The Banner-Democrat., 1892-12-31
A RIDICULOUS MUDDLE.
How It Came Near Separating
Two Loving Hearts.

Miss Lucy Meadows had two nd
mirers, each of whom endeavorcd to
court her while the other tried to do
the same thing. The experience Is not
uncommon, but it is always exciting.
1t Is scarcely necessary to say that
Lucy was like most other girls and en-
joyed the excitement At heart she
was an honest maiden, but she was ad-
dicted to harmless Irritation. She gave
&C sroniaor a 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 as nearly equally desirable as they
could be. Each was fairly good look
ing. each could make himself quita
agreeable, each had average intellF
gcncc, each had q good business and
attended to it in 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 it was to
Lucy. They were often on the tenters
and regarded each other with jealous
eyes whenever they met. But fate had
slecreed 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 a small
extent more in favor than his rival.
The couple were strolling along watch
ing for n 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
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 confd-
ing and affectionate touch which men
like to receive from those whom they
adore. She walked contentedly in si-
lcnce for about minute, when for the
first time she raised her eyes to the
face of her escort. She gave little
scream and quickly drew her arm from
that Of her companion. He was not Jar
cob Walters, but John Hutchinson, her
other admirer.
.sOh, excuse me; did not mean to.
l."
mo excuse is needed. nm delight
cd, 1 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 marked preference for him.
''Oh, what shall do! How shall lex
plain my conduct?" she continued. not
Eceding his words
ssNo explanation is necessary. Tell
me-" and he bent over her eagerly,
.swcre YOU not about to reward my de-
votion when you were frightened by
your own boidness. Oh, tell me there
is HOPPER
He attempted to place her arm in his
and to walk as they had done when
they met.
"Yon must not; you do not under
stand" she cried. rs with desperate
effort she extricated herself from hi
grasp.
what does oil this mean?" was the
inquiry fnexcited tones.
Jacob Walters was again by her side
after an anxious search.
The rivals glared at each other.
"It is mono 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 he'
hands toward Walters.
Forgive me-" she cried ut is all |
dreadful mistake"
.'Do you suppose / am fool? fo'
deserted me to go to my rival when yo'
were bound by every rule of politenes
to allow me to escort you home. You
conduct is amazing"
"Your language is amazing. also.
desire you to understand that shal
protect this young lady from insult,
said Hutchinson with dignity.
Lucy turned toward him and said: 7"
beg of you to keep still You do no
know what you are talking about"
..Pleasc cnlighten me, then"
Mr.. Walters was escorting me hom
from the theater; we became separated
In the crowd just before | met you.
searched for him and when took you
arm thought you were he. You wer
the last person whom desired to sc
under the circumstances"
Thank you, ] shall endeavor :
nvoid meet you hereafter"
Lucy saw her mistake, but knew nc
how to rectify it. Her intentions wer
rood, but in her confused attempt I
mako q satisfactory explanation sh
had been guilty Of q wocful lack OF tac
Naturally at this disagreeablc momer
she turned to her other lover for syn
pathy.
.You at least must understand tn
situation and must know that am nc
to blame" she cried. In appeaiin
tones
II am not satisfied" he replies
gloomily. ..v.
Out Of patience she exclaimed: "Yo
are both SO stupid! ] shall ask no MOI
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