The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-12-10
A WET DAY.

A WET DAY. .. ~:
1t was hopolessly wet day, and
/ party of young people, staying at large
place in the country, looking unmistaka-
bly, bored as they stood about in the hall
after luncheon.
Frank Egerton, the eldest son of the
house, turned from a window in disgust.
"Nhat can we dog" he asked, IN an
exaggerated tone of despair. Miss Brook,
what must you think about our climate2"
"Can't We rise superior to weather, and
strike new idea2" interrupted Miss
Egerton.
~ have thought of something for to-
night" he answered. "There's dance
at the Dunstone Asylum. An invitation
came for us some days ago." Various
exclamation Of horror broke from the
young ladies as he continued: We can
dance with each other if we don't like
the inmates. You will Gomez he added,
IN lower voice, turning to Miss Brook.
She hesitated.
~ don't know. never did such
thing before"
"You will probably dance with much
saner people than you have done else
where, and I believe they have capital
floor"
ut seems so sad,' she said. land must
we dance with the patients2"
'Not unless you like; but I believe
numbers of them seem quite sane, and
that you would never find out any diff
ference. The one know is poor fell
low who was at school with me, who
fancies he's the Emperor of China, and
has the widest ideas on the subject
quite incorrect for the character; but if
he is humored he is managed with per-
feet ease."
''What is his real name, il it is not
wrong to ask2"
"Stapylton. I know nothing Of his
family, or how he went of bis head. In
fact have not seen him for years; but
the doctor told me about him, finding l
used to know him, and of this fancy of
his"
Mrs. Edgerton, crossing the hall at
this moment, was eagerly seized upon by
her son, and rather reluctantly consented
to the plan, and few hours later found
them entering the ballroom at the Dun
stone Asylum.
Violet felt horribly frightened at first,
but waltz with Frank Edgerton restored
her courage, and she looked round her
with interest.
"Do you see that poor man," Frank
asked her, IN low voice, "just coming
toward Us with the doctorf I suppose
they could not get him to come sooner
but how terribly sad he looks! What
cruelty to bring himW
he was tall, striking: looking man,
and Violet continued to watch him, when
Frank leftIher to dance with someone
else. While the doctor moved on, he re-
manned standing, half concealed by q
curtain, watching the dancers with a
look of agony.
He seemed so miserably out of place,
Violet felt full of pity, and wondered if
she dare speak to him. He caught her
eye and smiled, SUCH sad, pitiful smile,
that all her fears vanished.
"You are alonea" she said.
"Yes," he answered, adding suddenly,
my poor child, do you want me to
dance with you?''
Nothing was further, from olct 3
thoughts; but she was afraid of annoying
him.
"As you WISH" she said; "but tell me
first who you are," hoping from his an
swer to find some guide for her future
conduct.
my name is stapylton," he answered,
gently.
"The Emperor of China p she exclaim-
ed, involuntarily, and then feared what
might happen; but he only said:
Am n Just as you please. Will
you sit down here till the next square
beginsa l never waltz"
"That is something to be thankful
for" though Violet, as she obediently
took the offered chair.
Mr.. Hunter, neighbor of the Eyer
tons, who never failed to visit these dances
had returned home with some friends the
day before, and at breakfast announced
his intention of going, as usual, to the
dance at the Dunston Asylum. 60
He was surprised when one of his
guests started at the name, and eagerly
asked if it was far.
"Ten miles; but why do you want to
know, Stapylton9"
II will tell you afterward," was the
answer; and as soon as they were alone
ne told him younger brother of his had
had sunstroke in India, which, in addition
to other troubles, had completely driven
him out of his mind, and that he was
now in the asylum at Dunstone.
So Major Stapylton entered the asy.
lum that evening with Mr.. Hunter, but
waited alone till the doctor could come
to him. S.
II am afraid you have given yourself
needless trouble" the doctor said; III
have inquired, and Mr.. Stapylton is asleep.
In his weak state he must not be dis
turbed. He is better, however, and the
new delusion I told you of In nv last