Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-01-28
A RIDICULOUS MIDDLE.

hilESISt GdCn VI W AOAAA NtANASt-F - 49, ~
court her while the other tried to do
the same thing. The experience is
mot uncommon. but 1t IS always ex-
citing.
1t is scarcely necessary to say that
Lucy was like most other girls and
enjoyed the excitement. At heart
she was an honest maiden, but she
was addicted to harmless Irritation.
She gave each sutton little encour-
agcment but not too much. and eX-
cused her conduct on the ground that
she did not yet know which She liked
the better.
In fairness to our heroine il 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
looking each could make himself
quite agreeable each had average in
telligence. each had good business
and attended to it in commeudable
manner and neither mad any glar-
ingly bad habits By anxious moth
ers and prudent fathers they were
both considered good catches for
daughters
10 the young men the double court
ship was not 80 pleasant as il was for
Lucy. They were often on the tent
ers and regarded each other with
jealous eye whenever they met But
fate had decided that their charmer
should have her feelings not slightly
disturbed after she had for some time
contributed to their torment without
any computations of conscience
Ter punishment was melted out to
her one winter evening. She had been
TO the theatre with Jacob Walters the
sutton who AZ that time was TO a small
extent more in favor than his rival
The couple strolled along watching
for horse car on which they could
ride to Lucy's home. While they
were chatting to their mutual salts
faction. they became involved in a
crowd that was pouring out OF an
other theatre. The girl became sep
arated from Mr.. Walters and hurry
ing forward in the indistinct light.
found him as she supposed and
linked her arm in his with that con
fiding and affectionate touch which
men ike to receive from those whom
they adore She walked contentediy
in silence for about minute. when fcl
the first tlmeshe raised her eyes to the
scream and quickly drew her arm
from that OF her companion. He was
not Jacob Walters but John Hutchin-
son her other admirer.
''0h. excuse me; did not mean to.
Il"
NO excuse is needed. / am de.
lighted assure you : replied Hutch
inson who had concluded from the
charming manner in which she hac
attached herself to him that she in.
tended at last TO show a marked pref
crence for him.
oh. what shall do. How shall
IeypIain my conduct she continued,
not needing his words
NO explanation is necessary. Tel
me and he bent over her eagerly,
were you not about to reward my
devotion when you We're frightened
by Your own boldness. Oh tell M
thee is hope
lie attempted TO place her arm il
his and 10 walk as they had done
when they met
You must not you do not under
stand, she cried as with a desperate
effort she extricated herself from hi
grasp.
What does all this mean9' wa
the inquiry in excited tones.
JACOB Walters was again BIZ he
side after an anxious search
The rivals glared at each other
1t is none OF your business
shouted Hutchinson who proposed I
show his sweetheart how doughty
champion he could be.
You must not quarrel exclaime,
the girl as SIZE ran between the angry
men Overwhelmed with distress
and confusion in her mind, she ex
tended her hands toward Walters.
Forgive me she cried. 1T is al
a dreadful mistake.
do you suppose | am fool9 Yol
deserted me to go to my rival whe
you were bound by every rule O
poiteness to allow me to escort 20
home. Your conduct is amazing.
Your language is amazing also
/ desire you to understand that
shall protect this young lady fron
insult" said Hutchinson with dignity
Lucy turned toward him and said
Il beg of you to keep still. Yo
do not know what you are taikin
about"
Please enlightcn me. then"
MIR. Walters was escorting m
home from the theatre we becam
separated in tine crowd Just before
met you. ! searched for him an
when took your arm thought yo
were he. You were the last perso
whom / desired TO see under the cir
Gums tances 4arssv
Thank you. shall endeavor {
avoid meeting you hereafter. "
Lucy saw her mistake but knew nc
how 10 rectify it. Her intertion
were good. but in her confused al
tempt to make satisfactory explana
tion she had been guilty OF q woefl