had
dccreed that their charmer also should
have her feelings not slightly disturbed
after she had for some time contributed
to their torment without any compunc-
tions of conscience.
Her punishment was meted out to
her one winter evening. She had been
to the theater with Jacob Walters, the
suitor who at that time was to . small
extent more in favor than his rival
The couple were strolling along watch
ing for horse car on which they could
ride TO Lucy's home. While they were
chatting to their mutual satisfaction
they became involved in . jostling
crowd that was pouring out OF another
thcater. The girl became separated
from Mr.. Walters, and hurrying for
ward in search of him in the indistinct
light, found him, rs she supposed. and
linked her arm in his with that confid-
ing and affectionate touch which men
like to receive from those whom they
adore. She walked contentedly in si-
lcncc for about minute, when for the
first time she raised her eyes to the
face of her escort She gave n little
scream and quickly drew her arm from
that of her companion. He was not ia
cob Walters, but John Hutchinson, her
other admireE.
.Oh, excuse me; did not mean to
"No excuse is needed. I am delight
ed, assure you." replied Hutchinson,
who had concluded from the charming
manner in which she had attached her
self to him that she intended at last to
show a marked preference for him
.'Oh, what shall do! How shall lex
plain my conduct?" she continued. not
keeding his words
|, .No explanation is necessary. Tell
me-" and he bent over her eagerly,
"were you not about to reward my de-
lxotion when you were frightened by
your own boidness. Oh, tell me there
lis hope!"
He attempted to place her arm in his
and to walk as they had done when
they met
lyon must not: you do not under
stand" she cried. as with . desperate
Ieffort she extricated herself from hi
lgrasp.
"What does all this mcan?" was the
inquiry in excited tones
Jacob Walters was again BY her side
tnfter an anxious searc.a.
The rivals glarcd at each other.
ut is none of your business" shout
ed Hutchinson, who proposed TO show
his sweetheart how doughty . cham
pion he could be.
'sYou 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 cried 1T il all q
dreadful mistake"
do you suppose am fool? You
deserted me to go TO my rival when you
wcSe bound by every rule of politencss
to}llow me to escort you home. Your
co0duct is amazing"
~Your language is amazing, also.
dessre Won to understand that ! shall
.pnctect this young lady from insult.
SAID Hutchinson with dignity.
Lucy turned toward him and said: az
beA Of you to keep still You do not
know what you are talking about"
sPleasc cnlighten me, then"
..M& Walters was escorting me home
from tie theater; we became separated
In the fowd just before I met you.
: searched for him and when took your
: arm thought you were he. You were
the last person whom desired to sec
: under thu circumstances"
.'Thank you, ! shall endeavor 70
avoid mc4 you hereafter"
Lucy say her mistake, but knew not
how to recSfy it. her intentions were
\ good, but ia her confused attempt TO
make a Satisfactory Acxplanation she
mad been guiAy of wde lack of tact
Naturally at this dsast steeable moment
khe turned 70 her oeaerlovcr for SYM
Aathy.
! .:You at least mut understand the
situation and must how that am not
70 blame" she Grid. in appealing
toneA
Il am not sasisAd." he replied.
/. gloomily.
Out Of patience shexclaimed: '.You
are both so stupid! aall ask no more
fayors of either of you