The Forrest City times., 1898-12-02
FORREST CITY AFTERNOON, DECEMBER g. 1ses

Next day called at Clarissa's house. eager for the fray.
 Out? Didn't she think I was com ing?"
 ''Oh, yesl" they said, "she expected you, but left word that she was obliged to go out"
 Where has she gone top They did not know. Oh, well, I am sure didn't care one little bit. Happy thought l would stroll down the High street and see if could not meet any other girls knew and perhaps Clarissa might see me.
 Sauntering along, soon met Mabel Carr and we went into the confection- CTS to have ices. Who should be sitting there at small table but Clarissa- with Jonesl
 Clarissa nodded to me, smiled. and went on talking. l got the wrong ice for Mabel Carr, and brought her a ham sandwich instead of a wafer, and she said was awfully slow that afternoon. Clarissa and Jones sat us out, and Jones had such a particularly snug | look on his face as we left the shop that l could have gone back and punched his head.
 The next day being Sunday, went to l church-because I saw Clarissa going. I 1 tried to catch her eye during service. but she only looked my way once, and then dropped her eyes and blushed. Cha! thought l. we are getting on. But when the sermon began found that Jones was sitting behind me- Hang Jones!
 Monday afternoon Clarissa's people were ''at home," but only got few words with her.
 "Clarissa," said, "I call it beastIy shame the way"
 "Now, George. l do not mind your being with Miss Carr"
 "I was not thinking of Jones'" said I. hastily.
 Well. have no time to talk now; besides we must not be seen too much together. Do get some tea," and off she ripped.
 Not be seen too much tog-? thought I. Hang it! Clarissa is mean. How can I press my suit if she will not give me an opportunity?
 | I quite saw how it was. I must not give Clarissa any advantage. but must carry the war into the enemy's country
 Next day l wrote her long letter, in which dwelt on her unkindness in keeping away from me. laid on the sentiment with tar brush, and paint ed myself as lonely and morbid man who wanted woman's sympathy. How was l to make her love me as ar ranged, if she would not give me the opportunity? l implored an interview As l was awaiting an answer by every post, l did not go to see her, but no answer came. After three days 1 went round in the evening, but had not the courage to knock; diplomatic rela- tions seemed to be on a delicate foot ing, and after all, argued. it would be rude to call before she answered my note. However, thought of another plan as saw the parlor maid returning from the letter box. She was good sort, and could trust her.
 "Alice!" l said-putting my hand carelessly into my waistcoat pocket ''can l trust you?" Receiving a quick affirmative 1 continued: Tell Miss Clarissa that you saw me wandering about outside, looking very troubled. Never mind why" and, slipping a half sovereign into her hand, turned to go, when l saw the shadow of Jones' profile on the blind. l made a strategic move ment to the rear.
 l Next day l did receive little note, asking me to meet the writer in the Iark that afternoon at 8 certain seat. Aha! would l not serve her out? l would not turn up! But thoughts of Jones rose up, and so I agreed to my self that second thoughts were best. | met Clarissa, but her manner was most exasperating. She would never let me get on to serious or sentimental topics with her, and Jones' name dared not mention for fear of being accused of being jealous-although I really was not the least bit so. On the whole, our meeting, which she soon cut short, was to me extremely unsatisfactory. And in this manner we played for six weeks or so. Our meetings were few | and short, for Clarissa always had an after engagement, and if called at the house she was out, engaged or talked mostly to other people. She had also got another girl to share her studio. She was always very offish with me, but at length began to think that this was one of the female symptoms of affec- tion-at least. had read so somewhere. Undoubtedly, therefore, must be mak- 'Eg an impression on her, but still the outward feeling of being kept at arms length was not satisfying to me. Gradually, fight against it as would. began to get tired of the game. I was sick of the whole thing, and no longer thought about the impression 1 could make on Clarissa. I therefore stood it just for six weeks, and then and only because I knew that Clarissa would hold me to it-I determined to make fool of myself and propose as per contract. It all seemed very ridic- ulous, but still no harm would be done,
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