Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1922-06-02
Nannie's Bashful
Beau
By DOROTHY WHITcoMB
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Lucius Borden was the most modest
and bashful young man In Creston.
He had only one confidant In the
world-his old Aunt Phoebe.
"Aunt Phoebe" announced Lucius
II have caught it."
Caught what?" she inquired with
interest.
"The fever-the fever"
BLESSED boyl" cried Aunt Phoebe
in startled way-"send at once for
the DOCTOR"
"Oh, don't mean that kind" dis
claimed Lucius confusedly. tits the
fever-the fever of love I'm talking
about"
Thereupon Luclus 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 1 am very glad of
it."
"You are?" exclaimed Lucius, great.
ly encouraged, you know the VIII.
sons"
very well, indeed, and they are
fine family"
with two daughters" proceeded
Lucius quite anlmatedly-"Bertha and
Mamie. It's Mamie"
"Oh, 1t ISL She's a bright sweet
girl, and would make any home
happy"
THANK 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 1t. "Lucius to Mamie" was
the inscription 1t 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.
I'D like to ask question. Miss VIII
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. ITS
an engagement ring that l may want
to use later in the evening. VIII you
| Just tell me what finger Of the lady
put 1t on7"
"Why this one" explained Bertha
rather seriously too, and she held out
her hand and Lucius slipped the cir
clet In place, took 1t Off again and said
gleefully:
did I do 1t rlghtf"
| ooh, perfectly" assured Bertha, and
she looked a trif1e troubled.
"Then-could I see your mother,
Mrs. Wilson, for a few mlnutesT
"Just go into the parlor, Mr.. Borden"
directed, Bertha, land I will find her"
"Tve come-you see, well, 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 a young man, now
abroad, for over year"
"Oh, my" gasped poor Lucius.
1--WE are your friends, your true
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 light form flashed
before him.
81 have found you. l am glad"
spoke Bertha Wilson. "Mr. Borden,
do you realize how mother and are
worrying about your This is all
wrong. We think everything OF you
and"
Don't speak Of 1t. 1 know IT," said
Luclus In dlstressful tone. THAT
don't mend 1t, though Here, keep that
as a memento and forget a poor mis-
cradle duffer who thought he had a
right to llve-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, Mr.. Borden |" she cried, "you
don't mean to say that It was Mamie
you-you wantedT
"Who elseT inquired Lucius limo
Gently.
"Oh, see the light. Oh, dear me
know now. And poor Mamie
thought you had Tilted her and has
been worrying her dear little heart
away. Wait here"
what new misery is coming now,
wonder?" groaned poor Lucius, a
novice In the ways Of women.
"Tel her-mother knows" fell upon
his ears moment later and Mamie,
bushlng, was led before him by her
sister.
And then the big laundering fellow
saw the light, too and struggled out