The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1906-06-21
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IN RELATING how Perkins came
to be married, we were very indefi-
mite as to the method by which he
accomplished that result. 1t will
be remembered that he had only
week at his disposal in which to WOO,
win and marry the fair daughter Of
Willets, the millionaire railroad mag
nate; and anyone who knows anything
of women, will realize how inadequate
such a short time was, with so many
obstacles to overcome.
But Perkins had great faith in his
own genius and, from the outset, had
no doubt of his ability to achieve the
desired success. One item in his favor
was the personal good will of the pros
pective father-in.law. Willets lost no
opportunity to bring the young people
together, and his daughter was rather
mystified over the unwonted social
gayety of her father. But it pleased
her nevertheless, because of late he
had not seemed to be in the best of
spirits.
There was plenty of fun and enjoy
ment, but the days were slipping by
with unusual speed, so it seemed to
Perkins He believed that Miss Willets
liked him, but as to any deeper senti-
ment, he was very doubtful, and he
dared not risk her friendship by any
undue precipitancy. He threw him.
self in her way as much as possible
and was always received with the
greatest cordiality, but that might ell
be due to her charming good-fellowship.
How presumptuous it would be on his
part to assume any other explanation!
Perkins conned it over day and
night. His time was drawing to a
close and he did not feel that he had
any right to expect an affirmative an
swer to the question he longed to, but
dared not, put. There was to be a
boating party and picnic at the Lake
Winnipeg beaches, and this would
probably be Perkins last opportunity
to win the favor of the fair Miss
Willets. How was, he to do it? The
question bothered him continually. II
was only after the consumption of in
Vulnerable cigarettes, that he arrived
at an answer-an answer that entalleG
much elaborate planning, and many
conferences with his partner, Blackler
The morning of the picnic arrived
and gave promise of splendid weather
The party, consisting of about twenty
five people, were to embark in th'
Willets motorboat, which was mooret
at it's landing on the bank of tn
Assiniboine River From here, the,
would drop down the river to it
mouth, and then on the bosom of tn
Red River of the North, would proceed
with all speed northward toward LAX
Winnipeg. It is beautiful trip, an6
after the prairies are left behind an
the forests are entered, the scenery
delightful. All was carried out a
planned and the party finally lande
at the famous summer resort, Winn
peg Beach, and proceeded to th
Willets summer cottage, which wa
really mansion and was to be tn
headquarters of the party during thei
stay. The usual pleasures were full
enjoyed by all concerned, boating
bathing, fishing, etc. Music and dar
cling in the evenings.
The night before the day of depa
ture, most of the guests retired earl
but Perkins persuaded Miss Willets I
take stroll in the woods. cit is {
restful after the heat of the day."
said.
"Indeed. yes, and 1 just love IL
woods" she replied.
And willy Perkins had made tt
first move toward the end of the gan
he had in view.
Passing along q narrow path, th'
were soon out of sight and sound
the colony of summer residents. II
conversation never languished, f
Perkins was good talker and Mi
Willets was no tyro herself.
Suddenly whistle sounded fro
somewhere in the rear.