The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1908-07-18
A LOVERS RUsE,


ftthoh hiWaAH ended hcr objections 10
marrying her cousin. Tom Manning
which her parents and his were SO
fooiishly anxious 10 accomplish-fool-
ishiy, we say. because II they had not
betrayed such anxiety. but had let the
young people come together naturally
their hopes would have stood a fair
chance OF being realized. AS Il was
IL seemed to be the very last thing
that was likely TO happen.
They had not met since they were
children and were not likely 10 while
left TO their own devices. which GER
tainly were very fertile In contrlvIng
to avoid everything that was likely 10
bring them In contact
Whenever Tom visited his Uncle Yer
non, Bertha was sure TO be impressed
with the idea that II was the most.
titting time for her to pay a long prom
ised visit 70 some lady friend which
kept her out OF town so long as he
stayed.
And whenever Bertha visited her Tn
Gle Manning. Tom was equally as sure
TO have some important business en-
gagement 10 call him out OF town while
she was at his fathers house.
Thus they continued 10 play at cross
purposes until the patience OF those
who had planned the match was near
ly exhausted
And now to complicate matters and
make them still more dlscouraging
rival had stepped into the field, Mr..
Henry, a distant relative of the parish
clergyman. who had come TO Green
vile 10 spend the summer months.
There seemed 10 be strong attrac-
ton between the two the first time
they met. which ripened I'm an lncrcdi-
bly, short space OF time into the warm
est affection.
were In blissful ignorance. they being
away on n visit to Toms father with
the svowed intention OF bringing the
young man back with them, TO Bertha's
great disgust. who confidentally In
formed her lover, as Mr. Henry now
was. that she had half mind 10 run
away and not see him.
She then gave him a detailed account
of her grievance. together with her
many reesons for detesting Cousin
Tom. ending her decidedly uncompll-
mentary remarks, as usual, with:
"And he has red hairr'
Mr. Henry stroked thoughtfully his
tawny beard. an amused smile playing
around his mouth.
Some people have been so discourte-
Gus as TO hint that my hair Is of a red
dish tinge. have a very vivid re-
membrance when was boy OF some
one calling out TO me as I was riding
by; Look out Your heads on firep"
How ridiculousr' laughed Bertha.
"Why, your hair is just beautiful
chestnut brown"
II am glad you think so, my love.
You say that you have never seen your
cousin Tom since he was boy7"
mo. And he was one OF the most
disagreeable boys ever saw yet, never
so happy as when plaguing some OF us
girls. He broke the head OF my wax
doll, stoned my pet kitten and dug up
the choicest plants In my garden and
was such a torment generally that I
was glad when he was out OF my sight
and hearing. And he is coming tomor-
row. so papa writes, and know what
for. But I'm determined on one thing,
that never will marry Cousin Tom"
The young man looked down smll-
ingly into that flushed and earnest
face, which had never looked so lovely
to him as now.
BE frank and tell him so, then.
will be there. too, and we will see
which Will win the day. Cousin Tom
or l."
The shadows OF twilight had gath
cred around the quiet corner where |
Mr.. Vernon and his nephew sat In
earnest converse.
The former arose as Bertha entered, |
her heart beating very fast at the |
thought OF the ordeal she knew was
before her
"My daughter. here Is your cousin !
Tom, who has come for the express
purpose OF asking you 70 be his wife.
What is your answer, yes or nor
Bertha did not even raise her eyes
10 the dim outline OF the form that
was sitting on the sofa. but her tones,
though low. were very Arm as she said:
1T is No. papa. | am willing 10 give
Cousin Tom the regard that is due to
his relation to me and 10 you, but l
cannot marry him"
Leaving Cousin Tom 10 reply, who
now emerged from his obscurIty. Mr..
Vernon quietly slipped away.
"supposlng I won't take No for an
answer"
The sound OF that familiar voice
made Bertha raise her eyes quickly
% the face OF the speaker.
"Mr. Henryw
Thomas Henry Manning. at your
service. Forgive me, darling" he whis-
,ered as he looked into Bertha's white.
)ewildered face. II wanted 10 see aud
Judge my little cousin for herself"
KS a shame" poutel Bertha. doing
Ter best 10 look angry and falling mis-