"Well, There!"

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 87

"Well, There!"

Ha was a prepossessing- young men, and a friend of the family, and the pwrtty daughter of the hcuse had bmn to take *- cordial interest in him. Wnen, theretore, one evening he expressed a wish to speak to

her apart, showing a eerta-in. eKubarrasstnenrt; in his manner, she was in & flutter of pleased expectancy. "I wanted to ask your advice, 1 ' he began nervously. "It's about- a— er— a friend of mine. He is deeply in love with a girl and afrild to tell her co, and Ihe has asked me \vhat tt> do. And I thought I " "Thought you would ask my advice?" she smiled. "Exactly." "Does the girl like him?" sh« inquired slily. "I suppose so. Of course, ii 3 hard for a. mian. to tell, especially wh«*> tti is — cr — shy. Girls are so deceptive." "Are they, indeed?" she laughed merrily. "Well, Mr Thompson, you tall your timid friend that <i woman loves pdujk, and if he screws up his courage to sogak to her of his affection, even if she herself is undecided, that might in itself be sufficient to turn the scale for him." "I'm afraid he won't have the courage," said the young man. "He _is very shy. Apart from that he is s» afraid of her saying 'No' that he would almost rather remain in suspense ; c refusal would be such a shod; to him." "But what good would 'he do "by waiting?" she asked a little impatiently. "While he is dallying another and bolder man may come along .and marry her." And she looked searohingly at him. "Oh, he isn't afraid of that," said the young .man. -' "Oil, isn't he, indeed I 1 like your — your Sffi-nd's conceit." She purposely hesitated at the word "friend," but the young man showed no sign* of confusion. ' "Then you would advise him to risk everything by declaring himself?" "Why, of couree, John— l mean. Mr

Thompson. lam sure all wiii turn oufc well." The young man rose with an air of relief.

"Thanks, awfully," he said ; "it is exceedingly good of you, and I'll go round! to-morrow and see i»v friend- George and tell him. Good-night." And he departed. ) The young woman gazed after him with a, blank expression. Then she spoke. "Well, there I" said she.