Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-11-26
A DECEPTION.

To this day live in perpetual fear Of
meeting him, indeed I am continually
haunted with the belief that he is scour-
ing the earth for me, thirsting for re-
venge, and that is why I shun the
haunts of men and live a solitary, Sc
cluded life, only venturing out at dusk
and wearing beard (Which doesn't suit
mel and blue glasses (which I don't
NEEDY as q means of disguise. OF course
it should never have happened. I admit
that. A word of explanation and all
would have been well, and should not
now be living with the sword of Damo-
cles hanging over my head. But let
the opportunity slip and plunged myself
into an intrigue which may yet end in
bloodshed.
1t began with very simple mistake
on my part. was lounging on the pier
at Eastsea one fine morning in Septem-
Der, listening to the grand selection
from the Bohemian Girl" (they play
this every day at Eastsea) and watching
the promenaders, when my eyes fell on
a young lady who was sitting in quiet
corner reading novel. could not see
her face, for it was hidden by crimson
parasol, but her general appearance at
once told me that it was Flo Beresford,
one of the prettiest girls know, and,
inwardly congratulating myself, l rose
and crossed to her.
So absorbed was she in her book that
she did not hear me approach, and to
attract her attention Il know her very
well) I playfully tapped the sunshade
with my paper. She looked up in mo-
ment, and then, to my horror, saw
had made o mistake; it was not Flo,
but a stranger.
stood paralyzed, trying to frame an
apology, but before I could get the
words out was amazed to see lovely
smile of evident recognition and still
lovelier blush overspread a charming
face.
"George" she cried in joyous tone.
"This is surprise. When did you
come? But there, sit down."
Now, know that this was where
made the fatal error. 1t was evident
that had double, and equally evident
that she was mistaking me for him.
I know ought to have undeceived
her, to have murmured few words o1
apology, raised my cap and gone away,
but did not do this. Perhaps it was
her eyes or her mouth or her hair.
don't know. But, anyway, she drew hel
skirts aside, and sat down.
"What made you come $3.50 sud.
denly?" she asked.
"WhatW then recovering myself.
"Why, you, of course" She blushed
divinely.
Couldn't you wait for my answer?''
she murmured softly.
"No," I said, II couldn't"
She turned over the pages of her nov.
el in distracted fashion. On the fly leaf
caught sight of some writing-"To
Lucy from George" and the date.
Then sudden inspiration struck me.
I bent my head close to hers, so close
that a stray tendril of her brown hail
brushed my cheek.
Lucy" / whispered, almost putting
my lips to her shell-l little ear, "what
is your answer?"
She laughed.
Wouldn't you like to know?" she
said. "Iposted the letter this morning. ~
"In-in answer to my letter." put
in, taking step in the dark.
'Yes, in answer to your letter. And
you'd have had it tonight
'And as it is I've missed it."
"Yes, you've missed it. ;"
"But you'll tell me what-what you
said?''
She bent her head and toyed with
the tassel of her parasol. She was very
lovely.
"I've half mind not to-iust to
tease you," she murmured.
"Do you want to drive me distract
ed?" 1 cried.
A ripple of laughter came from her
rosy lips.
''You see if you d only waited?'
"But II couldn't wait. Lucy, you
will tell me?"
''Not-not now."
"When?''
'To-tonight perhaps.''
"Here?"
"Yes, here" F"
Then ] wondered what it was he had
asked her. 1t seemed to me that it could
only be one thing, but All, I had it.
"Have you kept my letter." I asked
"Kept it9 Oh, George, yes. Why,
have it here" putting her hand to her
breast.
Juss-er--let me have look at it a
moment"
'Let you? Oh, SO you want to draw
back, do you? Well, you can if you"--
"My darling, r.
"George, forgive me. Of course
know. There it is.
IT was about to say" I observed as
took it, "that only wanted to see if
had spelled necessary with one Q or
tWo." .as,- -
She opened wide her eyes.
Necessary" she said. why, there q
no such word in the letter"
"Isn't there?" I murmured. "Let me
see."
Yes, I read it, but I don't think it
would be right to let any one else do so.
My theory was correct, however.
II am wrong" said, as I returned
it to her. II didn't use the word"