Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1914-12-17
A Mistaken
Identity
By F. A. Mitchell

and wooed Alice Brainard. aged six
teen. Both being too young to marry
so their parents thought-consent was
given to the match only on condition
that they part. not to see each other
for two years. If they were then OF
the same mind no objection would be
raised to their union. They were not
to correspond. except during the last
week Of the two years separation. at
which time they would need to make
arrangements for their meeting
One morning Albert Tucker mot
relative nor even an acquaintance OF
the said Arnold Tucker) was handed
letter by a postman addressed in
feminine hand and asked If it belong
ed to him. The writing was so indis-
tinct that Tucker could not be sure.
but replied by taking it in with other
letters handed him at the same time.
On opening it he read the simple an
nOuncement:
l will be at the Grand hotel on Tuesday
and shall be pleased to see you that even
ing. You will find me in Parlor B, second
floor, at o'clock. ALICE.
Albert Tucker knew great many
girls, number Of whom be had made
love to for the purpose, as he express
e. it. of passing the time. and was not
conscious of any Of them accepting his
attentions through any more serious
motive. He did not remember any
particular Alice. nor did he recognize
the chirography. He simply made a
mental note of the appointment and
when the evening came around reach
ed the Grand hotel at 8 o'clock and
went to Parlor B.
A young lady whom be had never
seen before rose from her seat with a
happy smile to meet him. but the smile
faded into look Of perplexity
81 never believed" she said. that
two short years could have so changed
you
If Albert Tucker was anything be
was gallant.
1.-TWO long years, you mean."
'Have they been long to you?" some
thing of the smile returning with a
faint blush.
Each has been an eternity"
The lady looked up tenderly out of
a pair of heavens blue eyes. Bert
did not mistake; it would have been
brutal for him to mistake-at least so
he considered it. He bent forward and
kissed her lips.
Meanwhile he was racking his brain
to place the girl among those to whom
he had on some previously forgotten
occasion made love. He could remem
Der Betty. a Louise. an Ethel. but no
Alice. AS for the last patronymic he
could remember only two of them Miss
Brainard resembled girl he had met
at house party at the home of his
friend Charles Beale a couple Of years
before and had become spoons with
He suspected that she was this girl
but was not sure. He determined to
take some risk to find out
Il would not suppose" he said. that
so much would happen since that de-
lightful period we spent at Charles"
Charlie! What Charlie?"
True. you were not with us at
Charlie Beale's. Two years is a long
while, especially when parted from one
we love. Events become confused"
II hope persons have not become
confused in your case. Was there some
girl with whom you remember to have
had delightful periodY"
mot at all. Now l remember: it was
stag party
"A stag party! Do men have delight
full remembrances of stag parties?
But this is not pertinent to our meet
ing. The question with US is. Having
been parted for two years. having
grown older. do we wish to accept the
promise made us when we separatedY'
Bert would have given worlds to
know what that promise was; indeed
he must know what it was or give up
this struggle at pretense.
II have forgotten" he stammered
Just what that promise was
Had an ice bolt been shot between
the two it could not have effected a
greater change The girl started. then
recOiled from him.
What have | done?" he gasped.
What have you done? You have
stabbed me to the heart While l have
counted the months. the weeks. the
days till We might take advantage Of
that promise. you have forgotten what
it was. Oh. heavens! What shall |
do?"
She threw herself on a sofa and bur
led her face in the cushions.
There is something wrong here.
said Bert in desperation. Are yon
sure am
She started up. You are Arnold?'
81 am not | am Tucker
Arnold Tucker. and you have for
gotten
I'm Albert Tucker"
'Albert?"
Commonly called Bert. And now
for heavens sake, do tell me who you
arof 7 muSf admit can't nlooo vOll .