Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1904-04-15

lnlS leap year.
Mr.. Alonzo Larkins stared apprehen-
sively out of his window, as II he ex-
pected to see his newly arrived neigh
Dor fitting up his porch steps in search
of him with a lasso. Instead he really
did sec u small, Notwithstanding
woman walking serenely from her
doorway toward. her own front lawn,
bearing a pot of pansles and a trowel.
"Of, course" he continued caustical-
ly, wants to make a good impression
first before she lets out at me. Vel,
ma'am, my heart is tough But you
are neat little bundle" he added with
slight change in tone; trim as a
sassafras whistle. That's rght-let
that ruflled-up pink contraption slide
off your head. Gum, what shiny brown
hair! And look at the little curl bob
bling over her off ear"
Little Mrs. Bittersweet did not seem
at all troubled by the orb Mr.. Larkins
deemed 1t expedlent to keep focused
upon her. She trotted around about
her own business, paying little heed to
the doings Of her bachelor neighbor.
The first time she met him plump and
square she gave him sweet, indiffer-
ent little neighborly "Good morning."
which somehow excited his discomfort
and ire.
"Took about as much notice Of me as
she would of brindle dog" he com
planned to himself; sin fact, not so
much. She pets up all the old stray
dogs and gives 'em bones. What's the
matter with me, I'd like to know"
He looked anxiously into the mirror
as he brushed his hair. He saw there
in good-looklng and fairly good-na-
tured face, the chief defect of which
was an expression tending towards
self-conceit
Now, ma'am," he observed decis-
ively. addressing the absent widow,
"you've got to see me and appreciate
me; then If you choose to take advant-
age of leap year privileges, don't real
ly know as I'll run away"
Meantime Mrs. Blttersweet's atten-
ton had been directed to Mr.. Larkins
by her friend, Miss Podderly.
Hes the smartest man in Bibb-
VILE" said she, "and got everything in
his house woman's heart could wish,
from gas ranges to teaspoons, not to
mention scuds of blue-and-white ware
saucepans. But seems like he's afraid
some woman'll marry him in spite of
himself. | guess he's too bashful to
ask any one. But believe in my heart
you could overcome the difficulty,
Polly, If you'd set your cap good and
strong"
set fiddlestick," retorted Polly
Bittersweet, scornfully. an never SCI
my cap for any man."
"Well," said Miss Podderly, 81 wish
had the opportunities you turn up
your nose at so recklessly."
Mr.. Larkins finally grew decidedly
discontinued and a little puzzled.
II don't understand you, ma'am," he
admitted, In one of his mental apostro
Plies to the widow. 81 have so far mod
flied my views as to give you every OPP
portunity to signify your wish to be-
come Mrs Larkin, and yet you're as
cool and calm as a bale of snow. I'm
not used to 1t, ma'am, and | won't
stand it. I'll give you three weeks
more to get interested in me, and then
I'll take and propose to you-that's
about what I'll do"
When the allotted three weeks of
grace had expired Mr.. Larkins, in des.
peration, executed his threat and re-
ceived a plump "No!"-the result OF
Miss Podderly's championship and Il
streak of contrariness in the widows
disposition.
He accepted the sentence with Wis
ible disappointment, but bore 1t with
manly fortitude.
I'm sorry. ma'am," he said frank
ly, tearing sorry. I've taken more of
a shine TO you, somehow, than | ever
did to any one, and Id be good to you.
you can haul, on that But II you can't
like me, yuu cunt There, now, ma'am,
don't 20 aud cry--Gon't. | wouldn't
hurt your feelings for forty farms"
for the widows heart all at once had
smitten her sharply and some subtle
pathos In Mr.. l.arkins' simple accept
ance of defeat caused her eyes to brlu
with misty tears.
I'm so so-soo-o sorry" she faltered,
blusAing and sobb'ng Il"
DON'T mention It." implored Mr..
Larkins, don't YOU be miserable or
blue about It But IL you sAould-Efnd
OF change your mind, you know,
ma'am, Just let NE know, won't you?