Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1902-12-13
A SHORT COURTSHIP.

said, removing his hat and shaking back
the thick name of clustering hair that fell
upon his forehead as he did so, "but that
is your ~chaperon on the landing below,
is it not?"
Yes, poor DEAR" replied the strikingly
pretty, lIssome young girl, regarding him
with some surprise. 'fShe couldn't climb
any higher. Nothing has happened to her,
/ nope"
They stood upon the topmost platform
Of the rickety tower that crowns the sum
NIT Of Maekinac island.
Before them spread the magnificent
panorama Of land and water whose glo-
ries have formed the theme Of song and
story for a hundred years, and may be
found set forth fully in all the railway and
steamship circulars.
NO" he said, nothing has happened
to her, but ! am glad she couldn't climb
any higher"
Then, sir, you will pardon me for say
ing that you seem to be a heartless, not
10 say a bold, young man, and for a
stranger"
But | am not a stranger. We have met
b~tore."
Indeed! Where, may l ask"
I'm my dreams"
The cool audaeity, mingled with more
than a tinge of earnestness, with which
he said this, paralyzed her.
In my dreams he went on, Il have
seen and talked with you a thousand times
You will excuse me, sir. | must"
'The same voice, the same infection, the
same wilful, imperious way! Pardon me,
but take a good look at me. Do | seem
to be crazy? Do / look like a drunken
man! Am | not a fairly respectable per
son, so far as appearance goes? If / fail
to pass a close inspection | viii step aside
at once and not bar your way a single mo-
ment.'
Thus ddJured, che eyed him from head to
foot.
Then, with recovered self-possession and
the feeling that she was, after all, in no
sort of danger, the love of adventure that
crops out now and then in every healthy
American girl tingled along her nerves.
She would punish this audacious youth, but
she would amuse herself with him first
just a little.
"No, sir; you don't appear to be either
drunk or crazy. You are rather a fine
looking"
"Thank you"
But somewhat forward and presump-
tuous young man, decidedly self-coaceited.
| should say"
80, come now, Miss Gloriana ioovius,
that is"
"How do you know my name, sir?"
"Saw it on your trunk at the hotel. |
didn't dream that. Saw you leave the hotel
and come up here. Followed you up. In
another carriage. That's why | am here,
Go on, please"
Decidedly s~elf-conceited, but with a
frank, open face. Probably just out Of
college
There you are away off. I'm not as
young as | look, and l don't look so swfully
young. | don't need that hooking smile,
either, to assure me you're only guying me.
I've been out Of college four years. / have
made the European trip. and-Aaavensl
Look at that crowd away down therel +
saw a man run over just now'
80! Was he"
mo; he wasn't hurt, l saw him run
over-to the other side of the road, probably
to get a drink or something. I'm full Of
little things Of that kind"
Full of little drinks
Il am even with you, anyhow, for guy
ing me. Let me be serious a moment"
20, no. You are not half as interesting
when you are serious. Don't, please"
"Another remark like that. Miss Goo
wins. and you'n attract the attention of
vour chaperon. | am going TO be j great
deal more serious, let me tell you, before
/ am done. Go on. please"
That's about all You look well
dressed, and | suppose YOU are fairly pros
porous"
yves 7 am in no immediate danger If
starvation I am nayinr that ca1r;aoa
9r;vsr down tbnra H. ~. 1onr and am n
no bnrT 10 o., au., ..n bore r sg;rrn
without hesitation chat It's worth the OK
nanse nv tho vav Al vop see tbat I+tIe
yessal over tbers In the barbor2n
"Tbat maqnifcant vbite yscb+g Va
that beIonos 20 t6e famous Gorjon .rnts
Wbat If m"
@Notbins only ! o,po to
"yVhate Are vouL"
~ IN All i c,n tsn from +ho
d., nronornce ~ rans mil NO, w." 'o,
lInow I smell II VIM a 8onble conl5n,t