The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-09-14
A LOVERS QUARREL.

Dick and had quarreled and parted.
cannot tell you how 1t all began, or
why 1t ended in this serious fashion. but
lean assure You felt very miserable as
Isaw him striding away over the fields,
although had told him to go myself.
Still never thought he would have taken
me at my word.
What shall / say to Aunt Maria" I
thought as turned my steps homeward.
This was very serious reflection in
deed, for it had been the dream of Aunt
Maria's existence to see me united to
Dick johnson, the handsome only son Of
our wealthy neighbor, Sir Henry.
Dick and / had played together as
children, danced together, f1irted togeth-
er, and finally fell in love with each
other.
We We're to have been married in a
month, and now / had sent him away
and told him never wished to see him
again.
What was to be done--and, oh dear!
what should say to Aunt Maria? There
was no help for it, however, but to go
home and explain the situation to the
best of my ability, and accordingly home
went.
Aunt Maria was in the drawing room,
and stole softly in and took up book,
hoping that she would not notice me-
But she saw me directly and inquired:
Where is Dick
He has gone home,' replied, trying
to assume an unconcerned manner and
failing most signally in the attempt.
Gone home? Why! Did you not tell
him expected him to dinnerg'
Yes"
Then why is he not coming
He had an engagement" mumbled.
For goodness sake, child, speak outi
Come here where can see you. How
red your face is! What is the natter
rose obediently and stood before my
aunt, who fixed a relentless gaze upon
me.
s'You have been crying" she said.
Now, just tell me the truth at once,
Daisy. Have you and Dick quarreledy
Yes" faltered.
And what about, pray?"
Il don't know"
You don't know" This in a very
sarcastic tone.
remained silent and fumbled for my
pocket handkerchief.
WHO began it?" pursued Aunt Maria
sternly.
II don't know"
Have You broken off your engage
ment?'
YES" burst forth. Il hate him, and
will never speak to him again" Then
began to weep copiously.
IF you're going to howl" said Aunt
Maria, with bitter irony, lyon had better
leave the room. | shall require full
explanation tomorrow from both you
and Mr.. Johnson"
/ fed up stairs and did not appear
again that evening. passed wretched
night and had fearful scene with Aunt
Maria the next morning. She stormed
and expostulated, but | remained firm
in my resolve TO return Dicks ring and
presents that very day.
Accordingly | spent couple of hours
i'll crying over them and packing them
up.
After luncheon Aunt Maria announced
her intention Of visiting some pensioners
of hers in village about three miles dis.
tant and ordered me to accompany her,
which prepared to do with very bad
grace, fear. We walked for about half
an hour without exchanging word, and
more thoroughly i'll tempered pair OF
pedestrians could hardly have been found
anywhere.
Our way led through some fields, and
on reaching the first gate / noticed q
man leaning against it. As we came III
he opened it for Us and politely raised
his hat. He looked like gentleman and
was dressed in well fitting suit of blue
serge. saw that he was stranger anG
wondered where he came from, as stran
gers were rare in our secluded part ol
the world.
A little way further on / looked bacl
and observed that he was following us.
He overlook us before we reached tn,
next gate, passed us and opened this on,
also, again lifting his hat as we went by
thought this rather odd, but havini
resolved not to speak to Aunt Maria un
til she addressed me held my peace.
AT the third gate the same perform
ance was repeated, but this time tn
stranger did not fall behind. He wake.
to Aunt Maria's side and asked, May
offer you my armT
Certainly not, sir, was the indignan
rejoinder. Il have not the honor of you
acquaintance, nor do ! desire it,
"At least you will permit me to carr
your umbrella. continued the strange
unabashed. Aunt Maria merely snorted
and clutching her umbrella more firml
marched on at an increased pace.
lis there no little service You will a
low me to render you, pursued our ur
welcome companion In tragic tones.
Go away, SIR said my aunt furious