A CALCULATING GIRL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4824, 29 November 1902, Page 4 (Supplement)

A CALCULATING GIRL.

They were seated together, side by side, on a Bota, in the most approved lover iashion—his arm tuuirdinji her waist. "lizzie." ho said, “you must have read my heart ere this; you must know how dearly I love you." “yes, I'red: you have certainly been Very attentive." said Lizzie. “Uut, Lizzie, darling, do you love me? Will you be my wife?" .... “Your wife, LrotU Of all things, nol No, indeed, nor any one else’s." "Lizzie, what do you mean?" “Just what X say. I’red. I’ve two married slaters. , "Certainly, and Mrs Hopkins and Mrs Skinner have very good husbands, X believe." "So people say; but I wouldn't like to stand in either Mary's or Kell's shoes; that's nil." . >t "Lizzie, you astonish mo. "Look nore. Fred; I'vo had over 25 outings this winter, to you and my other gentlemen friends." Fred winced a little here, whether at tho remembrance of that unpaid livery bill or tho idea of Lizzie driving with other gentlemen, friends cannot positively be said. "How many do you think my sisters have had? Not tho sign of one, either of them. Such pretty girls as Mary and Kellie were, too, and so much attention as they used to have."

"Now, Lizzie " "I am fond of going to the theatre occasionally, as well as walking on the cliffs sometimes, and I shouldn't like to be left to pick rav way along the slippery places at the risk of breaking my neck, he walking unconcernedly by my side. I’m of a dependent, clinging nature, and I need the protection of a strong arm."