The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-02-27

tical joke, but surely this one Is a little
undignifed. 1t was understood that
you would refuse
q made no such promise, Mr.. Beau
mont !,
Why, Mollie, dear, whatever is the
matter?"
Don't come near me-! I'll ne-never.
for-forgive you! You are a horrid,
mean ththing. I'm packing up and
g1going away. s,
Now don't be silly girl What
have I done?'
You pro-promised to refuse him,
and then actually accepted him. You
treacherous creature! I'll never speak
to you again. To play such vile trick
on me! How could you be so heart
less?'
But I saw you leave the room be-
fore gave him my answer
Il came back and listened outside
the door, heard you accept him and
then rushed away
"My dearest Molly, it was all prac-
tical joke. | thought you were out Of
hearing and was just teasing him.
am sorry have hurt your feelings,
and will confess all. L have been
hoaxing both of you:''
''How?'
'Mr. Beaumont never meant to pro-
pose to me-he loves you alone-but
he went through the farce at my re-
quest. He is waiting down stairs to
see you. SO, battle your eyes, make
yourself pretty and come down. I
gave the poor man quite fright, but
l was awfully penitent and he has
forgiven me. I will tell you all about
it. There good friends again,
aren't we?'
my darling Molly, you have made
me so happy
But don't you feel a terrible biga-
mist-accepted by two women in the
same ,day?'
ct was a cruel jest of Nellie's.''
''Yet she menat no HARM"
Nevertheless, I should like to pay
her back in her own coin."
Eyes; how can we manage it?'' $3.50
''Look, Molly! Here is Capt. Ours
ton coming up the drive. We will pre-.
tend that Nellie and I are engaged"
Delightful"
The captain entered and exchanged
greetings. "
"Have you heard the news, Capt.
Durston?' said Molly. ~.
What news?"
''Nellie has accepted an offer of mar.
rage" .r
eyes, I am delighted to say I am
quite aware Of it."
Molly and Mr.. Beaumont exchanged
glances. -.
''Why, who told your s.-<-
"Ha! ha! Who in the world should
tell me but your cousin herself?"
'Nellie? 1mpossible!' -., ~ j
''Not at all. I have just authorized
the announcement in the county news
paper"
THE deuce you havew exclaimed
Mr.. Beaumont.
"And why not sir?" +"
Because it is utterly false, SIR -
''Sh-h! What is the matter?' cried
Nellie, running into the room. "Surely
you two gentlemen are not going to
quarrel here!' ..'
."Capt. Durston states on your au-
thority, Miss Nellie, that you are en-
gagged to be married" -r.- 80
cit is perfectly true. I believe I
am " =.
Molly threw herself into an easy
chair and began to sob and show signs
of becoming hysterical. Nellie and
Durston stood looking bewildered,
while Beaumont regarded Nellie with
a glance of mingled surprise and con-
tempt.
II thought said Beaumont, 'this
farce was at an end, Miss Nellie"
Farce! What do you mean?'
Suddenly smile broke over her face
and she burst into peal Of laughter.
AS soon as. she was capable of speech
she explained that she was privately
engaged to Capt Durston three days
before, and that he had actually come
that afternoon to announce the fact.
She also enlightened her future hus-
band as to the cause of all the con-
fusion. ~
Then everybody laughed, everybody