Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 16, Number 21, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 14 November 1885 — Page 2

E A I

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

TEKKE HAUTE, NOV. 14, 1885.

A CULPRIT.

BIT MARGARET VAXDEGHIFT.

The maiden aunt, In her straight backed chair, With a 11 anil on her pale and wrinkled cheek And a horrified, modified, mystified air, \Va* just about to speak.

And the maiden niece—a nice little maidHtood meekly twiriiug her thnmbt* about. With a half-trinmpliaut, half-atraid, And wholly bewitching pont. Said the maiden aunt:"

plain

Eeudent

WiU you please ex­

What you- heads were doingxo close together You could easily, I assure you, Jane, Have knocked me down with a feather! "When I think of yonr bringing up—ray care My scrupulous care—and ii's come to this you Appeared to be sitting calmly there And letting a young man fcl» you

"Now toll me at once just what he said, And what you replied. This Kqulte a trial, Ho do not stand there and hang your head Or attempt the leant denial!

"If 1 catch you once more in such a—fix, Though you are eighteen, lean tell you^Jane I Khali treat you Just as if you were six, And (tend you to school again

"Are you going to tell me what hf said, And what you said? I'll not stand this trifling. Ho look at me, Jane! Lift up your head! Don't go as if you were stifling?"

Her voice was shaken—of course, with fear: "He said—he said,' Will you have me, Jane?' And 1 wild I would. But indeed, aunt, uear, We'll never do HO again

—[Century Magazine.

A Game of Forfeits.

CHARTER I.

"But I say, Jack," protested a tall youth in au injured tone of voice, "you must come. Why, man, because you are engaged you seem to imagine that you must cut your old friends for good and all." "Bosh!" was Jack's comprehensive reply. "I should like to come immensely, but I don't quite like to dispose of myself without consulting my fiancee." •*1 told you bow 'twould be," chimed in a little iellow wltha flaxen mustache. "1 warned you that when be got eugaged he wouldn't be able to call his soul bis own. Look at him now, an inde-

man as far as appearances go,

lit really unablo te say he'll meet a few of bis old friends to bid farewell to Sullivan before his departure for Australia." •'Tell you what, Dicky," said the tall one, "let's combine two farewells in one and say good-bye to Jack at the same time we give up Sullivan, for one is lost just as much as the other."

Jack only laughed. "What a fuss you're making about nothing," he said." "I'll come, of course 1 only thought it would be better to tell Nellie so before I promised. When you fellows are engaged you'll tind out that things are changed a little." "1 quite believe you," replied Dicky. "You're a living monument of the fact. But never mind, now that you've promised to come. We'll forgive you." "Thank*, very much," saia Jack ironically. "Now that that's settled," remarked Parkhouse, the tall man, "let's arrange details. We want to make this affair a success, for Sullivan Is down iu the toouth at going, and we must show him we're sorry too. Will you undertake the eating arrangements, or the liquor, or the music?" "I'd sooner not undertake anything," replied Jack. "I really haveu't any time." "Then make some." rotorted Dicky. "Give up spooning for an hour or two."

Dicky spoke with all the authority of a man who had been engaged himself. His former fiancee had thrown him over, and Dick was now asworu enemy to the sex.

Thus adjured, Jack, with some reluctance, undertook the musical arrangements of the evening. Dicky promised to btiug bis guitar, Parkhouse to slug a comic song, and some choruses and part songs were settled on.

Jack felt quite like an unattached bachelor again, and the sensation was not an altogethor unpleasant one. Not that he would have resumed bis former life on any consideration, but, at the same time, to drop back for a moment luto the current of nu unregretted ex istence

gave a

fresh zast to his antlripa

tions of the houra ho was soon to spend with Nellie. The quartette set up till late discuss ing Sullivan's departure, and the supper which was to render it still more memorable. Evidently in their eyes the 27th of March was to bd an important night.

When his friends took their leave Jack threw himself iuto an armchair and gave himself up to a reverie aud a pipe for half an hour.

The sight of his old friends had brought varied emotions and thoughts. He reproaehed (iitu«elf with havlug so completely cut himself adrift from thetr. They had been great chums of hl$, they were all thoroughly good fel lows, ami it must seem to them rather hard that directly he became engaged to MUs Adams he appeared to have forgotten all the years they had spent totogether.

