The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1878-08-17
OUR STORY TELLER.
"HANG THE BABY ~

w, hei pcIu--l III 81 ooITy tne
babyp
ooh, hang the babyw and Herbert
dashed out of the room, slamming the
door behind him.
Alice stood looking at the door, grow
ing whittier and winter. Then she gave
heart breaking cry, fell on her knees
by the cradle, and hiding her face in
her hands, sobbed bit erly.
She had looked forward so long to go.
ing to this particular party. 1t was
given by Mrs. Mountjoy, one of the
leaders in society, and all that was emf
nent in politics, diploma y or literature,
as well as distinguished in the fashiona-
BILE world, were sure TO be there. She
had b en- kept at home so 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 week before, and the fond
mother Lad not yet recovered from hi r
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 W tn 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 a fairy
like figure stood on the threshold of the
room, in all the usefulness of ex-
pectancy, with dimpling smiles and
laughing eyes.
ooh, Mabel ' cried Alice, starting to
her feet with glad cry "This is in
deed, a surprise. I'm so glad you've
come, my darling"
Forthwith ensued a scene of rapturous
welcome. Then the baby was exhibited,
and one would not have dreamed that
tear had ever stained the cheek of the
proud mother. Then the visitors
trunks were ordered to be carried up
stairs.
But where's Herbert? In the
study?' said Mabel at last
All the light went out of her sisters
eyes; her hands fell.
He's-out, dear, at party"
What! Herbert at party?' quer-
led Mabel, quite subdued.
Yes, he is; and when l told him |
couldn't go on account of baby, he said,
Hang ba-babyp Yes, you little an
gel, your own father said those awful
words-and then he sl--slammed the
door,"
He's viper!" exclaimed Mabel,
with sudden vehemence. "a nice way
to treat wife like you-a baby like
that! But why couldn't you leave
baby?"
Because he was threatened with
Group last week"
" But he's we'll enough now-sleeps
deliciously. He'll not wake up all the
night, perhaps. And the nurse would
have taken good care of him."
should have been thinking of fire,
and Group, and all that"
"Oh, nonsense! You ought to have
gone. But Herbert had no right to be-
have as he did; and he must be pun
ished;" and Mabel threw her wraps on
the bed, and took her seat by the glow.
ing fire. 1t won't do to let him get
the upper hand. ALL have it. I've
thought of a splendid plan. A charm.
ing, delightful little plot" and she
clapped her hands in glee.
ooh, Mabel, what is it ?" and Alice
sid down at her sisters feet, gazing in
her face with expectant smiles. "What
are you going to do?'
"Pm not going TO do it. l shall stay
here and watch baby. You are to go to
the party"
Mabel impossiblel'
"Quite- possible. In fact must be
done. You must let Herbert see that
you're as pretty as anybody, and quite
IS much admired. 1t is decided. You
are to go to the party, and play a part.
Let me arrange the programme"
But, Mabel, I haven't a dress pre-
pared or anything. gave up going a
week ago. you see, when baby was
threatened with the Group"
But Mabel would listen TO no obiec-
tions, and in less than an hour led her
sister to the great French mirror,
and laughingly introduced her to the
lOveliest and best-dressed woman she
had ever seen.
Alice trembled a little when she
found herself actually on the way to
Mrs. Mountjoy's; but her sisters urgent
will had conquered, and her heart was
hardened by He, bert's emphatic ex-
preston concerning the baby. She was
treasured, however, by Mrs. Mountjoy's
hearty welcome.
$50 glad you've come, my DEAR" she
said. Your husband said he feared
baby would keep you at home; but
told him it was all nonsense. You did
right to reconsider the matter"
Herbert was dancing when he first
caught sight of her.
How the dickens came she here Y'
he muttered to himself, as he led his
partner, absently, to a seat, deaf to all
her pretty words, blind to her fascina-
tons. ut certainly is Alice-but that
dress-the prettiest thing herel and /
left her quite determined not to come.
/ don't understand it. Dancing with
that military puppy, Guinette, too.
She knows / hate him"
With these amiable thoughts, he laid
himself out to gain the attention of his
wife, and make her explain. 1t was
some time before he had the chance, SO
be was obliged to content himself with
following her graceful motions, angry
with himself and with her.