The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1878-08-28
Hang the Babyv

"oh, hang the babyl" and Herbert
dashed out of the room, slamming the
door behind him.
Alice stood looking at the door,
growing whittier and whittier. Then
she gave a heart-breaking cry, fell
on her knees by the cradle, and hid.
ing her face in her hands, sobbed Bit
terly,
She had looked forward SO long to
going to this particular party. 1t
wasgiven by Mrs. Mountjoy, one of
the leaders in society, and all that
was eminent in politics, diplomacy
or literature, as well as distinguished
in the fashionable world were sure to
be there. She had been kept at
home so much since baby had been
born, that she really felt the need of
a little variety and relaxation. But
baby had been threatened with Group
a week before, and the fond mother
had not recovered from her fright
So she felt it her duty to give up the
party. She had not asked Herbert
to give itup also, andeyen said there
was no reason he shouldstay at home
but still, in her heart of all hearts,
she hoped he would,
She pictured the gay assemblago,
and her Herbert dancing with fair
young girls, smiling on others, and
leaving her to die Of heartbreak.
"Hc 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
carriage-wheels outside; they stopped
at tho door; the bell rung; and a fairy
like figure stood on the threshold of
the room, in all the wistfulness of
expectancy, with dimpling smiles
and laughing eyes.
"0h, Mabel" cried Alice, starting
to her feet with glad cry. "This is
indeed, surprise. I'm so glad you
have come, my darling"
Forthwith ensued q scene of rap
turous welcome. Then the baby was
exhibited, and one would not have
dreamed that a tear had ever stained
the check of the proud mother. Then
the sisiter's 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 SIS
ter's eyes; and her hands fell.
"He's-out, dear, at party"
"Whatl Herbert at party quer-
led Mabel, quite sudducd.
"Yes, he is; and when l told him ]
couldn't go on account of baby, he
said, Hang ba-baby!' Yes, you lit
tic angel, your own father said those
awful words-and then he sl-slam-
med the door,"
"He'sa viper!" exclaimed Mabel,
with sudden vehemence, "a nice
way to treat a 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 well enough now-Slceps
dcliciously. 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"
"0h, nonsensel You ought to have
gone. But Herbert had no right to
behave as he did; and he must be
punished;" and Mabel threw her
wraps on the bed, and took her seat
by the glowing fire, 'It won't do to
let him get the upper hand. Ali l
have it. I've thought of splendid
plan. A charming, delightful little
plot" and she clappcd her hands in
glce.
"0h, Mabel, what is it2" and Alice
slid down at her sisters feet, gazing
in her face with expectant smiles
"What are you going to dO?"
"Tm not going to do it. l shall
stay here and watch baby You are
togo to the party"
"Mabcl! impossiblel"
"Quito possible. In fact must be
done. You must let Herbert see that
you're as pretty as anybody, ndquite
os much admired. h is decided