Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1906-11-02
.CUPID'S CAPTIVE.

I $4,000 - tSoWtht OUoSA 0S4OAp AVA 0uV ~
fair and fiuffy. and wears lots or faces
and fiummydiddles.
Now, though Nell has strong will,
my own Is still stronger. and. In spite
Of the fact that she has refused my
suit three times. ], fully intend her to
marry me IN the end. e
thought the matter carefully over
all one night. and the next day
went for an excursion by myself up
the Hudson 10 the site Of an attrac.
tive old ruin that originally represent
ed an Old World castle.
didn't stay very long. but made
few important observations, and
suggested that should take Nell for
boating excursion.
She raised all the usual objections,
which my strong will quickly re-
moved. and finally she consented.
She seated herself in the stern and
opened her parasol.
was GLAD when l saw the ruin In
sight. and we landed near a cluster
of trees.
After We had had our lunch we
both felt happier, and our spirits rose
Il like this" said Nell. You were
. darling to bring me. Jack"
The moment seemed propitious.
Nell" l said. will you marry me?"
Nell grabbed handful of daisies
and flung them at me.
mo, you silly fellow!" she said.
very WELL" replied contentedly,
I'VE will see"
WELL" replied Nell, deliberately,
III ever do consent I'll keep my
promise"
Il shall not forget that" / answered
as I rose. Lets SO and have a look
at those castlelike ruins"
Nell, after some demur, gathered up
her skirts and began to ascend the
winding stair. followed At the
top was q room with q small but
heavy door. the bolts Of which were
on the outside. The windows were
mere Sits. through which q hand
could scarcely pass.
Nell went up to one Of them to look
out.
slipped back across the room and
darted out through the door. The next
moment 1t was shut. and the bolt in
place. heard Nell run across the
room.
SACK" she called out don't be SO
silly! Open the door,
Nell" ! said quietly. will you
marry me?"
mo ! won't" she cried, and from
her tone knew that she was angry.
'Very WELL" I answered, then the
door stays shut"
Jack, what are you doing?"
Sitting on the stairs" l replied.
"How long are you going to stay
there?" A
It'll you agree to marry me-" IN.
Swered. n. 1T
''rhen I guess youth stay there till
YOURS FIXTURE" she retorted; and I
heard her move away from the door.
l calmly lighted cigarette, and
then waited. After awhile she came
to the door again.
Jack, do open the door"
Will you promise to marry met"
asked. as s,..
'tIs it likely?" she answered. What
should ] do with q husband with q
temper like yours p
II should have an equally obstinate
wife," I replied coolly: that would
balance matters"
Jack, l hate you!" she cried.
Nell, love you'll" answered.
There was another pause.
Jack, If you will open the door
I'll give you an answer"
You've given me that one four
times" l replied.
Perhaps it will be q different one
this time
There must be no perhaps in the
matter" returned.
when l get out Of here I'll never
speak to you again." she cried.
An hour passed away, and then I
heard Nell near the door once more.
Jack. 1t must be getting late, and
mamma doesn't know where ] am"
"You are in safe-keeping," an
swered. 5fs
l heard her stamp her foot.
Jack, IL 1 don't 60 home soon, what
will people say?"
1.-THE usual gossip" I replied calm.
ly.
'Tll never forgive you!" she said.
passionately.
"Will you marry met" asked
again.
NO! no! mol" she cried, and. once
more heard her retreat from the
door.
Another hour passed. and. although
the stairs were hard, stuck manfully
to my post.
Jack l heard Nell's voice once
more, doesn't it strike you that you
are q mean coward?"
ION the contrary" replied, 1T
strikes me that am a man OF heroic
determination"
But am not woman of heroic
determination" she answered, and
her voice broke with little sob.
sprang up and opened the door.
Nell" ! cried, as I caught her in
my arms, II was brutean utter.
brute; but, darling. do want You 60
very much"
1T was the very silliest way to try
and get me-" she answered, with her
bead on my shoulder; for II / didn't
love you, Jack. really would never
speak to you again"