The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-03-13
A HEART sEARCHER.

| pointer, ana In place OF the usual IL figure
there were the names of the moral an,
immoral sentiments. At the top, opposit
the stem or handle, was the zero mark
and when not In use the pointer rested a
the zero or neutral mark. From the stem
extended two insulated wires about yart
long, and at the end Of these wires was
fat ivory disk that could be- easily hid II
the hand.
My first experiment with the professor
heart searcher was calculated to inspir,
confidence In the invention. 1t told tn,
truth with refreshing exactitude. hat
at the time Of professors demise beer
dwelling In state Of rather distressing
uncertainty concerning the feelings OF my
fourth cousin, Amy Clinkst, toward my
self My own feelings were quite clear
at least to myself. She seemed to be al
that was most desirable in young WON
an. wanted to tell her how much loved
her and had not dared, being uncertain
of the result of any such declaration. The
heart searcherl Fortunate legacy II
might tell me all, and then could cheer.
fully propose, knowing In advance that
would be accepted. ''
First, it might be desirable to test the
| heart searcher upon some minor subject.
1t was the first experiment that led me to
press boldly forward In the search for the
pure truth. I placed the heart searcher in
my vest pocket and secured it there with
q watch chain, to give the impress
sion that had my watch with me- The
wires passed through the sleeve Of my
coat, leaying the ivory disk just hid in my
cuff Tins armed \ sat forth In tho ouast
of the pnknowable. took the trolley car,
intending to make calls. In the car met
my young niece Diana, aged 7. Slipping
the disk into my hand, cordially took her
hand and pressed the disk against her
active little pulse. Pretending to be alb
sorbed in learning the time of day, asked
her sundry questions, and at once saw pic
tured on the dial of the heart searcher
every passing change in the dear child
transparent nature.
care you not glad to see me, DEAR"
The pointer swung slowly around to
"delight,"
What arc your views, my child, upon
the subject of caramelsf''
The pointer on the dial promptly moved
to "hope." This was significant Clearly
viz hShu oOukohOh WIS q luO6U
invention.
The dear child at once expressed herself
as interested in caramels, concluding her
remarks with the information that she
knew Of place where they sold "two for
g." Manifestly the instrument and my
young relatives words did not agree. She
was evidently torn with conflicting emo
tions, for the pointer quivered slightly and
moved to disappointment She did not
wish to plainly ask for caramels, and yet
In the deep recesses Of her young heart she
hoped would give her some
I'm very sorry, my child, but I have
no caramels with me. If had only known
SHOULD meet you, would have brought
some with me-
The pointer was greatly agitated and
vibrated between Disappointment" and
doubt.
I at once offered the child dime, and
to my amazement the dial indicated dis
appointment only.
"Oh, beg pardon. Let me see. Was
that quarter Dear me. I'm sorry
made such mistake. Here's quarter"
At once the pointer swung swiftly to
"delight.'
The heart searcher was triumphant
success. Isqueezed the dear child's hand
once more The dial marked gratitude.
"Goodby, dear must get off here"
She smiled sweetly and said, "They give
10 for a quarter" This seemed to be truth
based upon experience and did not need
examination by the professors wonderful
Instrument.
AS left the car saw young Brown Of
our office walking quickly down the
street, as II in haste to catch train. I
grasped his hand fervently. "My dear hoy,
I'm so glad to meet you. How is your
mother and your sister-in-la and your
brother, Theodore Augustus You have
plenty of time" remarked as pretended
to look at my watch.
He pulled his hand away and said in
his usual breezy manner: Delighted to
meet you. Goodby-train-awful late
By
He was gone, and l gazed upon the
white face OF the heart searcher. Although
disconnected with my friends pulse, the
pointer still fingered at "botheration." 1t
was more than an hour before it finally
settled back to zero. Brown had evidently
a very powerful emotional nature.
The heart searcher was remarkable in
strument. 1t reported the exact emotional
truth concerning the subject. 1t was in
deed boon to bashful lovers. They could,
by its skillful use, ascertain the exact state
Of the beloved ones heart without the dis.
tressing uncertainty Of formal proposal.
would at once put IT to its greatest test.
If it proved successful, could proceed to |
manufacture heart searohers upon large
gcale, and no doubt live In comfort upon
the resulting profits.
Amy was at home when l called and |
when shook her hand warmly glanced
hastily at the telltale dial-"ex expectation.
This was encouraging. Iwould proceed
to unfold my tale of love. still held her
hand with loyerlike fervor and stammercd
forth my blushing confession. At inter-
Vals | glanced at the white face of the
heart searcher. Its sensitive pointer was
greatly agitated and quivered from "sur-
prise" to "anger" and from "anger" to
cold disdain" Finally it stopped at
doubt"
But, my dear, II love you"
The fatal words were out.
II don't believe one word you say. You
ire looking at your watch all the time,
Just to see how soon you can Co."
The heart searcher fell from my nerve
ess hand and was dashed to q hundred
pieces.
No. never repaired It, Amy has CON-
Vinced me that 1t is, in the words of the
,oet, better not to know The unknow-
ble is the truly wise.
Amyf Obi Pardon me. She married
mother man.-Charles Barnard in Home
Magazine
Lots OF home references In favor Of DR.
INNS White Pulmonic Balsam as the
reat cure for sore throat and diseases of
lngs. 1t always cures and prevents con-
lmption, for coughs. ETC., 600 King
rect.