On thtnking it over he was rather glad of the coming opportunity to meet tbem all once again besides, be wished to show Sullivan that his departure from England moved his rtwrvt.

He had only been eugaged three weeks. They had been very happy weeks, for Nelue was all that be coula desire. For the fortnight he had fancied her without fault or a suspicion of one. If during the last few days she— But no, he wonld not allow even to himself that the was not perfect.

The truth was that Nellie had shown he reel a trifle exciting. Jack needed no inducements to be offered hitn to spend as much time as he could in her so.*ietv be was never so happy as when at her aide. Bat ehe had no busineea cares to occupy her mind her engagement tilled all her thoughts her love for Jack was her one absorbing occupation. It was different to her to conceive that anything elee in the world ought to have weight oompariwnn with her desire to be her lover, and hit* corresponding desire to be near her.

So Jjwk had to enter into details about his occupation4! and prove to her that be could not po*«ib'v

have

arrived earlier,

or stay later than he had done. He underwent her caterhlidng with great good humor, but was obliged to confess to himself that there was a possibility that some day it might grow irritating.

There was no doubt that Nellie was Inclined to abuse her privilege*. She had never been engaged before, so it can he easily explained. Jack was the la.*t man to complain of conduct whkh

proved in the clearest manner that she loved him. However, he came to the conclusion that be would not mention to Neilie that he bad engaged himself on the 27th. It fell on a Wednesday, one of the evenings which he did not spend at Nellie's house, as a matter of course. If it had been a Monday, now, or a Thursday, it would have been awkward, for these two nights were sacred to the lovers* meeting*.

A week passed and the preparations for the 27th were complete. Jack bad not mentioued his engagement to Nellie there bad been no accasion to do so. He feared, during the Monday evening preceding the 27tb, that she might propose something for that day, but nothing was said, and Jack, as be left her house, felt be was free.

He did not owe her the evening he wan not depriving her of bis society so he felt no compunction.

He wrote toner as usual on the Tuesday. Her letter in reply came on the Wednesday morning. He congratulated himself on finding there was no allusion to the evening in it.

But his congratulations came too soon. He hurried home in the middle of the day to fetch some documents he bad forgotten, and found a note awaithim. It was from Nellie:

DEAREST JACK—Doyou think you can look in this evening for an hour after dinner? In great haste. Your loving NELLIE. "What a tremendiousnuisance!" said Jack to himself. However, it was no use wasting time thinking over what was to be done. He could not possibly get off his engagement. More than that, unless he wrote his reply to Neilie at once, she wbuld not get it that day, and be did not want to telegraph. To send a telegram to your fiancee, just as if she were your banker or broker, has ^qmething distasteful about it.

He sat down and scribbled a line MY DEAREST NELLIE—I'm awfully sorry I can't come to-night. 1 have an important engagement which I can't get off. Try and exist without me till to-morrow, wheu 1 shall come, unless the world has ceased to exhist. Ever your devoted JACK.

He stamped bis letter and rushed with it to the post, just catching it. Then be returned to his work, not feeling quite so comfortable as be wished.

If he had bad time he would have told her exactly her the matter stood. But to explain it properly needed along letter besides, be would see her the next evening, and could tell her everything then.

Then came a revulsion of feeling, and be justified himself. It was absurd to think that ho must hold himself at every moment at Nellie's disposal. It was high lime that he occasionally claimed his independence, unless be tceant to renounce his liberty before he was married, and settle down to the position of a henpecked' husband afterwards.

The supper was a great success. Every one came out strong, and Jack was welcomed back to tbe bachelor circle with es much enthusiasm as if he bad returned from the North Pole. In fact, Dicky in bis speech said that tbe one thing which would console them for Sullivan's loss was tbe thought that they once more were to enjoy tbe pleasure of Jack Hinde's society.

Tbe music went admirably, and Jack, entering into tbe spirit of the evening, exhibited the whole of tbe repertoire of conjuring tricks for which he was famous. Forgetful of Nellie for a few hours, he threw himself Into the enjoyment of the present, and bade farewell to Sullivan with as much effusion as if he had been his cbiefestchum. In cooler moments be would have acknowledged that had he remained in England they would have met but rarely.

