The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1879-05-31
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OUR STORY TELLER.
THE OLD SCREEN.
BY L WILLS.

There the old thing stood, staring me
out OF countenance with its haring red
and yellow eyes.
Oh, l could have cried with vexation:
for was not my father this very day to
depart on the most suspicious excursion,
and had not planned to smuggle in INV
forbidden but handsome lover for a de-
hcious evening tete-a-tete.
Now that hateful screen was going to
spoil it all, for how could | be happy
with such thing of ugliness before my
eyes all the time, right in the most con-
spicuous part of the parlor, too?
Mamma" said 1, turning to that
lady, who had just entered, DIDO wish
you would have that horrid object re-
moved. 1t actually makes nv ewes
ache; how could you have put such a
piece of furniture in the parior?"
am sorry daughter of mine"
she replied, "should have so 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 descendant"
But, mamma, 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.
and she was never tired of hearing
praises bestowed on my brilliant exc
cution.
ooh, had not thought of that"
was her answer to this argument. az
will have John remove it to the back, but
cannot think of banishing it alto
gether."
Aud she swept from the room, leaving
ing me, as thought, in possession of it
for the next few hours.
John was sent in, and the object of nv
disgust was moved to an ut-of-the-way
corner to repose in peace, while | sank
back in my chair with sigh of relief
and gave myself up to delicious
reveries.
How long these lasted do not know
but suddenly / was lifted bodily out of
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 l suppose
new we may count on a whole evening
fer ourselves, without Mrs. Grundy for
chaperone. Ever since received your
charming note have been an image of
suspense, waiting with what patience |
could until 1 dared come TO you. Is
the coast quite clear?'
Perfectly; but how in the world did
you come in, Tom? '
How did enter? Why, came in
through the library window, fair lady,
which happened most OPPORTUNITY to
be open. See what dignity wealth be-
slows. II / were only Greig, the banker.
now, | would have boldly demanded
admittance and obtained it; but being
only Tom Clinton. the lawyer, get in
the best can"
(Which is all you deserve, saucy one;
30 be content"
But, darling, what is the matter?
You look as though things were not all
straight"
Ihey are not exactly, as you will
see II you will cast your eyes around"
His glance went through the parlor
and rested on the screen.
Whew! Ineyer heard of any fur
niture that went into the ark or / should
think that was a piece of it. Are YOU
sure Noah never possessed it %
Mamma says my great-great grand
ma worked it, and she insists upon
placing it here to my horror; but |
shall never rest until it is banished to
the attic whence she rescued it yester-
day. If the colors were only subdued,
but all that blazing red and yellow is
too horrible"
suppose the venerable lady thought
as His Satanic Majesty did when he
painted his body red and green, that it
was neat but not gaudy' But come,
tell me how things are does your father
still have such an unconGuerable aver
sion to your humble servant?'
Indeed, | had no chance of ascer-
tanning, for | have not dared mention
your name even. That detestable MIR.
Greig comes faithfully, and papa is
only amiable while he is boring me.
Hank, Toni Can it be possible that is
his yoice2 1t must be, and if he finds
you here, may never see you again p
Perhaps he will not come in here
don't be 30 alarmed, Mabel"
] J. he will look for me at once, as he
always does, I'm sure; you had better
20. There, you are too latel Quick,
the screeni'
saw apair Of heels disappear behind
It's edge, and then turned to greet my
irate father, who had been calling me in
vain.
Did you want me, papa? l have
been resting, but thought ! heard you
asking for me-
Your rest must have resempled that
OF the Seven Sleepers then. Yes, /
have been calling you with all the
strength Of my lungs ever since en-
tered. for l had some information for
you.n
His voice suddenly became very earn.
est, and ] had an inward dread of what
was coming.