Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1893-02-23

"Who?" inquired Ethel.
"Why, the two Johns OF course.
Our hostess will introduce you at the
first opportunity.
AS Ethel beheld the two elegantly
attired young gentleman conversins
together the ridiculous idea of styling
them the 1.-TWO Johns struck her
with all its righteousness and she
could scarcely refrain from laughing
when introduced to them.
TO those acquainted with society
in small towns, and, in fact, often
times in large towns, it goes without
saying that Ethel was what shall I
say, the lioness?-of the evening.
The 1.-TWO Johns were untirnS in
their attentions and seemingly wed
with each other in expendne all their
arts in winning her smiles. And
Ethel-she had apparently forgotten
all else in the pleasure OF the moment,
for the constant attentions which
the 1.-TWO Johns" showered upon her
came as q revelation from q world
whose social perfection she
had hitherto but vaguely
dreamed. AS the hours sped on she
nor the sinister glances, which her fair
sisters turned upon heras they viewed
the wrec!IsGe of others hopes, which
her inoVE ortunep presence had wrought;
she only knew that she was happy;
why-:he did not attempt to explain.
This first brief season OF happiness
did not end with the lawn party but
grew with the succeeding days. Mr..
Gordon-sincere, attentive, consider
ate lost no opportunity to enhance
the pleasure OF her visit; indeed, it soon
became current rumor that his atten-
tons were even more marked than
social duties required. But none for q
moment did him the injustice to uues-
ton the sincerity OF his intentions,
neither did they fail to remark upon
the rare good-fortune OF Ethel, for
there WAS no young lady in all Glen
wood who would not gladly have
assumed the marital bonds at tine beck
OF Mr.. John Gordon
John Gordon, ESQ, was by no
means Indifferent in his attentions,
though his insinuating smile ard fiat
terlng words plainly indicated his
insincerity. 1t has always been his
custom, he informed his intimates,
to have a little "affair' during q
summers vacation. ut is so con-
foundedly dry without it, you know"
His manner excited Annals resent
ment, but she wisely kept her own
counsel. Occasionally, however, she
would express her deep regard for Mr..
Gordon, but Ethel, in her simplicity
fancying that both sought her hand,
would sigh and reply: ''If our tastes
were all alike it would be difficult to
win or be won. But / may be mis-.
taken in the name; which is John Cor
don, ESQ.,"
"The younger one. I only hope
your choice may prove iuGicious;
have always doubted his sincerity,
but rome can doubt Mr.. Gordon the
older.'
"And I look at them exactly op-
posite," replied Ethel, with faint
smile, "but we shall see. Oh, Anna, ii
| should De mistaken in the John
Gordon | now SO implicitly trust l
could never be happy a GAIN
Weeks passed by and the gossips
we're at their wits ends to determine
which OF the 1.-TWO Johns was most
favored. Ethel knew and she had no
coniidante hut Anna. The time had
nearly arrived for Ethels departure
when the arrival OF q letter called for
her decision. The lines read.
off you can answer as l nope and
trust you may please reply at once,
but, knowingsthat it would pain
sympathetic heart to write that
which IS doom to another,
shall construe your failure to reply
as Il rejection. Sincerely yours,
,Nr.) John Gordon
Ethel showed the letter to Anna and
with tears in her eyes said: Il cannot
answer
Anna could not trust herself to re-
ply and by way OF comment merely
wiped her eyes.
The following day John Gordon,
Esq, called, but did not remain long,
as Ethel was apparently much depres-
sed. a few days later Mr.. Gordon
called to bid them eood-by. When he
told them his mission Ethels face sud
denly grew deathly pale. Anna, know
ing that Mr.. Gordon desired to speak
with Ethel, directly withdrew.
SIS not your decision very sudden,
Mr.. Gordon?" inquired Ethel.
at is, Miss Sommers, butI need not
tell you the cause. | have not come to
censure but to thank you for your
honesty and sincerity, although / had
hoped it might be otherwise"
pardon me-" slightly contracting
her eyebrows, "but | cannot com.
prehend your language,
Surely you received my note, did
you not?'
"Your note" she replied slowly, the
truth beginning to dawn upon her. 81
received no note signed by John Cor
don, Esq"
"But I am Mr.. John Gordon"
Then noticing the happy expression
which lightened her countenance:
"Iou have been mistaken in the
names, have you not?"
Through q sorry mixture Of laugh
ter and tears Ethel answered, ayes"
to both that inquiry and another
which it implied. at was very stupid
OF me, hut l was told that you We're
the older"