When he regained his rooms in the small hours of the nighty he confessed tbat be had spent a very jolly evening. It was a little noisy, perhaps, but not rowdy, and he had notning to reproach himself with. It was a pity tbat Nellie had wanted him to spend the evening with her, but it was an accident tbat was not without its consolation. She must learn sooner or later tbat she could not expect him to be always dancing attendance upon her.

CHAPTER II.

Miss Nellie Adams did not spend a pleasant evening whilst her lover was enjoying himself in the company of his friends. When she rose next morning the acuteness of her annoyance was gone, but the thought that Jack paid no attention to her letter still rankled in her mind.

She had more excuse than Jack was aware of. When she wrote her note to him tbe only reason she had for asking him to call was that her aunt had written to say she was coming and would like to make Jack's acquaintance.

Miss Foster was reputed rich, and Nellie was her favorite niece. Nellie was not a furtune-hunter, but was glad on many accounts to have an opportunity of introducing her fiance to her aunt. So she wroto the note which Jack received.

She had scarcely finished it when two events occurred. One was the arrival of a telegram from Miss Foster postponing her visit, tbe other was tbe early return of her father from business.

Mr. Adam* produced from his pocket an envelope with "Lyceum Theatre" printed large on the outside.

Nellie knew in a moment if contained tickets. Her father had ofleu promised to bring *ome. "That is good of you, papa!" she exclaimed as she selxeid the envelope. "I thought I'd give you a little treat to-night," he said, "so I bought these, moaning to take you. But, just like my luck. Im called' suddenly out of town, and you must get Jack to escort you." "I'm just writing to him, papa he will enjoy it immensely. All the same, I'm sorry you can't go." "I expect I regret it more than you," replied Mr. Adam* with a laugh. "Give me your letter and I'll post it as I go along."

Neilie quickly scribbled a postscript to her note. To do this she had to turn over the leaf. With no thought of the possibility of Jack's terminating his reading of the note with ber signature at the bottom of the first page, she put no sign to intimate that it was not finished.

The postscript was couched In warm terms and told him to be sore to be at tbe door in a cab at seven, unless be could find time t* coins to dinner at six.

Her disappointment may be imagined when she received Jack's answer. At first anger was her sole feeling. What did he mean by treating ber He knew that she wanted, above all things, to go to tbe Lyceum, and now that her father had been good enough to give tbem stalls, he declined to take ber. on tbe weak ground of a previous engagement. Was it not enough to make her angry?

The worst of It was that It was too late for ber to obtain another escort. Her mother was away she had no brothers. Tbe tickets were absolutely wasted as far as her enjoyment was concerned all she could do with them was to send them to some friends who lived near. That done, sbe went to ber room and bad a good cry.

l'BRRE HAT3TE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL

But with morning came a calmer state of mind. Her disappointment was still keen, but her anger in great part disappeared. "It must have been a very important engagement," she persuaded herself "very like a business one that he eould not postpone. He would have come if it were possible, I'm snre. I shall hear all about it this evening, though it was too bad of him."

Sbe had promised to spend the morning at St. Bartholomew's, to help decorste tbe church for Easter. It was barely ten o'clock when sbe was called for, as arranged, by Miss Harper. "I'm dreadfully tired," said Miss Harper "it was a hard pull to get up this morning. I was at a big dance till nearly three." "A pleasant one "Ob, yes not bad. I did not know quite as msny people as I should have liked, and my wretched brother ran away after he had seen me fairly started, so I bad only aunt to look after me." "You should have made him stay," ssid Nellie decidedly.

Miss Harper laughed. "I'm not engaged to him, you see," she said. "Tbat makes all tbe difference. He bad to go to a bachelors' supper, and he wouldn't have given that up for twenty dances. By-tbe-bye, Mr. Hinde was there, so Tom told me this morning."

Mr. Hinde!" exclaimed Nellie. ,s "Yes didn't you know "I knew he had an engagement, but, of course, I didn't ask where," replied Nellie as calmly as she could. "I shouldn't ask him if I were you," said Misa Harper. "It isn't worth while to make him feel uncomfortable. Here's the church, thank goodness now for wiring and cutting one's fingers."

Nellie was overflowing with rage and indignation. So her lover, in spite of her earnest wish, had gone off to enjoy himself with a lotof bis bachelor friends, leaving her to mourn the loss of a treat on which sbe had set her mind.

