The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1901-01-09
THE DIFFERENCE OF AN 4. y

Mabel Townsend said that l Quarreled
with her, and | said that she cuarreled
with me. Disinterested persons were re-
ported to have said that we were a pair
of young fools who Auarreled with one
another. Anyhow, we quarreled.
I.comforted myself with the reflection
that l didn't care. l was sure that l
didn't. because [ told myself so a hun
dred times day. 1t was merely an af-
lection of the liver which made me feel
so dismal Il can 60 where like and do
what | like l reflected. How l shall
enjoy my freedom
The only drawback to enjoyment was
that had grown SO used to going around
to Mabel's. Man is the slave Of Gus
tom-especlally when the custom is con-.
nected with a pretty girl. Mabel IS dis
tinctly pretty.
About "a week after our dissension I
passed her in the High street, She
bowed formally and [ took off my hat.
by the time 1t was on my head again l
might have admitted to myself that, how
ever unreasonable she might be, she was
nevertheless very nice. 1t dawned upon
me also that there were one or two little
points in which L might have been slight
ly to blame in the disagreement.
The next evening | met her Cousin
Milly. and we had confidential CONVEX
sation.
why don't you make it up" she sug-
gested.
''Well-er-the fact is I don't know
whether she would" / replied. / didn't
want to give myself away.
m sure she would declared Cousin
MIly. '''''''
IN think about it." 1 said-as if it
were new idea!
You better think about it soon." sue
advised, Il noticed that young Adams
paying her lot of attention yesterday
evening
''I'll see her tomorrow" I said firmly.
felt a sort of obligation to save her
from young Adams. He's not such q bad
fellow; but he really isn't good enough
for Mabel
The next morning I dispatched a note
py a special messenger from the box at
our corner.
Dear Mabel: There is one thing con-
nected with our quarrel fcr which I am
sorry. should like to speak to you
about it. Will you meet me anywhere?
Yours very sincerely,
Edward Marchant."
told the boy to wait for an answer,
and watched out of the window for his
return. About an hour afterwards [ saw
him playing with another boy in the road.
80 L walked out and demonstrated with
him.
Where IS my answer?" I demanded.
Wash none," he said carelessly.
The gal wasn't up" l boxed his ears
as lesson in manners, and retired in
doors. was about to depart for the city
live trains late-when a telegram ar
rived. [ tore it open with rapturous ey-
pectation. When | had read it three
times | sank helplessly in a chair. This
was the message:
Marry Adams. Twelve this morning.
Very DleaSed.-AIabel ,"
She might have spared me the last
statement.
/ went down to the hall and brushed
my hat in dazed sort of way. She
count-that fellow. Well. well!
1t seemed incredible that her people
should allow her to marry him just ten
days after our engagement was broken
off. 1t really wasn't decent. They were
such sticklers for propriety, too Then
I had a sudden idea. Suppose they knew
nothing about it? 1t was evident that
Cousin Milly didn't. | called a hand
som and drove to their house. 1t was
exactly 11:30 when I arrived.
Pa Townsend was just coming down
the front steps. He always goes to town
late; being, the senior partner. You
1 might think hin! he was the whole firm, to
somewhat pompous and very peppery, he
is very pleasant old fellow
"Hullo, Marchantp he said, with evil
dent surprise. "I-er-hardly -er-what
is it,"
This | shouted, fourishing the tele-
gram in his face.
He put on his folders and read it with
his usual deliberation. Then he dropped
his umbrella and jumped a couple of feet
in the air; Considering his age and
weight, | should imagine it was a record.
What the er-dickens.-is the meaning
of this?" he demanded, fiercely. l shook
my head.
That's what | should like to know
He stamped indoors, and | followed in
his wake.
''Motherv' he shouted "Mother.
where is Mabel?"
Here / am, dad said Mabel's silvery
voice. What is the matter?" She