Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1893-09-14
A LOVERS QUARREL,

Dick and I had quarreled and parted. :
Icannot tell yon how it all began, or
why it ended in this serious fashion, but
can assure you felt very miserable as
I saw him striding away over the fields,
although had told him to go myself.
Still Inever thought he would have taken
me at my word. l.
"What shall l say to Aunt Mariar ]
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, firted togeth-
er, and finally fell in love with each
other.
We were to have been married in a
month, and now / had sent him away
and told him never wished to see him
again. t.a
What was to be done-and, oh dearl
what should Isay 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
I went.
Aunt Maria was in the drawing room,
and l 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? Whyi Did you not tell
him expected him to dinner?"
eyes"
"Then why is he not coming"
"He had an engagement" mumbled
"For goodness sake, child, speak out
Come here where can see you. How
red your face isl What is the matter?"
rose obediently and stood before my
aunt, who fixed a relentless gaze upon
me.
"You have been crying" she said
"Now, just tell me the truth at once
Daisy. Have you and Dick quarreled?"
EYES," faltered.
"And what about, pray?"
~ don't know"
"You don't knowl" This in very
sarcastic tone.
remained silent and fumbled for my
pocket handkerchief.
"Who began it9'' pursued Aunt Maris
sternly.
II don't know"
"Have you broken off your engage
ment?"
"Yes," burst forth. II hate him, an,
Twill never speak to him again" The1
I began to weep copiously.
"If you're going to howl" said Aun
Maria, with bitter irony, "you had bette
leave the room. I shall require full
explanation tomorrow from both yol
and Mr.. Johnson"
1 fled up stairs and did not appea
again that evening. I passed wretchet
night and had fearful scene with Aun
Maria the next morning. She storme'
and expostulated, but l remained firm
in my resolve to return Dicks ring an,
presents that very day.
Accordingly / spent couple of hour
in crying over them and packing then
up.
After luncheon Aunt Maria announce,
her intention of visiting some pensioner
of hers in village about three miles dis
tant and ordered me to accompany her
which l prepared to do with very ba,
grace, fear We walked for about hal
an hour without exchanging word, an,
more thoroughly i'll tempered pair o
pedestrians could hardly have been foun,
anywhere.
Our way led through some fields, an,
on reaching the first gate noticed
man leaning against it. As we came u,
he opened it for us and politely raise,
his hat. He looked like gentleman an
was dressed in well fitting suit of blu
serge. I saw that he was stranger an
wondered where he came from, as stran
gers were rare in our secluded part 0
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 havin
resolved not to speak to Aunt Maria IN
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 Won NV arm?o
Certainly not, sill" was the indignan
rejoinder. II have not the honor of you
acquaintance, nor do desire it."
cat least you will permit me to carr.
your umbrella" continued the strange
unabashed. Aunt Maria merely snorted
and clutching her umbrella more frml
marched on at an increased pace.
'.Is there no little service you will al
low me to render you," pursued our un
welcome companion in tragic tones.
$50 away, siri' said my aunt furious
A Good Thing to Keep at Hand.