She would never forgive him! That she tirmly resolved. What possible happiness could she expect to enjoy with a man who treated her in this heartless manner?

She went to the vestry and found writing materials on the table. Without giving herself time to think what she was doing, she wrote as follows:

DEAR JACK—You need not trouble to call this evening I am engaged. NELLIE. Not a word more would she add. Sbe had a great mind to address him as "Mr. Hinde," but compromised in favor or "Dear Jack." Sbe ran out and posted it, and then came back thirsting for work—anything to drive her thoughts away from the cruelty of which she was the victim.

Jack reached home at five. His conscience had not been quite easy during tbe day, and he resolved he would make a clean breast of it when be saw Nellie in tbe evening.

Her note came on him like a thunderclap. What did it mean One thing was clear enough—it was no use his calling tbat evening. Another thing almost equally clear was tbat she had taken violent offense at something or other. The not was not the sort of epistle he was accustomed to receive from her.

Had sbe discovered where be bad been? He did not see bow tbat was possible, as the note must have been written early in tbe day. Even if she bad, why should she be so angry about it

It was unreasonable, foolish. Really, if she chose to take offense so easily, it was her ovrn fault. If she wanted to quarrel, let her.

But his frame of mind qaickly succeeded a milder one. It was all very well to contemplate a quarrel in this spirit, but what would a quarrel involve? Simply the loss of all enjoyment in life.

He sat down and smoked a pipe over it. What should he do He resolved to do nothing in a hurry. He spent tbe evening as pleasantly as he could with this nightmare hovering over all his thoughts, and about ten o'clock sat down to pen his answer:

DEAREST NELLIE—I'm tremendously disappointed at having to spend this evening afone, instead of with you. I want to see you ever so much. I've read your note lots of times, and in spite of ail my efforts I can't help drawing from it the conclusion that I have in some way offended you. What have I done? Are you angiy because I did not come last night? Did you receive my note saying that I should not be able to do so? If it did not arrive, blame the postman, but don't visit yonr wrath on me.

He wrote a page or two mbre in the usual style of love letters, but found himself unable to write as freely as he was generally able to do. fie felt cramped by the knowledge tbat thev were not on their usual terms. He ended by saying tbat he would call the next eveuing without fail.

Nellie received this letter the next morning. She was very anxious to know the result of her action, and was downstairs long before the post arrived. She seized her fetter and retreated with it. How sbe hoped tbat it might contain a full confession and a plea for for giveness! If so sbe would try and forget her anger and disappointment, and pardon him it was terrible to feel that she had quarreled with him.

She read his letter in amazement. There was not a word of apology, not a line of explanation. It might almost have been the letter of a lover who thought his mistress had illtreated him.

Sbe could bear it no longer. Sbe would make him understand tbat she was not to be trifled with in this way. If he treated her with this utter want of consideration now, what would be his conduct later on

Mrs. Adams was still absent,so Nellie had co one to consult. Indeed, in such a matter she would have consulted no one. There was but one course to be pursued.

Sbe calmed herself sufficiently to be able to pour out her father's coffee without bis remarking ber agitation. He was immersed in his letters,

Ho tossed one over to her. "Your Aunt Caroline seems in rather a bad way," be said, as be cut open tbe next envelope.

Nellie knew tbat the remark meant nothing. Miss Foster's ailments were well understood. Her letter, after detailing her symptoms, begged tbat Nellie might be spared a few days to be with ber. ••What do you say, Nellie Will you go?" "Yes, papa, I should like to. Mamma Is coming back to-day, so you'll have tome one to look after you." "Dont trouble yourself about that." replied Mr. Adams "you women seem to imagine tbat a man cant get cm without yon. It's not a had thing sometimes for a husband and wife to be apart tbey appreciate each other all the more when they meet agaia. For tbe matter of that, I believe it Is tbe same with you young lovers, though I suppose yon don't believe it."

Nellie made no confession. Sbe waited till sbe bad seen ber father ofl snd then wrote ber letter to Jack. "Perhaps," sbe thought, "the last letter I ever shall write htm."

There was no doubt in ber mind this time as to tbe manner of addressing him:

DSA.it MK. HJLSEE—Please do not call this evening, as you propose, as I shall not be at home. Sincerely yours,

ELLKX C. ADAMS.

There was nothing undecided this time. He would have BO cause to be doubtful about her meaning. It was a distinct intimation to him that she did not wish to see him.

