The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1892-04-28
A DOUBTING LOVE.
Cecil Graham and His Half Heart
ed Wooing.

Old Mrs. Graham smiled over her gold
spectasles at her nephew Cecil, and, with
Just touch of humor, asked:
"Why?"
We'll. you know I've been paying her
some attention -"
And before committing yourself
you wish to get the opinions of your
friends"
"YoN state it bluntly, aunt, but sup
pose that is about the truth"
Then. Cecil, | cannot give you my
opinion
Cecil withdrew. AS may be inferred
he was an indecisive fellow, and of
course was not now satisfied. Praise of
Bessie from Aunt Mildred would have
decided him. But he was left exactly
as before, except that he could draw
two opposing differences. First, that if
his aunt had not favored his suit she
would have advised against it; second,
that her refusal to give an opinion meant
that she opposed it.
Such men as he adopt tests, but he
had not ingenuity to invent one. The
secret of such doubt is usually high
self-esteem, which conjures an ideal
worthy of affection. Oddly enough the
luminous point in Cecil's ideal was fdel-
ity. Bcssies social position was level
with his, but would she be true? Wasn't
she cOQuette?
Tom Plotton was down-city commits
sion merchant; one Of those men who
forge ahead on the voyage OF life, and
by the twin propellers energy and de-
termination reach port of commercial
success. Cecil and he had been college
mates, but their late acquaintance had
been only casual; confined to chance
meeting at social gatherings. An out
spoken man. but withal a thorough
gallant. acquainted with all marriagea
BILE ladies worth knowing, he was just
the man to render the opinion Cecil
craved.
He was found in his glass-inclosed
office, millerishly white from -four he
had been examining before buying.
Tom, began Cecil, after greetings
81 came to get your candid opinion of
Bessie Fallington."
Plotton looked fool" at him, but re-
piled:
We'll, it depends on what the opinion
say, she'd be prime failure as a sea-
captain, ditto and as
''As wife, for instance
That depends on the man who sets
her
well, for me, say?'
"Oho," exclaimed Plotton, running
his finger through some coffee grains
in tin box, you're in love with her,
are you?"
Frankly, yes"
And before you put yourself in dan
ger of making matrimonial blunder,
you're around getting opinions"
'Well-bluntly, yes The same as
YOU look into Bradstreets before selling
to a stranger"
The strangers credit is doubtful
when do"
"Wcll?"
"You doubt Bessie Fallington?'
Good gracious, no.!
Then what do you want an opinion
of her for? If you don't doubt her,
you're sure of her. That's as plain as
A, B, c. If you love her and are sure
of her worth, an opinion isn't worth a
coffee grain, or shouldn't be. If you
love her, you'll pitch in and move
heaven and earth to get her
But l ask your opinion, neverthe.
less"
whether it cuts or note"
"Yes."
"Give her up
Why"
First, if You doubt her, she won't
suit you
IL don't grant that"
Second, she 5 a pronounced coquette
wants wealth in husband: is willful
demands continual petting; admires
men of distinction, men who can cut @
dash, and especially men of decision
but will quarrel with him if her way is
crossed; doesn't know saucepan from
griddle, etc, etc, full of faults-but
pretty as spring morning.
Graham rose pettishly.
lyon don't believe my opinion, see
Very good; it's one sign you love the
girl. OF course you're invited to hel
progressive euchre party nest week
Go and criticise her-if you can in sight
of her beauty. Then We'll meet anc
compare notes"
hRTeeu. NOOu morning.
The next Tuesday evening fount
Cecil in Bessies fashionable home H,
had exactly poised his mind, but tn.
Irst sight of her unbalanced it in hsl
favor. She was rarely beautiful, ant
her welcome rang with genuine hospi
tally. 1t seemed impossible to crit
else her; good. true heart must be tn,
center of such physical loneliness, bu
Doubt whispered: wait and watch.
Of guests there were seven ladies ant
eight gentlemen. Bessie had, therefore
to choose her first partner, and Ceci
watched eagerly to see which thi
would be. 1t was Alfred ArnoldsoI
Hughes, who had lately won literar,
fame. Bessie smiled brilliantly upol
him as they took seats at the ace table
She's flirting with that fellow,
muttered Cecil, as the bell rang TO
play.
When it rang again for changing ia
bles, he was obliged to remain at tn
jack table, because, in watching, h
had Numbered stupidity. Bessie an
the author won the game, and, thougl
they were not partners in the next tn
merriment between them continued
and he saw her dart a perfect coquette'
smile at him as at the next he wen
down to the kings.
Tom Plotton was her next partner
but her sparkle was gone. She scarce
ly spoke to him.
'Humph," muttered Cecil, ''quite
descent from literature to -four. Pho,
ton and l will surely agree, for he
undoubtedly getting the cold shoul
der"
Yet, despite himself, doubts woul
break into his adverse decision. "Pe,
haps she is true, after all; her spirit