The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1901-09-06
THE OTHER GIRL.

THE OTHER GIRL.
everyone-at all events. every woman
knows how very annoying a man can be
when he likes.
"She is charming," he said, in answer
to my question as to what she was like. j
l allowed my lip to curl slightly-not
much, you know, for Jack never could
stand a scornful woman. The third Miss
jenkins spelled her chance. But that is
another story.
"Charming?" said. 'AIy dear Jack.
l knew that. Every woman is charm
ing
He acknowledged the truth Of this
statement with a bow.
"What 1 meant, however, was that she
was unusually charming, and
I'm fact, the very essence of charm:'
I interrupted.
''The treble-distilled essence. Dora.
You haven't the least i1c::-"
But it wasn't likely that l was going
to listen to his praises of another woman
when--it was only to myself l whispered
i'll wanted him very much myself. g.
."Of course 1 haven't" ] put in cheer
fully. II haven't any idea that any
exc,pt''-and here 1 bowed mockingly--
"your humble servant ~
He smiled.
"H'm-I don't deny that you have
charms, Dora, but She
This was mere than any woman could
be expected to stand.
You might tell me her name." I sug-
geSted, and then commenced to hum an
| air just to show him how utterly indif-
ferent / was. y
"Would that be fair?' he asked:
"Wculd-if you were in her place, do
you think you would like it:''
l laughed. -,
oh, Jack, you foolish boy, 1 can't i'm
agine myself in her place at all-being
Il don't see it, he returned. You
well-if it wasn't for her, believe I
| would ask you to marry me-
THANK you-for nothing I said,
sweetly. though my blood was boiling.
";Perhaps, if she refuses you, you may
| think it worth your while to-" -
ITO propose to you? Perhaps but !
do hope she won't refuse me-"
80 dc l, Jack, because to get two re-
fusals isn't the best thing for mans
dignity .~v
You would refuse me?" He seemed
surprised
"Oh, no; would-;ump at you," l re-
turned: sarcastically. p
He grew thoughtful, and after 4 mo-
ment or two l asked: =,
When do you intend to-er-ask her?''
| l can't tell anyone what it cost me to
ask that question. 1t was like asking
when l was to be executed.
We'll, don't Know he replied. You
see, I'd ask her at once, but l am afraid
that by doing So
Faint heart interrupted. Don't
you think it is much better to know the
worst than be kept in suspense?' .
| chn
ordinary girl l dare say it would be; but
Why did he return to that? 1t was
''Oh, l know l said. hastily. "Have
you photograph you could show me?''
s,cr,f hay S,1 her dp h;9gtGgra R he replied
| l could have killed him.
By the by, is she pretty?"
Pretty? Oh, dear, no; not pretty
beautiful. Her, eyes are like"
=, Spare me, please, Jack" said, with
sure IL wish you ali success.
THANK you," he SAID.
he spoke rather gloomly,, and my spir-
after all and then-and then
Il wish you both every happiness l
s''f hh hz prfRarta to he So stammer.d and
paused.
Yes, jack
its-er-awfully good of YOU to-er-
listen to me. 1-er-can't tell you how
much you-help me: T.
oh, nonsense"' l cried
oh, but it isn't. Yon're so-heastl,
kind, and l wanted to ask you if YOU:
Was he going to practice on me?
"Please say plainly what you want
| Jack. l."
A kiss, Dora''
| nearly tainted.
"A kiss! "A kiss! Is that what YOU
asked for?'' wv
He nodded
| Just-er-one, Dora''
NY impulse was to refuse. but before
doing so it struck me that what he want
ea wasn't SO very unreasonable. and
moreover, that it might be-would be-
very NICE.
FOR long time. I don't mind
1t was weakness on my part. and whe1
ms lips touched mine i despised myself
thoroughly.
In a moment, however. I forgot abou
that. forgot about everything, indeed, fol
a pair OF strong arms were around me
and hoarse voice whispered in my ear
"Oh, Dora, Dora! Ny darling!"
l freed myself as speedily as I comb
and surveyed him in some establishment
Jack. what would she saw" I asked
reproachfully: for, though l was angry
my first thought was Of her.
What do your he asked, and his EN-
phasis was on the verb.
Me? Why? Oh, -
1T IS for You to say. 1-oh, you know
what l mean
Up til that moment l had no. known
but his eyes told me t:,en
you love-me.'
"Of course -
other girl-the treble-distilled essence O.
us your dear little SELF he interrupt
ed. Il wanted 10 make you jealous, ant
when l found couldn't IL lost hope.
How little the dear fellow knew!-Th,
King.