She would not even say tbat she was going out of town. She left directions for ber letters to be forwarded, but instructed the servant, if Mr. Hinde called. to say tbat she was out of town, and did not know wben sbe would return.

It was a lovers' quarrel. But so far all the quarreling was on one side. •'.

,3T"

CHAPTER III.

If Jack was surprised to receive Nellie's first note, it can be imagined how thunder-struck he was to receive her second. "Dear Mr. Hinde!" That could only mean one thing—that she wished to break off tbe engagement. It was incomprehensible.

The worst of it was tbat there was no word in tbe letter to express regret or to bold out a prospect of reconciliation. It was simply a dismissal.

His dinner that evening was a failure. He had no heart for anythiug he wondered bow he was to spend the hours that must intervene before he could forget his perplexities in sleep.

However, his difficulty as to passing the time was solved by the appearance of Dicky. Though looking upon him as the part author of his troubles, Jack was ready to welcome him he would have welcomed his worst eneuay, so anxious was he to have something to divert his thoughts. "Well, Jack, my boy, how are you was Dicky's greeting. "None tbe worse for tbe evening, I hope?" "Yes, I am," replied Jack gloomily. "I wish I'd never beard of Sullivau." "You won't hear much more of him he's gone for good and all. But what's the row? Quarreled with your sweetheart

Jack was savage enough to have picked a quarrel with him on tbe spot. To call Nellie his sweetheart! He remained silent, pushing the tobacco jar towards bis visitor, who had already produced his pipe. "You don't mean to say she made a row about your coming to supper?" asked Dicky. "There's been a sort of misunderstanding," confessed Jack. "Serious?" "It looks so."

1

"Have you seen her?" "No—aud what's more, I can't." "That's bad," said the visitor. "When I was engaged I always found tbat a quarrel on!y got worse if we wrote about it but we always managed to make it up when we got together. Take my advice and have it out with ber unless you are in the wrong. "I'm not in the wrong, unless it was wrong to keep my engagement with you fellows." "That's not my idea of a crime," said Dicky. "Do you think she really means to throw you over "She isn't capable of such a thing!" cried Jack, warmly. "Ob, don't be too sure," replied the good-humored cynic. "I never thought my Amy equal to doing it, but she did, and I'm a bachelor still, and don't find it half so bad. Still, it was very uncomfortable at the time and I don't advise you to.go through my experience if you can help it. Go and see her, unless you want to show ber tbat you are not going to be sat upon." "There is no chance of our being happy if she is going to take offence at nothing in this way," said Jack.

He found himself veering round once more to an Indignant frame of mind Dicky was not the man to encourage yielding. His ideas of tbe independence of tbe superior male creature was deeply rooted, and had, in fact, wrecked his first matrimonial prospects. So, before the two men parted tne notion of surrendering ana begging forgiveness or explanation was pot out of the question. "It's for her to knuokle down," said Dicky. (He was rather given to slang expressions.) "If you show the white feather new you'll never be able to take it out of your bonnet." "Yes. I've nothing to reproach myself with," said Jack. "I'll write her a note now and you shall post it for me."

It did not take him a minute to compose. It ran: DEAR MISS ADAMS—I have received your extraordinary note and am ax

a loss to un­

derstand its contents. Faithfully yours. J. C. HINDE.

It was a quarrel now with a vengence. He would not even ask for an explanation. If she chose to afford one he would be quite ready to meet ber half way, but the first move must come from her.

He handed tbe letter to Di -ky, and shook hands with him. Dick pressed bis hand warmly they felt as if they had done some desperate deed.

It will be thought tbat Mr. Hinde was a man of singularly changeable temperament, wben it is stated that bis friend had not been gone more than an hour when he began to regret having given him the letter. Yes, Jack did possess a variable temperament, and it was per baps more noticeable in the present instance than in any earlier one of his career. It was explained by tbe fact of feeling deeply tbe conduct of Nellie, and of bis strong affections for her.

What would the

resultol

bis letter be?

An open quarrel, perhaps a permanent one. Was he prepared for that? Would he not prefer to. seem inconsistent, wanting in dignity and Independence— anything rather iban run the risk of losing Nellie?

He would. He knew tbat in his calmer moments he would never be able to justify bis letter. He resolved tint next morning before be went to bis office, be would see her, and do his utmost to effect a reconciliation.

