Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1911-03-03
An Unfortunate
Situation
By jCFiN TURNi---E
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation. l51l.

Inc only uelnlte feature respecting
my attentions to Phoebe Constant was
hat they were unwelcome to her ia
;her. Mothers are less apt to take
definite ground with regard to their
daughters. especially men friends, and
the only opposition to my being de-,
voted to Phoebe came from her ia
Their. Mind you, was not engaged TO
her. | was not sure that / wished to
be engaged to her. and she had not
indicated that she wished to be en-
gagged to me. This matter of love is
usually considered aswomething that
comes suddenly, turning Il couple
from indifference to a wild passion
for each other l admit that there are
one of that kind.
One day Phoebe wrote me note
suggesting that if had nothing spe-
cial ON hand for the evening I'd bet
ter come to see her. l did so and
found that her father had gone Oh
business to neighboring town and
would not be at home before IL
O'clock If there is anything needed
to bring about love affair it is some
thing clandestine The fact that
Phoebe had sent for me to be With
her while her father would know
nothing about it inspired me with a
more tender feeling for her. Indeed.
it opened the bud Of love. For the
first time in my life / put some
warmth into my words and bearing
toward her and received correspond
ing response. When left her | felt
that we had made beginning in
new relationship.
Mr.. Constant kept large dog on
his premises which was unclaimed
every night at 10 o'clock. Not wish
ing to make my presence during Mr..
Constants absence especially known
among the servants. l did not suggest
any delay in Enchanting the dog, in
tending to leave just before 10 o'clock.
At five minutes before 10 said good
night to Phoebe-no kiss; hadn't got
that far, only pressure Of the hand
and started down the walk leading to
the gate. I hadn't gone more than
half way before I saw a black mass
moving in another part of the yard
and knew it for the dog. was about
ten steps from tree, which | reached
in five long ones and. making the jump
Of my life. caught branch and drew
myself up TO safe place.
Either my watch was wrong or the
dog had been let out ahead of time.
1t did not matter which was the case,
| was Il prisoner in tree near walk
along which Mr.. Constant would pass
when he came home. If the dog had
and suspected that | was in trouble
But he did not utter single growl.
saw no way to attract the attention OF
any one in the house. and, as to COM
ing down into the jaws of the fierce
brute below me. it was not to be con-
reach me he simply lay down and
waited.
Ny position was unpleasant in more
respects than one. That first sweet
passion of love which had entered by
blood | found delicious. l knew that
a young woman about to enter upon a
love affair is very sensitive to any no
BILE or ignoble attitude the man in the
case may occupy. | dreaded to be
caught by her father upon tree like
a thief. guarded by a watchdog. 1t
was a contemplate position for me
and would place Phoebe in an un-
enviable attitude with regard to her
father. indicating that she had re-
ceived me clandestinely during his abb
sence.
If l could only think of some In
genious way to escape the dog or, bet
ter yet, some daring stroke to over
come him | might not only avoid los
ing prestige. but gain It. l looked
about ME for means of escape. The
trees were very Thick. but toward the
gate not thick enough to admit OF my
passing from one 10 the other and out
Of the grounds. Toward the house the
prospect looked more favorable. (
determined to try it. Better be caught
like Il burglar than a sneak thief.
BY climbing from branch to branch
and making some desperate leaps. the
dog following me, finally gained the
roof of the house. When ! got there
l couldn't get hlck. for he lirlb from
which l dropped. relieved Of my
weAeat. Spans upward br!C.-.. -.
reach. | found myself in sort OF
roof pocket directly in front of win
dow
1t seemed to NE that l had not i'm
proved the situation. | had got rid of
the dog, but had been corneret. on the
roof In any event | must stay where
was till relieved by human help,
heard Il train ccmc il al the station
half mile away. and in about twenty
gate and spoke to the deg. | rejofced
that dogs can't talk and this one
couldn't give me away. Then the
front door closed. and the next dcvei-
Opment MAS 81 bright light in The win
dow before which was standing and
from which could rA nnve And
what was my horror to see Mr.. Con
slant beginning 10 l.siuhe
He advanced at once 10 draw down
the shade and. seeing y .n;iu on the
narrow ledge II the rnof outside the
window. was about 70 turn for some
weapon FOR defense wiiec. PLACING, my
face against 4 pane. | iInpierad him
by bly, expression 70 tleSist. The 'ighs
shene on my features. and h. recog-
nfzed me-
Tia. was the eni of my attentions
to Phoebe Constant. She never quits
satisfied Eaf father but tiiat there was
some mystery about thr matter great
Il 10 my discredit. AMI she could nev.
er again think of mic as lover
The Grain Is Very adaptable.
Each vocation makes II different cali
upon the brain and lie, eioi,s faculties