Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-04-26
'ALL'S FAIR In love.
By PIERCE Il. BARNARD.

IL was a settled conviction with
Amelia Robinson that she would never
marry. She was pretty enough and
educated, too, with sufficient amiabil-
ity to satisfy the average sutton. The
fault was with Ann liza. She admitted
this. Sne had had Offers; in fact. look
ing into the e2travagant claims OF her
admirers occupied q good deal Of her
attention.
Among the many she had rejected in
the big establishment il which she
was employed there was not one who
had not been ruled cut fairly On the
ground that she was a better manager
than he. she was mere practical.
more accurate, more elf-Dcssessed.
than any OF the male factioR. Further
more, she was perfectly satisfied with
her superiority. and intended to en-
joy IL for a good while yet.
y When jack Ashbin came in from his
three months tour Of the southern
states. he was greatly amused at the
state OF affairs.
$50 the Goddess is still obdurate.
Ell? Won't listen to reason or non
sense. or anything else?'
He put down his grip ard smiled
asroeably at the entire Office force. His
good humor was always catching. and
his homely. comprehensive grin was
familiar TO the conpanys patrons in
many states.
People had said he resembled the
picture OF a man in matrimonial
guide whom women are told TO avoid.
and as he cfsen narrated the story
himself, one can see ne did not under
value joke of any kind
His face was one not easily forgot
ten. and his manners were of the ad-
hesive kind which marks the perfect
canvasser.
The boys dared him &c try 10 talk to
Amelia on any subject than business.
30 he went TO work. and il wasn't lo1g
before they had grounds for jealousy.
Jack began with tho weather. but
asily shifted TO the opera. walking
kirts, early marriages. runaway
catches. mothers-in-law. etc.
The first thing Amelia knew she was
getting interessed-and in man. too.
Of all things! or course she must
quickly put stop 10 this. but the
question was how? The Only way to
interrupt his low Of eloguenco was 10
seek safety in fight. and she had long
ago MADE mp up her mind. never TO
flee from any man. Still. this freck-
led-faeeG knight Of the grip must not
oe encouraged in MS mistaken enter
h.. -
low anybody 10 be mislec by her ac-
lions. But Just as she had settled NJ
On the nest form in which to dismiss
this ardent admi-er. he suddenly
changed his tactics.
"Ah. ! see he said in a alarmed
tone, You are falling in love with me
It's too bad--toc pad,"
with YOU exclaimed the aston
ished typewriter.
Yes; can tell every tl::c. and I'm
sorry for it,"
Why. you were never moge rlistak-
on. sir. IN yorr life"
"Oh. it's possible you don't under
stand your own cas but its q fat:
you are drifting into iote. ana. g
said before, | am very sorry-for it
can never ne."
Your assurance s astounding"
1T seems so--bnt mus; warn YOU
in time. Young ladies have m uuac-
countable way of throw inc themselves
st me. always know when the fa:a!
moment is approaching. and IN
lplore you 10 pause ans. Coz s;der b-:a.e
II is forever too IaJe'
why, you ought 10 b. arrested"
Anything to stop your mad career
before you mar your future happiness.
Nothing causes nv greater pain than
to say mo- 10 such beauty as yours:
but duty. You know, comes first how
ever painful il may he TO me-
You are taking a great deal unon
yourself"
"On the contrary. I am trying TO
avoid a great responsibility Really.
you must restrain your emotions.
MY emotions. sir? Id like TO have
you hung or shot or anything"
Affections like yours are terrible
when thwarted."
Leave me Immediately. I say" And
paper weights and scratch blocks
helped to emphasize her meaning.
From a safe distance AT the door Of
the Office the irrepressible continued
lyon are in a critical condition
Consult your friends. your pastor
= read good books-g0 out more-try to
occupy your mind-there is s;ill hope"
Just as Amelia was glaacing about
for a convenient implement with
which 10 commit murder clerk who
had been her first admirer came TO her
rescue. II was Just in time. for the
pretty typewriter girl was On the point
of appealing 10 tears.
Then they explained that il was all
in fun. but Amelia would never look
upon IL in that way. No gentleman
would overstep all bounds like that in
the name OF innocent fun.
Ter Yescuer was Of the opinion that