His mind thoroughly made up, be became less miserable. None the less, be would not have spent such an evening for anything.

As early as possible be presented himself at Mr. Adams' bouse. His calling at such an hour was, of course, utterly out of order, but the of affairs did not admit of amy consideration of etiquette. "Can I see Miss Adams?" he asked tbe servant who opened tbe door. "Miss Adams is away, sir."

Away be echoed in dlamay. "Yes, sir sbe won't be back for some time I don't know when." "la Mr. Adams in be asked, as a thought struck bim. "No, sir be went to business early." "Are MUs Adams's letters forwarded?' asked Jack, with a sinking heart. "Yes, sir Mr.

Adams

posts tbem

wben he goes out of a morning." Jack turned away in despair, forgetting even to ask after Mrs. Adams.

His letter bad gone. What could be do now? Nothing, unless be wrote Mother to retract tbe first. Even if be did, what would Nellie think

He spent a miserable day. His evening was passed In composing a tetter to Nellie, In whicb be begged her to write

quarrel. But he posted his letter with an uneasy heart a conviction was growing in his mind, in spite of himself, tbat Nellie's conduct meant more than a mere lover's quarrel.

Miss Adams's visit to her aunt was not a very pleasant one. Miss Foster's illness was, as usual, imaginary, and she was quito well enough to see thai her neice's manner was not so cheerful as usual.

She soon wormed the fiaots of the case out of her. Nellie was not much flattered by ber aunt's view of tbe matter. "Serve you right if he threw you over," was Miss Foster's emphatic opinion. "Do you expect him to dangle at your apron strings all his life "But, auntie, when I so specially im plored bim to come." "But, you silly child, if he bad promised to go to that supper he couldn't break his engagement." "He ought to have told me why," said Nellie. "He has not treated me openly, and I am determined he shall take the first step." "Very well, my dear if you like to risk your happiness, it is yonr*business."

It was not till tbe moruiug of tbe day of ber departure tbat Jack's letter arrived. He had had enough oi sending off letters without thought, so kept his till the day after writing it in order to re-read it.

Nellie was delighted to receive it, but it did not satisfy her. There was still the implication running through it that be and not she was in tbe right. Nellie hardeued ber heart and resisted her first impulse to write him a loving letter which should end their quarrel.

Jack knew nothing of the battle that was going en in Nellie's mind. What he did know was that he recehred no answer. HiB melancholy almost sank to misery. He resolved tbat next day he would see Mr. Adams. He wished he bad thought of doing so before, though he shrank from the seriousness of the step.

Directly he had decided on taking it, he regretted he could not act at once. He was unable to go that eveuing he had promised a fortnight before to assist at a children's party. He was rather celebrated for his conjuring tricks, and was a great favorite among tbe youug folk.

He knew that Nellie would have been there, too, if she had been in town. But he had inquired that very morniug, and found she was still away.

However, be was bound to put in an appearance, though he did not feel in the mood for gaiety. He went rather late. He was boisterously welcomed by tbe youngsters, who were in tbe middle of a game. "You'll play, Mr. Hinde, won't you shouted three or four irrepressibles. Before Jack knew what the game was he found himself in tbe circle. "That's you, Connie!" was the shout, and a little girl went off in trepidation to remain beyond the curtains separating tbe front room from the back. Lots were drawn, and it fell to a flaxenhaired toddler to pay the forfeit.

So far as Jack caught tbe idea of the game it had nearly reached its termination, and they were redeeming the forfeits. The redemption was on a novel plan—novel to Jack at least. The girls drew a number from bag and tbe boys did the same. Those who had similar numbers were condemned to tbe terrible punishment of kissing eaob other three times in tbe next room. "Come!" cried Dr. Stanfortb, the master of tbe ceremouies, "we want four more boys. There are lots of nice girls in the next room waiting to be claimed. Now, Tommy, you must draw two."

Tommy obeyed then it was Jack's turn. He plunged his hand into the bag and drew out number ten.

He followed Tommy to the curtains. He started in surprise as he drew them back and entered tbe room.

There stood Nellie, surrounded by a group of boys and girls, who were gravely or boisterously taking and receiving their three kisses. "What number, Mr. Hinde?" asked the janitor at the entrance, who was Mrs. Stanfortb.

