The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1922-01-19
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Mamie s Bashful
Beau !. !.
By DOROTHY WHITcoMB

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Copyright, 1921. Western Newspaper Union. /
Lucius Borden was the most modest
and, bashful young man in Creston.
He had only one confidant in the
world-his old Aunt Phoebe. -. e.
"Aunt Phoebe" announced Lucius
II have caught it, .@"E.
Caught what?" she inquired with
interest. '"5:-.,.- go
1.-THE fever-the fever"
BLESSED boy!' cried Aunt Phoebe
In startled way-"send at once for
the DOCTOR"
"Oh, I don't mean that kind" dis
claimed Lucius confusedly. cts the
fever-the fever of love I'm talking
about"
Thereupon Lucius began to blush
furiously. Purposely Aunt Phoebe
evaded staring him into still deeper
embarrassment. She simply. said:
well, nephew If the object of your
esteem is worthy am very glad of
it."
"You are?" exclaimed Lucius, great
~ encouraged, "You know the Will
sons"
Every we'll, indeed, and they are "a
fine family"
with two daughters" proceeded
Lucius quite ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and
Mamie. It's Nannie."
"Oh, it is? She's a bright sweet
girl, and would make any home
happy"
"rhank you, said Lucius gratefully.
I'm going down to propose for her
hand tonight"
More than once he opened a small
case and glanced at a neat little ring
inside of it. 'Lucius to Mamie" was
the inscription it bore.
Now Lucius had done no distinct
counting. He had known the Wilson's
for many years.
When Lucius reached the Wilson
home that evening all in a bewilder-
ing flutter he found Bertha in the gar
den. She invited him to a rustic seat,
kind and pleasant with him as she
was always.
'1'd like to ask a question, Miss Will
son." spoke Lucius abruptly.
"Certainly Mr. Borden she replied.
'"You are so kind and good to me.
I've got ring here,' and Lucius
brought to light the little case. TITS
an engagement ring that may want
| to use later in the evening. Will you
! just tell me what finger of the lady
| I put it on?"
"Why this one," explained Bertha
rather seriously too, and she held out
her hand and Lucius slipped the cir
clet in place, took it off again and said
gleefully:
| "Did do it right?'
ooh, perfectly" assured Bertha, and
she looked trifle troubled.
! "Then-could see your mother,
| Mrs. Wilson, for a few minutes?"
"Just go into the parlor, Mr.. Borden"
| directed, Bertha, land will find her"
"1've come--you see, well, I want
| to ask you for the hand Of your daugh-
ter, Mrs. Wilson, blurted out Lucius
| as the matron entered the room.
| "Mr. Borden spoke the lady, II am
very sorry, but my daughter has been
secretly engaged to young man, now
abroad, for over year."
"Oh, my!' gasped poor Lucius.
| 1--WE are your friends, your true
friends" went on the 'kind-hearted
lady and we will always be your
| friends"
How Lucius got out of the house he
did not know. He saw his fabric Of
loving dreams and ardent hopes all in
ruins Just crossing the garden he
came upon Mamie.
She deliberately turned her back
upon him and sailed away.
Lucius was crushed. He stole home
wretched.
1t was at town picnic that he next
came directly in contact with any OF
the family. He was staring dolefully
at the river when a light form flashed
before him.
II have found YOU I am glad,'
spoke Bertha Wilson. "Mr. Borden
do you realize how mother and are
worrying about you? This is all
wrong We think everything of you
and"
'Don't speak of it. I know it," sale
Lucius in distressful tone. "That
don't mend it, though. Here, keep that
as memento and forget poor mis-
cradle duffer who thought he had 8
right to live-and love-"
He extended the engagement ring
his face averted. Bertha marveled, but
turned it over and over in her hand
For the first time she read the in
scription.
"Why, MIR. Borden!" she cried, ''yol
; don't mean to say that it was Mamie
you-you wanted?'
"Who else?" inquired Lucius limo
Gently.
ooh, I see the light. Oh, dear me-
I know now. And poor Mamie
thought you had Tilted her and ha
; been worrying her dear little hear
away. Wait here"
"What new misery is coming now
I wonder?" groaned poor Lucius, ,
novice in the ways Of women.
"Tell her-mother knows" fell upol
his ears a moment later and Mamie
blushing, was led before him by he
sister.
, AMI then the big laundering fellow
saw the light, too, and struggled on
Of the labyrinth-and Mamie helpe
him.
Double Punishment.