The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-12-16
Positively Absurd.

relief after the rows and rows OF moder-
ately constructed dwelling houses 50 fire.
quently seen.
At Chenille road, a large. squarely
| built house of somewhat ancient appear
ance lived an elderly widow. her two sons
and her niece, the latter OF whom had
been engaged TO the elder son, Edwin. for
| the last ten years, and who seemed as
near her wedding day at the time of her
betrathal as at the time our story opens
But Miss Lancaster was seemingly con-
tent with life, until the little cottage
on the opposite side of the road al last
secured a tenant. d circumstance whioh
Mr.. Edwin seemed 10 take an eXtraordi-
nary interest in, since the tenant was a
remarkably prepossessing little woman
/ a widow, rich in the possession OF a small
annual income and very pretty face.
The wedding day seemed further Off
than ever after the little widow had re-
sided in Chenille road for the space Of
six weeks and one day after peeping
through the blinds and seeing the tickle
couple going off together TO some place
of amusement, Miss Lancaster gave way
TO grief, and was found by her younger
cousin, Herbert. sobbing as if her heart
would break, on the sofa.
Whats up, Belle?' said he, anxious
time. What's troubling you1s
And Miss Lancaster's pride, which Ia d
been dissolved in her tears. gave way
altogether, and she confided her woes TO
her sympa Lhetic listener and asked his ad-
vice as TO whether she should give bis
brother his freedom.
Nonsense" said Herbert, warmly
''Ted's all right. It's the woman's fault;
you know men are very susceptible to
pretty women who run after them. He's
lots fonder of you"
DO you think SOS" said Belle. drying
her eyes and looking up brightly. she
is so much younger and prettier than
III was afraid"
Don't you worry yourself about that.
returned her cousin. kidly. do you sup
pose Grace is jealous of every pretty wo-
man I speak toss''
But you are not engaged to Grace"
"Oh, but / shall be il she'll have me,
and now cheer up, old girl; fretting never
was a beautifier of the complexion, you
know"
That evening Herbert made up his mind
to interfere, for the first time, in other
peoples business. Edwin was going a bit
too far and the affair must be stopped.
He unused for long time on the best
manner of doing il, and at last decided
that the wisest thing to do was to make
love to the widow himself, even at the
risk of offending he young lady he had
set his affections upon.
And he did, too. and found making love
to the widow a very easy and pleasant
undertaking. Nearly every evening was
spent at the cottage. and the little widow.
delighted at her new conuest, became
so cold about her former one that sue
cess for his scheme was promised from
the first. She was so pretty, and had such
winning manners, that before long the
younger brother began to excuse the elder
for his infatuation and to feel sorry for
him and his unfortunate engagement.
One afternoon, after escorting the wild
ow home from a walk, Herbert thought of
Grace with pang of dutiful reproach,
and getting out his bicycle rode off whist
ling to call upon her.
When ne arrived at the house he found
Grace very chatty and cordial, but with
an entirely different manner about her.
which profoundly puzzled him, until he
caught the sparkle OF a ring upon her
finger.
You will be pleased, I know. to hear
that 1 am engaged she said half shyly.
And 1 am sure you will be able to con-
graduate since you intend to commit
matrimony yourself"
~ gasped Herbert, in establishment.
'Oh, yes; don't pretent not to under
stand. ] have heard all about that fasci-
mating little widow that lives opposite
TO you, and 1 am sure 1 hope you will
be very happy indeed"
She talked a lot about her coming mar
rage and her fiance. and Herbert sat
and listened in dazed kinw Of manner.
until the appearance Of the newly elected
bridegroom woke him up TO the fact that
his presence was not exactly required.
On his way home he met his brother and
cousin starting out for walk.
Congratulations" shouted Edwin Ike
a lunatic pulling him off his bicycle. "Oh.
you srtful man" said Belle. turning up
her eyes. mo wonder you were so ready
to"-but she stopped suddenly and looked
up at Edwin in confusion.
What is the meaning of all this?" said
the cyclist, angrily.
why, we have just heard Of Grace's
engagement. and that you are bent on
following suit. We met Mrs. Law"
You don't mean to say" gasped Her
bert, you said anything to her about"
I'VE did, indeed" said Belle, land she
looked so pleased.
And Herbert inwardly groaned. and
without further remark rode off home for
ali ne was worth. But Wnen ne reached
Chenille road he was so absent-minded
that he wheeled his bicycle straight up
TO the cottage, and before he knew wha.
he was doing found himself In the back
garden of the widows snug little home.
Strangely enough, there was Mrs. Law
renee sitting upon the garden seat, and
looking so youthful and charming that
he felt quite confused at his audac:ty,
and nervousiy accepted her invitation to
sit down.
Il came" he began. ito make a clean
breast OF everything to you. haven't
treated you fairly, Mrs. Lawrence. i"
Dear! dear" said the little widow.
brightly. What's all this about: you
haven't anything 70 reproach yourself
about. Don't you suppose know perfect
~ we'll why you have made yourself 50
amiable 10 me all along?"
How you must Gespise me" groaned
Herbert.
Not at ALL" smiled Mrs. Lawrence ct
admired you for il. You did Il for that
other w0man's sake and . disinterested
motive is always A commendable one"
DO you know what people are saying
OF u.s." said Herbert reEretfully.
No. WHAT asked the widow IN limo
cent wonder
That We are engaged 20 he married.
How absurd said the widow. family.
rs II so very a5suid7'' demanded the
young man. 1T is. Blsncheg'
Ridiculous" said The Ht;le widow. as
her head fen gently upon his shoulder
Wind Docs Double Work