Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1875-07-03
The Belle of the Branch. "

81 shall not remain in the city an
other week. I am resolved to have my
own way in this matter. 1t is shame
to be shut up like this while all my
friends are enjoying the seashoro. Yes,
1 shall leave the city on Saturday. My
mind is made up, and when l resolve
upon plan, I never yield"
This spirited speech came from the
lips of pouting beauty, and was in
tended for the ears of her husband,
who had been for the last half hour
absorbed in his newspaper and cigar.
He had not heard the first of the
speech, but was forcibly reminded of
the latter clause by the energy with
which it was uttered.
To the seashore, Nettie? have q
plan in my mind, that was to propose
this evening, which l think you will
| like better"
"What is it, George p
"To board in the country during the
three warmest months"
In the country! For mercy sake,
George, do not talk about the country;
a place as gloomy and quiet as church
yard, and swarming with mosquitoes. L
should die of loneliness to be banished
from society three months"
Bat shall be out every evening,
Nettie, and we shall have Sunday to
enjoy together, while if you 60 to the
seashore, shall not be able to be with
you at all; beside the enormous ex-
pense of watering places, with the fash
ionable styles kept up there, would be a
serious obstacle in the way"
"It need not be, Tn sure, George,
know you can afford this little expense; !;
and then, too, 1 had rather spend o
fortnight at general watering place,
than three months in tho country
Live while we do liye,' is my MAXIM"
"I hoped, Nettie, that you would be
pleased with my plan, for I have taken
great pains to secure an agreeable home
for us, in n pleasant family in the midst
of fine country village, where there
are plenty of trees, and woods, and
handsome Summer residences. You
cannot possibly be lonesome there"
Nobody goes into the country,
George, only those who cannot afford
to 60 to the watering places. All my
acquaintance have gone to Newport or
the Branch, and I'm going, too"
The next Saturday night found Net
tie domiciled at one of the most fash
ionable hotels at the Branch. George
DID not regret the effort he had made to
satisfy his wife when he saw how happy
she was made by it,
Nettie was pretty, and exceedingly
charming in her appearance; woman
just fitted to be petted and spoiled, as
long as there are people to do it. Her
faults had been engrafted into, not born,
in her character. God had given her
the great gift of beauty, and her par
ents, her associates aud instructors felt
privileged to assail her young nature
by praise and fattery; to check every
generous impulse by constantly pam
pering to her childish whilns and de-
sires. When she grew up she was more
beautiful and winning, and as she de-
veloped in grace and beauty, Just so
much moro was she spoiled by those
about her.
Nettie found many of her friends
awaiting her at the Branch, who hay
ing gone before her, were ready to in
troduce her into the pleasures of the
season. Her beauty and charming ways
were exceedingly attractive to strangers,
aud she soon found herself surrounded
by admirers. She had not forgotten
during the two years of welded life,
her little arts. of coquetry, and knew
very we'll how to control homage.
Before she had been a week at the
hotel, Nettie was unanimously voted the
belle of the season."
This was a very fattering position to
sustain, and in the midst of this tide of
admiration, she forgot what little good
sense nature had spared to her, and
plunged headlong into fashion and
pleasure. A crowd of attendants were
pressing their services and attentions
upon her. Her talent for music was
brought into, use, and no songs were
so much applauded as those of the
charming Nettie.
In the midst of this homage, Nettie
was awakened from her dream by q let
ter from George. 1t breathed only
kindness and love. He was happy be-
cause she was enjoying herself so much.
He wrote in SO cheerful tone that it
reassured Nettie, and gave her courage
to make new demands upon his exer-
tions. More money was seriously need
ed to make the necessary change of
clothing. The belle of the reason must
not appeartwo nights in the same adorn-
ings. 70 excite the pride of her hus.
| band, she sent q paper CONTAINING an
account Of the last fste, in which her
name shone most conspicuous Of all
the bright stars in that galaxy of beauty.
George received this letter in his
counting room, worn out with overwork,
and Its contents were anything but
gratifying to him. He had dismissed
one OF his clerks to lessen expenses,
and was performing the extra labor
himself. He had not even found time
4 t<SI kt,o 49, -. IL