Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1908-05-28
TIE PHOTOGRAPH OF
THE QUAKERESS

Antrim boastfully declared that he
never would marry. Perhaps it was
on this account that every woman
that knew him longed to dangle his
scalp at her belt
At the big hotel at Mackinac he met
Ethel whom he knew, and whom he
always had feared little. She was a
desperate flirt, and many men had
found her irresistible. Antrim had no
mind to be caught in her snares, but
she was SO pretty and agreeable that
be could not always keep away from
her. They strolled on the beach in the
afternoons and sat in secluded corners
Of TIE moonlit verandas in the even
ng.
Antrim knew that he was drifting
into danger, but for the life of him he
couldn't summon up the fortitude to
change his course. If he tried to break
away from her she would bring him
back with a smile.
As a last resort Antrim sought to
save himself by an unworthy device.
He pretended that he was consumed
by passion for some fair unknown.
Yes said this deceitful man one
evening IS they sat together On the
moonlit porch and gazed at the gleam-
ing water; Eyes, have loved her for
years, though she does not know it.
Her image is with me ways-always.
She is the inspiration, the lodestar Of
my life. I am so unworthy Of her that
dare not risk my hopes by propos-
al II she refused me I should die
90, how extremely interesting" was
the eager response. Il should so like
to see her photograph. You have her
photograph, am sure. Don't deny it,"
It was easier to admit than to deny,
SO Antrim said yes, he had photo
graph, an old one, that he had obtain
ed surreptitiously.
You will let me see it, won't your"
Antrim hesitated, for he had no pho
tograph to show.
Please" she beseeched, prettily. 81
think, as good friends as we have
been, that you could grant me just this
one small favor"
In this pleading mood she was ire
sistible
Antrim suddenly remembered that
his sister had a lot CT photographs in
her room. Perhaps he could find one
there that would do.
Il will see if I can find it," he said.
1T is imDOSSible for me to refuse YOU
anything"
He ran to his sisters room. She
was not there, but he knew where to
find the photographs. He glanced
through them hastily and at last Sc
lected demure, sweetfaced girl pos
ing as a Quakeress. He knew it was
a fancy dress photograph, and he
thought it was the picture of an act
ress.
There" he said, trembling a little
at the thought Of being such a deciv-
er, there you see the only girl ever
loved or ever could love"
She gave little start of dismay as
she looked at the photograph in the
dim light. Then sac got up and leaned
over the banister to obtain a better
look at the little Quakeress.
She turned back to him with a lit
tie cry OF surprise, letting the picture
fall to the floor.
ooh, my darling" she murmured, as
she threw herself upon his bosom. Il
never in ali my life heard or dreamt
of such a charming way Of proposing.
I cannot refuse you"
What could he DO but silently kiss
the sweet upturnad face?
THAT was taken years ago." she
went IN. 1--WE all went to a fancy
dress hall and I was dressed as
Quakcress. Next morning was pho
tographed in that costume. To think
you had it all this time. I can give
You now a much better photograph of
myself"
IT was a long time after they were
when Antrim accidentally
learned that it was not Ethel but her
sister that went as q Quakeress TO the
fancy dress hall PAIL Harry