The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-12-01
THAT LITTLE AFFAIR
BY A. j. Johnson.
IT WAS the winter before Will and I

II
were married that Richard Deering
became engaged to Miss Rhoades. Will
and Richard had been almost inseper-
able from childhood, and the latter was
an old friend of mine also.
We did not know Miss Rhoades, but
Richard assured us we could not fail
to like her. and VIII said his opinion
was to be considered, for, of course, it
was quite impartial
To tell the truth, on meeting Miss
Rhoades we did not share Richards en-
thusiasm. She had a reserved manner,
and was not particularly. pleasing in
any way. And she did not seem suffi-
Indeed, ] went so far as to say that |
did not believe she cared for him at
AL. | had to admit that she was fine
looking, though not handsome, and
she was older than Richard. He con-
fided to VIII that he was past the age
to be attracted simply by pretty face,
and he had 10 fancy for girls in their
teens. Richard was rs.
Our worst fears were soon realized.
One night my betrothed did not come
to see me, which surprised me much,
for it was important | should consult
with him about the new house.
The next morning | received a tele-
gram from viii.
Gould not come last night Richard
In trouble. Engagement broken"
1t was two or three days before | saw
Will, and then he came in at noon for a
hurried call. He looked worn and har-
raised, but patiently replied to the
to Richards affair. 1t seemed that
Miss Rhoades had been mistaken in the
nature of her regard for him as she
expressed it. In other words, she had
not really cared for him, but tried to
do so, urged by her family. and tempt
ed by his wealth. will thought there
was another lover in the background,
but Richard did not suspect it. The
poor fellow was a complete wreck, and
for the next few days VIII was con.
stantly with his distracted friend, and
had no time to give to me. When he
did come, it was to say that he ha'
prevailed upon Richard to go away for
awhile. the latter consenting on condl-
ton that VIII would accompany him.
My lover could i'll afford to leave at
this time. and his absence would be
most trying to me, as l wanted his adj
vice concerning the house. However,
neither of us felt that we could urge
any claims of our own in the face of
Richards dire need, so we reluctantly
babe each other good-by. The trip
benefited the heart broken lover. and
on his return he consented to take up
his residence at home and after time
resumed his customary visits to our
house, though he scarcely spoke, and
looked the picture of despair. 1t was
little wearing on Will and me- for out
of courtesy to poor Richard we did not
like to speak of the wedding or any of
the arrangements when he was pres
ent, and as our minds were naturally
occupied with the topic in question,
our conversation was sometimes rather
forced
We had expected him to act as best
man at our wedding, but it seemed
more than doubtful that he would feel
equal to the position in his present
state of mind. We were anxious to
know how he felt about the matter.
and at last Will touched upon the sub
ject.
at is evident that you know nothing
of my feelings" said Richard. in an
injured tone. 81 shall probably never
attend webbing again as long as l
live. 1t would be torture. agony. sim
ply unbearable. l would do great
deal for you, but don't ask me anything
so utterly impossible
Will humbly apologized, and has
tened to ask his cousin to act as best
man; he accepted with alacrity.
Wills sister Dorothy, a girl of 1s,
was to be my maid of honor. She had
been abroad for the last three years.
finishing her education. When she
went away she was school girl, and
not realizing the change that a year
or two can make at her age, we were
surprised to receive photograph show
Ang her to he a pretty and proposes