Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-09-21
A FORTUNATE MISTAKE.


When Dulcie Marden set out for a
short walk that sunny autumn afternoon
she little suspected the experience in
store for her. A small. but trim and
dainty figure, she tripped along, taking
the stroll for pure sake of exercise. As
the wind put color into her cheeks, the
girl could really have boosted more than
a modicum of good looks.
In character and opinions Dulcie was
independent; in fact, far too Independent
to please certain people IN Suburbia.
What does young lady exist for except
to be engaged and provide her social cir
Gle with that deliriOusl y-eXciting function
"a wedding? But Dulcie had other
ideas. She was as heart-free as sun
shine. and at present sc0rned the notion
of being engaged Friendships she had in
plenty-cloSe, strong friendships; but on
all attempts at love-making she poured
cold water. In short, she had taught
successive Mr.. Wrongs TO respect and
fear her, and was not at all perturbed
about the delayed advent Of Mr.. Right.
''Oh, bother" said Dulcle To herself, as
she turned the corner of road. Here
comes DIR. Truscott. Now, he's quite
sure to stop and talk"
When one is perfectly wen it is per
maps natural to regard the family doctor,
however pleasant and respected, in the
light of an enemy.
DR.. Truscott did not falsify anticipa-
ton lie stopped and shook hands, and
with far more effusiveness than usual
My dear Miss Marden how are you ?
l nave been wanting to see you all day"
m perfectly well, thank YOU said
Dulcie, hastily, fearing that instructions
were forthcoming to disclose her tongue
Naturally! | simply wanted to give
you my warm, my very warm cOngratu-
lanons ON your-what shall | call it?'
Dulcie was slightly puzzled Then ilu-
nlnati0n came. The previous week she
had passed a musical examination, and
doubtless the doctor had heard of her sue
cess.
"Oh, thank you, doctor! 1t was fair
ly easy job, though"
A shadow of surprise crossed Dr. Trus-
cott S race. Her remark did not seem TO
him at all in good taste
You have got a real prize, | am sure"
he went on, little less warmly
oh, it's only a certificate"
liza! ha! laughed DR.. Truscott,
though the joke evaded him. Il only
heard of your engagement this morning,
or"
But, Or. Truscott, haven't accepted
the offer yet"
Not accepted?'
No. 1t would be stiff work teaching
music at the high school, and the salary
is not too big"
DR.. TruscotJ looked bewildered.
Excuse me; | did not mean that kind
Of engagement. | was congratuIating
your ON your-er--betrothal
'Betrothal1 shrieked Dulcic. "Dr.
Iruscott, | am not engaged to anyone"
Not engaged? But"
Please tell me Mt once, doctor, who
toid you tins outrageous lie about me-
My authority was so excellent"
WHO was it? Somebody who delights
in scandal, I'm AFRAID"
"Oh, no, Miss Marden. | got the in
formation from the fountain head, 50
70 speak. y young man told me himself
that he was engaged to you"
DuIcle fell back Il step in hitter amaze
ment. Had DIR. Truscott gone suddenly
mad, or was somebody perpetrating a
cruel Joke ut her expense?
As am 80 intimately concerned, doc
tor l think l have right to know the
young mans name"
But you have implied doubt"
"A doubt? It's wicked fabrication,
ana yon really must tell me who it was
y httie more persuasion, and then Dull
Gle won her point
Well Miss Marden, don't be too hard
on him. 1t was Archibald Tracy"
-, Archie Tracy! Goodness gracious,
great service. And you will do me an
other, please, by denying this report
wherever You hear it, Good-by."
Nine ont of ten girls in Dulcie's posi-
ton would have flown home and invoked
maternal aid 10 inditc the most seathing
of epiStles to the offending party. nui-
Gle consulted her watch, and resolved on
RrAOlntEV oil
aud Saturday afternoon, She would pro
coed at once To beard the lion IN his
den.
Her Indignation knew no bounds She
had always cordially djslikcd the kind of
gossip on whIrh suburban society nour-
iShes itself. and now she herself was the
center of IL AS for Young rr9ey. he
must be a thorough cad. Once or twice
he had been deservedly Snubhed hv her.
and now, it seemed, he had taken his re-
Vcnge.
Ten minutes sharp walking brought her
to the house where the TracyS lived Yes.
Mr., Archie was at home. He was busy
over some carpentcring-hi hobby-but
would doubtless see Miss Marden il she
would please step III. Duleie was shown
into the drawing room.
Other girls would have gone to the mir
ror and put the finishing touch 10 their
appearance. Ounce took up book Of
views.
The door opened, and Archie entered
smiling
Very pleased to see YOU, Miss Mardqn.
Mothers out. but"
He stopped. His visitor had risen.
fr.gidly bowed, and stood confronting him
with an expression ot deep Syura.
,'Aren't You wcllF he asked. why.
whatever is the matter:"
r, The, matter! You ought to know, Mr..
F0GN.