Jack mechanically held out his ticket. "Number ten cried Mrs. Stanforth "that's Miss Adams."

Jack stood still, his heart beating violently. "Now, Mr. Hinde," shouted tbe children, "you've got to kiss ber three times." "Will that be a very difficult task?" asked Mrs. Stanforth in a low tone. She knew that tbey were engaged.

Tbe children danced round bim and dragged bim to the centre of the room. Helooked at Nellie she let her eves fall, and he saw a tear-drop quivering on the lids.

Without a word he took her hand, gently drew ber to him and kissed her. She made no resistance. "Now, all you youngsters!" cried Jack, "out of the way Into the next room. I'm going to prepare my conjuring, and no one must look on."

The children disappeared through the curtaius, marshaled by Mrs. Stanforth. Nellie and Jack were left alone."

They stood silent for a moment. Then be said "We have made it up. Shall we explain it now

Was this tbe end of all her resolutions Sbe bad given way utterly, and it was more than sfce could do to prevent tbe happy tears from flowing. How miserable she bad been! And be? He wondered how he could have lived so long away frorn ber.

Ouco tbeir lips opened it was not long before tbe misunderstanding was cleared up. Jack bad with bim all ber letters, audit was soon apparent tbat he bad not fully read ber first. It needed but bis assurance that he never saw tbe postscript to justify bis action and set Nellie's mind at ease.

Tbey both learned a lesson. Nellie was not likely to besoexactlng in future nor so ready to believe ber lover was slighting her. Jack had learned tbat his dignity and independence were not of much avail wben it came to a question of being on good or bad terms with fiances.

And both learned that they loved each other more than tbey had imagined.

ROYAL BLOOD.

We are all kings and queens in this country, and we have a.right to as good blood as tbat which courses through the veins of emperors. If tbe blood is poor and tbe cheeks are pale, it is well known tbat Brown's Iron Bitters Is tbe great tonic which will give color, vigor, and vitality. Mr. M. K. Gibson, of West Point, Miss., says. "I felt weak and debilitated. Brown's Iron Bitters made me strong and well."

FRO* MAJOR Downs, Military Instructor, Mt. Pleasant Academy, Sing Sing.

N.

Y.: During tbe very cold weather I was suffering with Catarrh. My bead and throat ached so severelv tbat I was obliged to keep quiet. Elv's Cream Balm was suggested. Within an hour

Nellie, 'n W W^™ from tbe flrst appllcation I felt relieved,

1

ber every opportunity of making up tbe

the pain began to subside. In a few

DoW!W'

Price eta.

CHILDREN'S CHATTER.

•'Mamma," said a little girl. "I think:1 I will soon begin to raise a moustache."" "Impossible," replied the mother, "girls cannot raise a moustache." "Yes, they can, for I saw Annie raise Cousin Charlie's moustache wben sbe kissed^' him, and that's how I mean." "Johnny, go in and rock tbe baby. It will cry itself to death." *'Doggone the baby I wish it was in„t heaven." "Why, ain't you ashamed of yourself? Wish the death of your little brother!" "Well, doggone it that ain't no harm. It'd would be a good deal better Fur him to bean angel and fiyin' about in heaven than to be lyin' in the cradle squallin' all the time." "Will yon have a piece of pie, Mr. Goodman?" asked Bobby's mother of the minister. "Thanks no, be replied.'*-:-^?s "Will you Bobby?" she inquired. "N-no, I guess not," said Bobby, rather hesitatingly.

Tbe minister looked at Bobby in surprise, "I thought all little boys were fond of pie," he said. "Tbey are," replied Bobboy. "I could eat that hull pie, but ma said if you didn't take any 1 mustn't, an' she'd have it for to-morrow.

"I was greatly benefited by using Athlophoros, and I heartily recommend it to those suffering with rheumatism," is the tribute which Deputy Sheriff Hance, of Fort Wayne, lnd., pays to the curative properties of this great remedy for rheumatism and neuralgia.

Meat for sandwiches ought to be finely ebopped.

As a purifier, A.yer's Sarsaparilla acts directly and promptly. A single bottle will prove its merits. Many thousands of people are yearly saved from dangerous fevers by the exercise of a little timely care In cleansing the system by the use of this remedy.

In cultured Boston the "cold shake" is called the frigid vibration.

