Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1895-01-04

Inc Two girls were sitting side by Side
on rustic bench under a gnarled oak
tree, whose soft spring leaves seemed to
deny the rude strength of the twisted
boughs. 1t was one of the quietest cor
ners OF park which had not been despoil-
ed of its natural beauty. Where hills rose
and rolled they still found lovely wild ra-
vines between and sharp sleeps. Though
the lawn was clear shaven about the rustic
bench. the rising slope behind was crown
ed by tangled brake, a trysting place for
noisy birds and squirrels. AZ beaten park
road, already white and dry, If summer
had come indeed. swept past the bench
and, rounding the curve of the hill some
distance beyond, was lost to view.
Just at this vanishing point two men
were standing, half turning in the road, a s
II to retrace their steps to the bench.
Clarisse, darting look at them. rose
quickly to her feet, waving her two hands
dismissingly
60 on" she cried. her hands followed
about her mouth. Finish your walk
and come back for us; want to rest
here"
The men seemed to hesitate and consult
together.
But they have invited us for a walk"
said Louise. "They will think this so
odd"
TITS their own fault. They walked on
talking together. and quite forgot u.s."
I'VE left them first to gather wild flow
ers."
We'll, if you want to be caught cry
ing"
"Oh, no, no; send them away, Clar-
sse."
Clarisse advanced into the center of the
road, her lifted hand imperiously pointing
over the hills. The fresh spring breeze
carried to her the sound of the two mem
laughter as they turned obediently away
with exaggerated courtesy of sweeping
hats. Until the little hill screened them,
they kept looking back over their Shout
derS. Clarlsse watched their departure
smiling. The smile was vet on her lips
as she turned back to Louise.
well. dear" she said. mischlevously,
what is it"'
And Louise. her eyes still on the road
whore tho two figures had been, cried
with misery too deep for bushes. "Oh,
Clarisse. ] can't decide which one of them
love"
What" Clarisse sat very upright on
the bench
you can't be more Disguised with me
than | am with myself. l told you / had
no decision in me. Until this winter /
always thought it would be Laurence in
the end, and I'm afraid he had some lit
tie reason to agree with me, but now
Clarisse waited. No more came. Nov
is it to be Richard Manter?" she asked, at
length.
II don't know. Do you think it should
end SOP"
THAT depends" said Clarsse, slowly,
ION the beginning. To tell the truth l
have always agreed with you in thinking
that Laurence would be your end. But,
Of course. if you honestly find that you
love another man, and-he loves you
Clarisse drew her hand from her friend s
clinging grasp and deliberately opened her
pocket book, from which she selected a
small coin.
''Do you see this?" she said, holding up
the silver between her thumb and fore
finger. Her lips were twitching with a
smile. This is my luck penny, silver
three-penny piece. Now. do you pray thai
it may be your luck penny. Heads, Dick
tails, Laurence"
Louise caught the lifted hand, her face
glowing "Clarisse, how can you? When
| asked you to help me decide, I never
thought you could do anything so-so-"
"Vulgar," supplied Clarisse. 'Flipping'
for husband doesn't sound particularly
delicate, I'll admit. But I have a GOOD
motive back of it, l can't advise you.
dear; you ought to know I can't. and If
you will just trust me little this won't
be indicate and 1t will help you. Now,
come l promise you that when it's over
your say 1t was the most delicate policy
VIII you try?" She held up the coin and
smiled winnngly. Trust me?' she re-
peated.
With Louise's yes" the coin snapped
by Clarsse's thumb nail, rose in the air
and fell upon her knee. Louise bent for
ward half unwilling, half eager; but Clar-
sse had her hand pressed tightly over
the bit of silver, hiding it.
"Oh, let me see it, Clarisse."
do you mean to abide by it?'
II think l do"
Clarisse raised her hand and peeped I'M
der it. "Headsw she cried, sweeping the
coin into her palm. Poor Laurencew
Louise, with an Involuntary gesture, lift
ed her finger to her lower lip. pressing If
o haF
quickly.
ITS to be Dick" she said. briskly.
swapping the clasp of her purse on the
coin. Now that's decided and you can be
at peace. Louise, unless you like to flip
once more. Some people prefer taking
the best two out of three
Louise's finger dropped from her lip,
which curved instantly to a smile. 81
would feel it surer,' she said.
would you?' answered Clarisse. She
thrust her pocket book deep into her
pocket as she spoke, and settled herself
judicially upon the bench. Louise" she
said severely, look me in the face. / for
got to mention to you that people only
prefer the best two 'fiips out of three
when the first flip doesn't suit them at
all. Now, answer me one question: Why
did you suffer distinct shock, and show
it plainly, when Dick was suddenly de-
cided upon?'
at wasn't that, exactly" began
Then, of what were you thinking
that made your face fall inches as
called heads?'
81 was only thinking" faltered Louise,
that l could never break it to Laurence,
and that If felt it so for him, perhaps
Perhaps what?'
THAT | loved him best after ALL"
Clarisse lowered her eyes. Louise, -
she said. softly, "as you are so sure, ]
must confess little ib to you. That
coin really fell tails for Laurence. but
had to say IL was heads to convince you
| that you didn't want Dick. VIII you for
| give me?'
| Louise did not answer. Following her
absorbed gaze. Clarisse also looked down
| the road to discover why. Two figures
were approaching them from about the
base of the green hill.
| Louise Clarisse whispered, what 3
| funny world this Isl Here comes the mar
you threw for and thought you had lost
and found you must have, and the man
| oh. dear me- l have much to confess L
you, You can't guess what I've been go
ing through this half hour, dear. Sine,
| yesterday I've been engaged to Dick my
| self-and he stammered horribly. ''-Har