River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1903-03-05

QOWn.
An informal meeting of the society
for First Aid to the Injured took
place at the scene of Mr.. Dunn's ef-
fective entree Miss Browne few to
the rescue, and with the aid of her
guests extinguished the blazing oil,
raised the cornice, unwrapped the
portieres, and revealed the form OF
Mr.. Dunn in striking imitation Of
the Dying Gladiator.
There was no doubt that Mr..
Dunn's first appearance had made
sensation. But, after all, the little
accident only served to exhibit the
gracious tact and delicacy of Miss
Browne; for after the first natural
surprise at the unusual debut of her
guest, the gentle hostess recovered
her composure, and soon restored
the conventional and charming tone
of her reception.
The acquaintance, after Mr.. Dunn
and Miss Browne had thus been
thrown together, proceeded with all
desired rapidity to ripen into close
friendship. In fact, the stage OF
mere friendship did not last long so
far as Mr.. Dunn was concerned.
Finding Miss Browne to be quite as
charming as report had made her,
and also sincere and womanly, Nj.
Dunn once more yielded. to an at"
traction as irresistible as gravitation
had been. and fell deeply in love with
the beautiful Miss Browne.
It was long before Miss Browne
could forget that instantaneous snar-
shot of Mr.. Dunn's meteoric entrance,
but she was too well bred to betray
bv any outward sign that the farci-
cal incident had made more than
momentary impression.
No need to chronicle the progress
of Mr. Dunn's courtship. 1t led to
the inevitable proposal
Late one afternoon Mr.. Dunn called,
and in a little room back of that
which had been the scene of his first
appearance, he at last mustered cour-
age to put the question that was to
bring joy or despair.
Miss Browne was troubled. Mr..
Dunn's heart sank when he saw her
distress. but he was manly fellow,
and believed that he could bear re-
fusal.
Haltingly, kindly, but with decision,
Miss Browne at last gave her an
swer. Then, having made her refusal
as considerate as tact could make it,
she looked pleadingly at her lover.
She was amazed to aeee the change IN
his expression. Unfortunately, she
mad said something about certain
scenes she could never forget" and
this, in his nervous state of mind,
had angered him.
miss Browne" he began, in voice
that was very different from his soft
pIeadings, certainly neither of us
can ever forget that by an unfor-
tunate accident [ entered upon our
acquaintance as a Tom fool clown en-
ters circus ring. But | had thought
! you too sensible, too noble woman
| to be influenced by a trifte that
might weigh with a chuckle-headed
boarding-school miss. If you have
! been unable to forget that bit on
farce, [ count myself fortunate in
being refused by you. No!-do not
say a word! If my entrance was
farce, my exit shall have dignity-the
dignity of a mans sorrow. You will
never see me again. FAREWELL"
He had spoken SO rapidly that she
in vain tried to interrupt. And now,
picking up his hat and cane, he re-
peated his last word: Farewell
forever!" Then, turning with truly
tragic air of despair, he opened a
| door, and slammed it hastily behind
! him.
Unfortunately Mr.. Dunn had been
so deeply interested in his own feel
ings that he had not exactly taken
his bearings. Just behind him were
two doors that were much alike in
! outward seeming; but while one led
! into the outer corridor, and would
thence have ushered him into a bleak
and desolate world, for which he was
quite prepared, the other was the
| door to sort of strong ROOM where
Mr.. Brownies family kept their plate
and other valuables. This door, which
was just ajar, fastened with spring
lock, and the key was in the custody
of Mr.. Browne.
Mr.. Dunn was unlucly enough to
choose for his dramatic departure
the door of the silver closet, and
when he slammed the door to empha-
size his exit he only emphasized his
imprisonment; for, with a metallic
chucl<le, the spring bolt shot into
| place, and he was as safely locked up
as the family silver.
"Oh, Henry, what have you done!'
exclaimed Miss Browne, Historically,
between laughter and tears.
Blamed if | know!" came through
the prison door. made fool of my
self, as usual, 1 suppose"
"But we must get you out!" she
cried. I'm afraid you'll smother.
81 don't care if l dol" was the des-
perate response. IF you won't marry
me, I'd just as soon die here as any
where!"
You needn't be so downhearted. 1
won't have you feel so blue" said
Miss Browne. "I'll-yes, I'll marry
you, if you like-you foolish fellow!
Now, will you be patient?'
Patient? Now? l only wish l was
out there!" came the rebellious re.
ply.
Never mind. Father will be home
in a few minutes, and he has the
key"
The further conversation between
prisoner and iailer was of too per-
m no of STacia1 in fer