Consumption.

Notwithstanding the great number who yearly Buccumb to this terrible and fatal disease, which is daily winding its fatal coils around thousands who are unconscious of its deadly presence, Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery" will cleanse and purify tbe blood of scrofulous impurities, ana cure tubercular consumption (which is only scrofulous disease of the lungs). Send 10 cents in stamps and get Dr. Pierce's complete treatise on consumption and kindred affections, with numerous testimonials of cures. Address, World's Dispensary Medical Association, Buffalo, N. Y.

II

TORTURES

AND

BLOOD HUMORS

HUMILIATING

Eruptions, Itching and

Horning Skin Torturers, loathsome Bores, and every species of Itching, Scaly, Pimply, Inherited, Scrofulous, and Contagious Diseases of tiie Blood. Skin and Scalp, with Loss of Hairs from infancy to old age, are positively cured by Cutlcuan Resolvent, the New Blood Purifier, Internally, and Cntlcura, the Great Skin Cure, and Cutlcura Soup, an exquisite Skin Beautlfler, externally.

Covered With 8orea.

I have been afflicted since last March with a 8kin disease the .doctors called Eczema. My face was covered with scabs and soresl^ and the itching and burning were almost' unbarable, Seeing your Cnticura Item edit* so Highly recommended concluded to give, them a trial. using the cuticurit and

Cutlcura

Soap externally, for four months. I called myself cured, in gratitude for which I make this public statement.

MRS. CLARA A. FREDERICK, Broad Brood, Oonn.

Scalp, Face, Kara and Neck. I was afflicted with Eczema on the Sealp, Face, Ears and Neck, which the druggist, where I got your remedies, pronounced one of the worst cases that had come under his notice. He advised me to try your Cutlcura remedies, and after five days' use, my scalp and part of my face were entirely cured,and I hope In another week to have my ears, neck, and the other part of my face cured.

HERMAN BLADE, 120 4th St., N. Y. _: Itching Diseases Cured. Cutlcura stands at tbe head of Its clnss, especially is this the case with the Cutlcura Soap. Have had an unusually good sale this summer, owing to tbe prevalence of an aggravated form of Itch through some localities in the country, in which the Cutlcura Remedies proved satisfactory.

W. L. HARDING, Druggists.

Uniontown, Ky.

Cure

la

Kvery Case.

Your Cutlcura Remedies outsell nil other medicines I keep for skin diseases. My customers and patients say they have effected a cure In every instance, where other remedies have failed. H. W. BRO"KWAY, M. D.

Franklin Falls, N. H.

Cutlcura Remedies

Sold every where. Price:Ctrric/RA, 60 cts. RESOJ.VKNT, $1.00 SOAP, 25 cents. Porrraa DRUG AND CHEMICAL CO., Boston, Moss. Send for "How to Cure Skin Diseases.," T)W A TTTIKY the Complexion and Skin by using the Cutlcura Soap.<p></p>CATARRH

Complete Treatment, with Zaluler ftr 97oxy form of Catarrh, $1. Ask for SAUFOBD'S RADICAL CUBE. -V.,.

Head Colds, Watery Discharges from the Nose and Eyes, Ringing Noises in the Head, Nervous Headache and Fever instantly relieved.

Choking mucus dlslodged, membrane cleansed and healed, breath sweetened^mell taste, and hearing re­

stored, and ravages checked.

ctn«i* One bottle Radical Core, one box atarrhal Solvent and Panford's Inhaler, All in one package, of all druodsts for I1XW. Ask for aanfordto Radical cure, a pure distillation of Wltch-Hazel, Am. Pine, Ca. Fir, Marigold Clover BlOMoras.efc.

Potter Drug and Chemical Co., Boston.

&

K1DNKY PAINS" and that weary sensation ever present with tbo of painful kidneys, weak

uinciiiuvt vuiw w/

Pain Mosi r*. a new, original, elegant, and speedy antidote lo pain and inflammation. AtdruflglsM, 25c. five for Mailed free. Potter Drag and Chemical' o., Boston.

GLENHAM HOTEL,

FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, Bet. 21st and 22d sts^ near Madison Uqout, EUROPEAN PLAN.

N. B. BARRY, Proprietor,

Atao/HOWLAND HCTEL, TV LONGIBRANCH. N. J*