The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-06-09
A TANGLE OF HEARTS.
The President of Bachelors Club Falls a
Victim to Love.
WRITTEN BY E. S. VAN ZILE.

have succumbed to the fascinations OF
Miss UPTON"
There was a murmur, then a roar OF
protest.
1T can't bel"
AT your age!"
"Hasn't sne enough admirers as ii
is?"
"Good-by to the club! Let it's epi-
taph be: 'Perished in its maturity
through the 5lighting influence OF Agnes
Upton. "
the President. i tried SO hard TO re
faithful to my trust. But there was no
escape. loved her the momen. ] saw
her"
A sob broke from Fernshaw, who had
thrown himself upon sofa.
Barnes looked pale but collected,
while DR.. Chapman and pressed each
others hands and moaned in chorus.
whats to be done?" asked one Of
the happy quartette.
"Disband the club" cried Fernshaw.
1T is not fair to Agnes that this matter
should 60 further. 1t is shame that
her name was ever brought before you
all. On, I am a wretch. wish l was
dead.
He buried his Byronic features in his
hand, and the sofa shook with his sobs.
Brethren" said the Presid ent, rising
with an effort and leaning against ia
BILE, II feel that it is my duty to suggest
an expedient whereby the club may be
preserved and this tangle OF hearts un-
raveled II were more than mortal I
would magnanimously withdraw from
the contest and leave the field to my
younger rivals. But, homo sum. You
who love Agnes Upton realize that it
would now be- impossible for me to give
up my hope of winning her. You who
know her not are not competent judges
in the case: Now, my proposition is
this: All other mediation having failed,
let US present the matter to Miss Upton
herself. You asked me to choose which
Of you should attempt to win her hand.
I suggest that each of US make her a
proposal OF marriage, and leave the rest
to the dictates Of her heart. -Four OF
the five must eat the bitter bread of re-
lection, but I can answer for you all
that the winner will receive the heart
felt CONGRATULATIONS OF his rivals. What
do you think? Shall we lay the matter
before Agnes?".
Miss Upton, you mean, SIR" ex-
claimed Fernshaw fiercely.
Miss Upton," said the President
meekly.
Il see no other way" I remarked.
Under any circumstances she would be
sure to learn from each Of US the feel
ing she has aroused.
you might try round-robin on her, y"
suggested one of the flippant outsiders.
well" remarked Barnes, who was
perfectly cool, Il for one, am very anx-
ious that the existence Of the club be
not destroyed by this strange tragedy.
OF course, none Of the five is willing to
abandon the contest without putting his
chances to the test. But whoever cap
lures the hand Of Agnes Upton, let it be
understood. that his defeated rivals shall
still maintain toward each other their
present fraternal relations.
"Of course, we chorused in breath.
Let me ask" broke in DR.. Chapman,
how the situation as it now stands is
to be conveyed to Miss Upton? Would
it not be we'll for each Of US to write to
herr"
mo, no. exclaimed the President.
"Inever propose to girl in writing. A
personal interview is much more effect
ive."
But don't you see, Mr.. President,
that effectiveness is just what Is not
desired in this case?" asked somebody.
That's so-you're right" returned
the president, moodily. What shall we
do?"
II don't care wha. you do, almost
shouted Fernshaw. Pm going to take
my own course. loved her first and 1
shall be the first to propose. If she re-
jects me, there will then be a chance for
somebody else.
With these rash and boastful words he
rushed from the room, and we saw him
no more that night.
Il shall write to her" said DR.. Chap
man, calmly.
Il shall call on her tomorrow" re-
marked the President, with a suspicion
of pomposity.
Il shall approach Mr.. Upton first,
said Barnes, looking wise.
I'll wait" l added; and a few mo-
ments later we parted for the night.