Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1892-11-17
a RIDICULOUS MUDDLE.
How 1t Came Near Separating
.e' Two Loving Hearts.

Miss Lucy Meadows had two nd
mirers, each of whom endcnvorcd to
court her while the other tried to do
the same thing The experience is not
uncommon, but it is always exciting.
IL 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 adj
dictcd to harmless Irritation. She gave
each sutor 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 Il
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 quite
agreeable, each had average intclli-
gcncc, each had good business and
attended to 1t in a commendablc man.
ner, and neither had any glaringly bad
habits By anxious mothers and pro-
dent fathers they were both considered
good catches for daughters.
10 the young men the double court
ship was not SO pleasant as 1t was to
Lucy. They were often on the tcntcrs
and regarded each other with Jealous
eyes whenever they met. But fate had
dccrccd that their charmcr 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 ncted out to
her ono winter evening. She had been
to the thcatcr with Jacob Walters, the
suitor who ut 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 a 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, us she supposed, and
linked her arm in his with that coniid-
like to receive from those whom they
adore. She walked contentcdly in ST.
lcnce for about minute, when for the
first time she raised her eyes to the
face of her escort. She gave u little
scream and quickly drew her arm from
that OF her companion. lie was not Ja-
cob Walters, but John Hutchinson, her
other admirer.
oh, excuse nc; did not mean to.
l."
"No excuse Is needed. am delight
cd, 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 l cx-
plain my conduct" she continued, not
Eeeding his words
mo explanation is necessary. Tell
me-" and he bent over her eagerly,
''werc you not about TO reward my de-
votion when you wcrc frightened by
your own boldness Oh, tell me there
is hope!"
He attempted to place her arm in his
and to walk as they had done when
they met.
"You must not; you do not under
stand" she cried, as with desperate
effort she ex tricated herself from hi
grasp.
"What does all this mcan?" was the
inquiry in excited tones
Jacob Walters was again by her side
after an anxious search.
The rivals glared at each other.
at is none of your business" shout
ed Hutchinson, who proposed to show
his sweetheart how doughty 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 cried. ''It is all a
dreadful mistake"
"Do you suppose ! am fool? You
deserted me to go to my rival when you
were bound by every rule of politencss
to allow me to escort you home. Your
conduct Is amazing.
"Your language is amazing, also. l
desire You to understand that shall
protect this young lady from insult, ="
said Hutchinson with dignity.
Lucy turned toward him and said; II
beg of you to keep still. You do not
know what you are talking about"
'Please enlighten me, then"
"Mr. Walters was escorting me home
from the thcater; we became separated
in the crowd just before | met you. /
searched for him and when took your
arm thought you were he. You were
the last person whom l desired to see
under the circumstances.
'sThank you, ! shall cndcavor to
avoid meet you hereafter"
Lucy saw her mistake, but knew not
how to rectify it, Her intentions were
good, but in her confused attempt to
make satisfactory explanation she
had been guilty of q woeful lack OF tact.
Naturally at this disagrccable moment
she turned to 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.
II am not satisfied" he replied,
gloomily.
Out of patience she exclaimed: "Yor
are both so stupid! shall ask no more
favors of either of you"
She stepped into the street, and be-
fore they could recover from their sur
prise a passing horse car was carrying
her from them.
s.What do you think?" asked Hutch
inson.
~ think she is consummatc flirt
$50 do J."