The Forrest City times., 1904-02-19
Woman Disposes
 By JOHN C. FISCHBECK
Copyright. 1903. by Daily story Pub. Col

what sluggish dullard, as l have be- come. And Mme. Clarendon, whom you may see knitting placidly by the window ,yonder, was neither elderly nor gray haired. She was as lissome young lass as one might wish to see, and when I saw her first, riding along a country lane on her palfrey, felt that Cupid s arrows had wounded me once for all.
 Now, this is bit of personal history, and refers to Christmas time and stormy weather, such as sometimes happens, though utrarely, in our Virginia. There were many meTry-m2kings in the coun- try in those days, when the example Of a loving monarch, howbeit he dwelt across the seas, encouraged his people In all such harmless indulgences 1t was at neighbor's place, where We were enjoying dance, not long before the beginning of the holiday season, that l made my bow to sweet Mistress Pru- dence Haywood. But she would have none of me, tossing her pretty head and bustling off on the arm of one C. her oth- CT suitors.
 l thought this bad beginning. but re- minded me of the proyerb about the brave and the fair, and determined to press my suit. It chanced that her father had beer an old comrade of mine in the Indian wars, and 1 soon found means to visit him. The old man re- ceiyed me cordially, and as we sat over our mugg in the comfortable wainscotted hall of his fine old dwelling. he rehearsed 10 me the eyentful story of his cam paigns. l listened with outward re- spect, but, as l confess with some shame, with small attention, because Mistress Prudence served us from time 10 time, as the mugs ran dry-talking being thirsty work-as my eyes and ears were for her alone.
 need not say that once established in -the good mans graces. l was assiduous in my wooing But Prudence put me off with the art of which every maid, however country bred is mistress. At the end of the twelvemonth I knew no better how I stood in her estimation than l did at the beginning
 Christmas eve was approaching, and with the decline Of the year came ire Quent storms and tremendous snows, such as the people of the vicnage had not seen for time longer than com passed by the memory of the oldest man amongst us. Travel was not only diff cult, but perilous. and hardly a morn- ing passed but brought tdings of dis tress, not rarely coupled with the news that some daring equestrian had sue cumbed 10 the cold. or been 'whelmed in a treacherous creek. l could not leave my lonely hall in such weather without a decent excuse, and for week searched in vain for reasonable preteXt to dare the dangerous roads and see Prudence again. 1 was very much in love, and it seemed at length as though would risk any danger, just to see her sweet face again.
 At last could no longer deny the qualification of my desire, So, saddling my horse, Dobbin, pushed through the heavy drifts and on to Holloway hall, passing over the great stone bridge across the river which separates the two estates. noted that the ice had ac- eumulated perilously against the cen tral arch of,the bridge, and remarked to myself that there would be risk, an the weather moderated not of the ancient structure collapsing before the tre- mendous pressure. At another time or on another mission, l might have dis mounted and made an examination of the masonry but l pushed on. assuring myself that there was no immediate peril, and that the stonework had stood 50 winters, even if none so severe as this. and would doubtless survive few brief days of stress.
 AsI brushed the snow from my cloak in the porch of Holloway, could not but feel a sense of foolishness, for having yentured on visit at a time so evident ly unpropitious Old Master Haywood was absent, but Prudence met me at the door.
 Why, Master Clarendon she said, saucily. "'tis a rough wind that blows you hither. Shall bid you welcome, or no?'
 "As you prefer, answered. somewhat stiffiy, for was nettled at the mockery in her eyes But since I come so far and by such dangerous roads, may tell you that l have an object in doing so."
 A sudden color famed into her cheeks, and she drew back with little eXclama- tion partly surprise and partly coquetry for such is the manner of girls.
 Fear not" I cried, the sight of her dear face putting to flight all the timidity of the previous moment, "all have to say may be put In three words: "I love you, Prudence
 paused for an answer But never a word said she. She stood there smil- ing.
 Marry me. my dear" began again "l have loved you ever since saw you hrst; and then went on to tell her how