The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1899-01-27

nc neal udy betuk ouHudyt L went
to church because saw Clarissa. go
lng. l tried to catch her eye during
service, but she only looked my way
once, and then dropped her eyes and
blushed.
Ohol thought I, we are getting on.
But when the sermon began found
that Jones was sitting behind me.
Hang Jonesl
Monday afternoon Glarlssa's people
were "at home" but only got few
words with her
"Clarlssa," said, 81 call it a beastly
shame the way"
Now, George, I do not mind your
being with Miss Carr"
~ was not thinking Of Jones'" said
hastily.
We'll, l have no time to talk now;
besides, we must not be seen too much
together Do get some tea" And off
she tripped.
Not be seen too much tog-?
thought 1. Hang It'll Clarissa is mean.
How can l press my suit If she will
not give me an opportunity?
quite saw how 1t was. l must not
give Clarlssa any advantage, but must
carry the war into the enemys coun-
try.
Next day wrote her a 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 a lonely and morbid man
who wanted a woman's sympathy.
How was l to make her love me, as
arranged, If she would not give me the
opportunity? implored an interview.
AS was awaiting an answer by ev-
cry post, 1 did not go to see her, but
no answer came. After three days I
went round In the evening, but had
not the courage to knock diplomatic
relations seemed to De on a delicate
footing, and, after all, l argued, it
would be rude to call before she an
swered my note. However, thought
of another plan as l saw the parlor
maid returning from the letter box. She
was a good sort, and l could trust her.
"Alicew l said-putting my hand
carelessly into my waistcoat pocket
"can l trust your Receiving a quick
affirmative l 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, 1 turned
to 60, when l saw the shadow of
Jones' profile on the blind. I made a
strategic movement to the rear.
Next day 1 did receive a little note,
asking me to meet the writer In the
park that afternoon at a certain seat.
Anal would 1 not serve her out?
would not turn up! But thoughts of
Jones rose up, and so l agreed to my
self that second thoughts were best.
l 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 1
dared not mention for fear of being
accused of being jealous-although 1
really was not the last bit So On the
whole, our meeting, which she soon
cut short, was to me extremely unsat-
isfactory.
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 l 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
affectiOn-at least, had read so some
where. Undoubtedly, therefore, l
must be making an impression on her,
but still the outward feeling of being
kept'at arms length was not satisfying
to me.
Gradually, fight against 1t as I would,
began to get tired Of the game.
was sick of the whole thing, and
no longer thought about the impress
sion I could make on Clarissa. there
fore stood 1t Just for six weeks, and
then-and only because l knew that
Ciarissa would hold me to til deter
mined to make a fool of myself and
propose as per contract. 1t all seemed
very ridiculous, but stin no harm
would be done, as l was of course,
still fancy free, and she-oh! well, even
If she did care a bit, 1t was her fault
for suggesting the experiment. With
out more ado seized my hat and
rushed round to Clarissa's house, but
my ard0r soon cooled as l got nearer;
felt like going to the dentist, and
when arrived at the house l was half
inclined to retrace my steps. Remem-
berlng, however, that faint heart never
won fair lady l braced my nerves with
? an effort and knocked. What happened
during the next few moments, when ]
was. face to face with Clarissa, l shall
never quite remember, but l know that
Clarissa laughed, and that put up my
hand to feel If my tie was at the back
of my neck.
/ began my tale In a half-hearted
manner enough, Clarissa looking halt
amused and half scared, but her ap
parent Indifference made me mad and
goaded me on to say perhaps more
than l had intended. Besides, now
seemed to be inspired In some mysterl
GUS way, and / am sure no real lover
could have wound up with a more i'm
FASHIONED appeal