The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1893-09-15
A LOVERS QUARREL.

Dick and l had quarreled and parted.
I cannot tell you how it all began, or
why it ended in this serious fashion, but
I can assure you I felt very miserable as
I saw him striding away over the fields,
although I had told him to go myself.
Still Inever thought he would have taken
me at my word.
"What shall 1 say to Aunt Maria?" I
thought as I turned my steps homeward.
This was a 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 1 had played together as
children, danced together, firted togeth-
er, and finally fell in love with each
other.
We we're to have been married in a
month, and now I had sent him away
and told him I never wished to see him
again.
What was to be done-and, oh dear!
what should say to Aunt Maria? There
was nc 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 I stole softly in and took up a book,
hoping that she would not notice me.
But she saw me directly and inquired:
"Where is Dick?"
"He has gone home," I replied, trying
fn oCc111pn on ,poo,a0rnol ,oo,oo III
failing most signally i'll the attempt.
"Gone home? Why! Did you not tell
him l expected him to dinner"
eyes"
"Then why is he not coming!"
HE had an engagement" I mumbled.
"For goodness sake, child, speak out!
Come here where 1 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
lie.
You have been crying" she said.
"Now, just tell me the truth at once,
Daisy. Have you and Dick quarreled?"
Eyes" I faltered.
Sand what about, pray:"
II don't know"
"You don't know!" This in a very
sarcastic tone.
remained silent and fumbled for nv
pocket handkerchief.
"Who began it," pursued Aunt Maria
sternly.
81 don't know"
"Have you broken off your engage
ment?"
eyes," I burst forth. 81 hate him, and
I will never speak to him again" Then
I began to weep copiously.
eff you're going to howl" said Aunt
Maria, with bitter irony, you had better
leave the I shall require a full
explanation tomorrow from both you
and Mr.. Johnson"
I fled up stairs and did not appear
again that evening. I passed a wretched
night and had a fearful scene with Aunt
Maria the next morning. She stormed
and ex~postulated, but I remained firm
in my resolve to return Dicks ring and
presents that very day.
Accordingly I spent a couple of hours
in crying over them and packing them
up.
After luncheon Aunt Maria announced
her intention Of visiting some pensioners
of hers in a village about three miles dis
tant and ordered me to accompany her,
which I prepared to do with a very bad
grace, I fear. We walked for about half
IN hour without exchanging a word, and
a 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 I noticed a
man leaning against it. As we came up
he opened it for us and politely raised
his hat. He looked like a gentleman and
was dressed in a well fitting suit of blue
serge. saw that he was a stranger and
wondered where he came from, as stran-
gers were rare in our secluded part of
the world.
A little way further on I looked back
and observed that he was following us.
He overlook US before we reached the
next gate, passed US and opened this one
also, again lifting his hat as we went by.
Thought this rather odd, but having
resolved not to speak to Aunt Maria un
til she addressed me I held my peace.
At the third gate the same perform
nee was repeated, but this time the
stranger did not fall behind. He walked
to Aunt Maria's side and asked, MAY I
offer you my arm?'
Certainly not, sir" was the indignant
rejoinder. 81 have not the honor of your
acquaintance, nor do I desire it."
sat least you will permit me to carry
your umbrella" continued the stranger
unabashed. Aunt Maria merely snorted,
and clutching her umbrella more firmly
marched on at an increased pace.
sis there no little service you will al
low me to render you," pursued our I'M
welcome companion in tragic tones.
"Go away, sirr' said my aunt furious