The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1911-04-13

iudicrous, gushing epistle, I could hardly
refrain from laughing aloud and naturally
thought how different it was from the
nice, sensible one I had dispatched to Miss
sleien Goiurox that afternoon. wherein I
mad politely added that I would call for
my answer in a couple Of days-on the fol-
owing Sunday in fact, Easter Sunday.
Blfklns looked the whole thing over, and
then, looking up at me obviously, asked:
Say, old fellow, do you think this is all
right? Isn't it just-er-just a trifie-er-
strong?"
II was all I could do to keep from
laughing right at him, poor chap. but I
restrained myself and said in an injured
tone:
That's the usual thanks a fellow gets
for helping a friend OUT"
on, say. old chap, I didn't mean that"
ne said, apologizing profusely. of course
it's all right If you say so"-this even
more obviously.
vi course 1t is" I answered gayly, and
then l stayed until / saw him put it in
an envelope and send 1t out to be posted,
1t was a great lark, I thought, as I
strolled home afterward, and when Easter
sunday came l spruced myself UP to wait
upon the sweet and wealthy Helen. to
whom l thought, after I had been ac-
cepted, l might tell the farce, and, as
she always exceedingly enjoyed a joke,
after she had ~playfully chided me for be-
ing 50 cruel, l was quite surs to have her
join me in a hearty laugh at poor Bifkins'
expense.
l made my way to the Goldrox mansion.
and being admitted waited in the parlor
several minutes for Helen to come down.
having to wait was unquestionably a good
sign, thought I; girls always like to put
a few finishing touches on their toilet
before they come down to meet their
future husbands. and 1 was rather glad
she made me wait.
When she did come dow she didn't act
Just as I'd hoped she ~would-that is, she
didn't come nesting into my arms or any
thing OF that sort. But then, thought I.
Helen always a sensible sort Of girl and
wasn't very apt to do that sort Of thing.
So We just shook hands and I sat down
on the sofa, but instead Of joining me
Helen took a seat In one of the chairs
that stood quite near to the sofa, but yet
not near enough to be comfortable.
l confess I WAS slightly embarrassed for
a moment, but recovering my self COM
mand l softly whispered:
"Heien, lve come In person to urge what
I asked In my letter OF proposal and hon
estly. sincerely trust that you care suf-
fciently for me to trust your future hap
piness in my lands"
Helen didn't speak for nearly a minute.
when, sinking her voice, she said: BE
lieve me. Mr., Hardup. I am equally GIN
SCASiy Soiiyb dIiu 1 aIlOulQ nave written
you, only I didn't know how to put It.
but the very next day after your pro-
posal l received another, SO passionate,
so hattering, so-Sh, So beautifuli"-and
her eyes lit up-"that, Though I nave al
ways had a most friendly regard for you.
1 could not resist-the gentleman who
wrote the other proposals passionate,
ter accepting him by return mail. II
hope l haven't hurt you, and I'm awfully,
awfully sorry, but then there are any
number Of other really nice girls, and
md" and then no doubt fearing she
might put her foot in it Helen said no
more.
I sat half dazed for a moment. and
then I summoned UP enough courage to
murmur. May I ask the gentleman's
name?"
Yes" she W timidly; its
Mr.. Bifkins."
was almost tempted to burst out
laughing. thought it must be a joke.
But instead I merely murmured, And
do you care SO much for him?"
Wen, candidly." she replied, "I
hadn't thought much about him before
/ received his proposal, but
when ! read that, SO fiery, so kind, so
full OF burning admiration, my eyes
seemed to open and read my heart Alright,
and in Observation-Disclosures and feryor Of
the moment I sent him my reply.
After that I didn't stay to hear much
more, and as I went Gown the front stairs
l dasns Know whether I ought to laugh
or fees 7e.Ty. I
But rs ! went up the street and the |
recollection Of that luAicreus letter filed
with the imbecile gush and farce comedy
heroics that I had dictated for Bifstns
back to me and I came to consider
Helen Goldrcx had taken the Laura
Jean Libbyian sentiments as serious and