The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1878-08-08
OUR STORY TELLER.
CHANG TIE BABY I"

"Then you won't go, Alicep
"No, Herbert-Pm 30 sorry-but the
babyr
"Oh, hang the babyp and Herbert
dashed out of the room, slamming the
door behind him.
Alice stood looking at the door, grow
ing winter and whittier. Then she gave
a heartbreaking cry, fell on her knees
by the cradle, and hiding her face in
her hands, sobbed bitterly.
She had looked forward 80 long to GO
ing to this particular party. 1t was
given by Mrs. Mountjoy, one of the
leaders in society, and all that was emil
nent in politics, diplomacy or literature,
rs we'll as distinguished in the fashiona-
BILE world, were sure to be there. She
had been kept at home 30 much since
baby had been born, that she really felt
the need of little variety and relaxa-
ton. But baby had been threatened
with Group a week before, and the fond
mother Lad not yet recovered from her
fright. So she felt it her duty to give
up the party. She had not asked Her
bert to give it up also, and even said
there was no reason he should stay at
home; but still, in her heart of all
hearts, she hoped he would.
She pictured the gay assemblage, and
her Herbert dancing with fair young
girls, smiling on others, and leaving her
to die of heart-break.
He didn't want me to CO." she said /;
"he acted as if he didn't, and then he
pretended to throw all blame on dear,
helpless baby"
Suddenly she heard the sound of car
riage-wheels outside; they stopped at
the door; the bell rung; and fairy.
like figure stood on the threshold of the
room, in all the wistfulness of ex.
pectancy, with dimpling smiles and
laughing eyes.
@Oh, Mabelp cried Alice. starting tc
her feet with glad cry. "This is in.
deed, surprise. Pm so glad you've
come, my darling"
Forthwith ensued scene of rapturous
welcome. Then the baby was exhibited
and one would not have dreamed that 6
tear had ever stained the cheek of the
proud mother. Then the visitor
trunks were ordered to be carried up
stairs.
"But where's Herbert? In tn,
studyT said Mabel at last.
All the light went out of her sister
eyes; her hands fell.
He's-out, dear, at a party"
"Whatl Herbert at a party ?" quer
led Mabel, quite subdued.
"Yes, he is; and when / told him
couldn't go on account of baby, he said
Hang ba--babyp Yes, you little an
gel, your own father said those awfu
words-and then he sl-slammed tn,
door"
Hes viperW exclaimed Mabel
with sudden vehemence. ga nice wa,
to treat a wife like you-a baby lik,
that But why couldn't you leav
babyT'
because he was threatened will
Group last week."
:" But he's we'll enough now-sleep
deliciously. He'll not wake up all tn
night, perhaps. And tde nurse woul
have taken good care of him."
l should have been thinking of fire
and Group, and all that"
"Oh, nonsensel You ought to hav
gone. But Herbert had no right to bt
have as he did; and he must be pur
ished;" and Mabel threw her wraps o
the bed, and took her seat by the glow
ing fire. alt won't do to let him ge
the upper hand. Ahl / have it. "
thought of splendid plan. A charm
ing, delightful little plot" and sh
clapped her hands in glee.
"Oh, Mabel, what is itf' and Alic
slid down at her sisters feet, gazing i
her face with expectant smiles. "Whs
are you going to do7"
"Pm not going 10 do it. I shall sta
here and watch baby. You are to go I
the party"
Mabel! impossibleW
"Quite possible. In fact must |
done. You must let Herbert see tn,
you're as pretty as anybody, and quit
as much admired. 1t is decided. Yo
are to go to the party, and play par
Let me arrange the programme"
"But, Mabel, l haven't a dress Or
pared-or anything. l gave up going
threatened with the Group"
But Mabel would listen to no obie
tions, and in less than an hour led b,
and laughingly introduced her to Il
loveliest and best-dressed woman 81
had ever seen. ~.
found herself actually on the way
Mrs. Mountjoy's; but her sisters urgel
will had conquered, and her heart W,
hardened by Herbert's emphatic e.
preston concerning the baby. She w
reassured, however, by Mrs. Mountjoy
hearty welcome.
"Sog glad you've come, my DEAR" 81
said. Your husband said he fear,
baby would keep you at home; but
told him it was all nonsense. You d
right to reconsider the matter"
Herbert was dancing when he fir
caught sight of her.
How the dickens came she here
he muttered to himself, as he led
partner, absently, to a seat, deaf to
her pretty words, blind to her fascin
tions. "It certainly is Alice-but tn
dress-the prettiest thing herel and
left her quite determined not to com
don't understand it. Dancing wi
that military puppy, Guinette, to
she knows hate him."
With these amiable thoughts, he la
himself out TO gain the attention of |
wife, and make her explain. 1t W
some time before he had the chance,
he was obliged to content himself wi
following her graceful motions, ang
with himself and with her.
"Alicel Can believe my eyesT'
said, at last, in the pause of the dan,
81 should think you might, rather
was the nonchalant reply.
Pray, how did you Gomez"
Pray, how did you come? / rot
Did you walkT'
"Well, but about the baby, Alice
he asked, anxiously. 4
She put her rosy lips to his ear, and
asubdued voice, exclaimed:
Hang the babyp
Herbert started, and changed col,
To be sure he had used the same l,