The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1879-05-22
OUR STORY TELLER.
TILE OLD SCREEN.
BY n. WILLS.

There the old thing stood, staring me
out Of countenance with its Haring red
and yellow eyes. ...- ItD
Oh, could have cried with vexation:
for was not my father this very day TO
depart on the most auspicious excursion,
and had not planned TO smuggle in my
forbidden but handsome lover for de-
licious evening tete-a-tete.
Now that hateful screen was going to
spoil it all, for how could 1 be happy
with sucha a thing of ugliness before my
eyes all the time, right in the most con-
spicuous part of the parlor, too7
Mamma" said /, turning TO that
lady, who had just entered, al do wish
you would have that horrid object re-
moved. IL actually makes my eyes
ache; how could you have put such q
piece of furniture in the parlorT'
am sorry daughter Of mine,"
she replied, "should have 30 little rev.
erence for her ancestors or the work of
their hands. When accidentally dis
covered this heirloom yesterday, little
thought the work of my dear great
grandmother would meet with such dis
respect from so near a descendant"
But, msmma, It entirely hides your
beautiful Psyche from the view of any
one in the front part OF the room, and
they never could see me at the piano"
These were her weak points; the
statue she: had brought with much
trouble from abroad, and was extremely
proud of it in its crimson velvet niche,
aud she was never tired of hearing
praises bestowed on my brilliant exc
cution. '-1-
"Oh, had not thought of that"
was her answer to this argument. al
will have John remove it to the back, but
cannot think of banishing it alto
gether." .'f
And she swept from the room, leaving
ing me, rs thought, In possession of Il
for the next few hours. ....f -. Y..
John was sent in, and the object of my
disgust was moved to an out-of-the-way
corner to repose in peace, while Isank
back in my chair with sigh of rei;o..
and gave myself up to delicious
reveries.
How long these lasted do not know
but suddenly was lifted bodily out oi
the chair and clasped tightly in the
arms of the six foot piece Of humanity
/ called lover.
You precious darling" he began,
"how refreshing you arel suppost
now we may count on whole evening
for ourselves, without Mrs. Grundy fol
chaperone. Ever since received YOU
charming note have been an image o
suspense, waiting with what patience
could until dared come TO you. I,
the coast quite clearT
Perfectly; but how in the world die
you come in, Tom T'
How did 1 enter2 Why, / came il
through the library window, fair lady
which happened most opportunely. I,
be open. See what dignity wealth be
slows. III / were only Greig, the banker
now, l would have boldly demande,
admittance and obtained it; but bein
only Tom Clinton, the lawyer, get Il
the best can"
(Which is all you deserve, saucy one
40 be content"
But, darling, what is the matter
You look as though things were not a
straight"
They are not exactly, as you wi
sec IL you will cast your eyes around.
His glance vent through the parlo
and rested on the screen.
Whew! Inever heard of any ful
niture that went into the ark or shoul
think that was piece of it. Are yo
sure Noah never possessed itT'
Mamma says my great-great grant
ma worked IL, and she insists upo
placing it here to my horror; but
shall never rest until it is banished [
the attic whence she rescued it yeste
day. If the colors were only subdue,
but all that blazing red aud yellow
too horrible"
"Isuppose the venerable lady though
as His Satanic Majesty did when
painted his body red and green, that
was neat but not gaudy.' But com
tell me how things are does your faith,
still have such an unconquerable ave
sion TO your humble servantr'
Indeed, I had no chance of asce
tanning, for have not dared mentic
your name even. That detestable M
Greig comes faithfully, and papa
only amiable while he is boring m
Hark, Toni Can it be possible that
his voice? 1t must be, and If he fin
you here, / may never see you again
Perhaps he will not come in her
don't be SO alarmed, Mabel"
He will look for me at once, as
always does, Pm sure; you had bett
80. There, you are too latel Quic
thescreenp
saw spair of heels disappear behi
it's edge, and then turned to greet I
irate father, who had been calling me
vain.
ibid you want me, papa9 I hs
been resting, but thought heard y
asking for me-"
"Your rest must have resemDled Il
of the Seven Sleepers then. Yes,
a