The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1880-11-25
CHAPTER NJ,

CHAPTER NJ.
Anice Merton often came to see Bertha after
school closed at night and sat till late with her at
her fathers bedside They talked over the incl
dents that had transpired since Berthas wedding
-sAe unwrtabe things and the heart-secrets-
and Bertha found, from what she saw in Anice's
face during the recital, that Anice had decided
what to think of Harry Noble
EHe will come for me tonight, Bertha" said
ADice, land wish you to see him for few mo-
msnts, if you can be spared from your father He
is so pleasant and entertaining, sure you will
be pleased with him."
Bertha saw the young gentleman as Anice had
re0uested, but she was not much impressed as
she had expected to be, after hearing Anice's
veRderful accounts
II am sure" said she TO herself, ~ do not see
what there is that is so remarkable about him.
He looks agreeable and clever enough, but he
seems decidedly soft, and it is strange Anice can't
see it, when she is usually quick to discover
aFTthing of the sort"
1t is strange that unreeiprocated passion always
seetns go silly, when the moment it becomes mu-
tusl it is the wisest and most admirable thing I'm
aH the world.
few days after Bertha met Harry Noble,
ARice called and informed Bertha that she was to
hsEe little company at her own home, at which
time Bertha's presence would be indispensable.
FFie evening came, and the company were gath
cred together in Anice's little parlor choice Sc
lection Of intimate friends. Captain Aidenn and
Marie Hollis, Roscoe Wills and Florence Camp
bell and the much-admired young man to whom
Anice had unquestionaby resigned her heart
were there. with others Music and games were
engaged in, and, best of all, sensible conversation
predomnated. Captain Aidenn was fine talker
10 -1.rrt
nonsensical; sharp-witted and sagacious but not
severe or conceited. He had been invited to ac-
company Miss Hollis but it was an ill-assorted
couple. She was gay and giddy and sometimes
tODlish, while he was her opposite in taste and
methods of expression. 1t amusing to see
with what respect and Difference she looked up TO
him, to some superior being, but yet she was
rot in the least afraid Of him, but frisked about
him with the payfulness Of a kitten. He seemed
aEsUsed 1T her pranks, but soon tired of her, and
ex1ehanged with Harry Noble and talked with
Anice wheneveropportunity offered. They stopped
IN the midst Of a game, and talked over the bridal
trip up the Columbia
-'Would you not like to 90 on such another ex-
surson, Miss Merton? What say you, Mrs.
Russell, shall we not escort you on your return
home >"
Bertha, who was sitting near, replied, earnestly:
Company, Captain Aidenn l expect to have that
of Ance, as l hope to take her home with me,
and would like a many more as see fiji to volun-
tee"
What is the object Of Miss Anice in going with
yev ?" asked the Captain.
.She has an offer of good situation not far
from us-one that viii pay her much better than
her present school, and l am selfish enough TO
gInt her in my vicinity"
Il am sure can sympathize with YOU there"
satd the Captain, frankly, with meaning glance
- Anice "But / should think that would be a
very dull and undesirable location for the Winter"
''You have heard of the fox that got into the
tr<p," said Roscoe Wills, who sat next to Bertha,
zud wEs listening to the conversation. "Well,
my amisble sister knows she is in bad box her
self and consequently wishes to get her friends i'm
Ike same sad pickle"
"Now, Ross" said Bertha, "you know would
ast think Of asking Anice to go if it not for
zfIe good pay she will get. One can put up with a
considerable Inconvenience if money is the re-
ward. You know men exile themselves from all
pleasant society, and to dig for gold where it is
more uncertain whether they get it than it would
be in this case"
-'OIen," said the Captain "are better able to en-
4lfBs privati0n and the absence of comfort and