The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-12-15
TURNING THE TABLES.

have alone herel" said little Mrs. Gray,
dropping the curtain in the cosy sitting
room, and turning to her husband.
But l would like to go to the OPERA"
she added, her dimmed face lengthening
little. you have promised you know,
Fred. but suppose you are tired"
Eyes" yawned her drowsy spouse from
his post on the sofa, where, with heels
erect after the fashion of the masculine
world in general, intent on physical and
mental comfort, he lay smiling.
But never mind" finished Rosa, con-
solingly, i've can 60 another time, and I
will read to you" And she drew near
the shaded light on the center table and
picked up book. "Hark! there goes
the door bell," and she rose to her feet.
Stay, will answer it," said Fred,
suddenly forgetting his WEAKNESS, and
springing up he went into the hall.
Rosa" he said, presently appearing
at the door, sits Davis; Ipromised to go
with him to B street to see sick friend
Of his. You won't be lonely, pet, with so
much to entertain you" and with kiss
he was gone, with her "don't stay too
long," ringing after him.
Rosa sat listening till the sound of
their footsteps died away.
Now, shall have to spend the even
ing all alone. Oh, DEAR" she said dis
consolately.
At that moment she spied bit of
paper lying on the carpet, and stopping,
picked it up. 1t ran as follows:
Opera at $50. Will call. Davis"
"Ah !" said Rosa, her brows contract
ing as she spoke. ''That's it! That de-
testable Davis-and Fred, too" she
finished, the tears springing quickly to
her eyes. why didn't he say so if he
didn't want me to go? Oh, if I could
only go tonight !" And with little
sigh she sat down by the table and looked
into the fire.
In few minutes the door bell rang
again.
Gentleman to see you, men," an
nounced Katie, in rich, Irish brogue.
"Show him in" was her reply. II
wonder who it is? Why, George, when
did you Gomez" was her delighted ex-
clamation, an instant later.
Further ordinations were lost in the
fond kisses showered upon her from the
lips OF the tall, bearded young man.
My uaTlluS llttle sister! 30 you are
glad to see the wanderer
Indeed, I'm delighted" warmly re-
sponded Rosa. How handsome you We
grown, George.
''Flatterer" smiled her brother. "But
where is Fred? I am anxious to make
the acquaintance of that happy brother
whom l have never seen. How much I
wanted to come to your wedding, dear,
you cannot know. I was in Brazil when
your message reached me. But what s
the matter?" he asked, as he paused, and
quickly glanced at Rosa's grieved face.
There, tell me all about it, he said,
seeing the tears in her eyes
Rosa poured the tale into his sympa-
thIzing ear and ended with
'Oh, George, if We could only go!'
And We will. How soon can you be
ready?' he asked, rising and looking at
his watch.
I'm fifteen minutes" and Rosa ran
blithely away to dress.
There was a slight stir in the house as
q couple entered; very late they were
and all eyes were centered upon them
the lady, slender and graceful, with great
azure pillows CT silk falling about her in
shimmering folds, pearls braided low in
her brown hair, and a snowy opera cloak
drawn carelessly down about her should.
ers-the gentleman, stately, nonchalant,
wearing the polish, attained by foreign
travel, and devoted to his companion,
whom he had seated with the most care.
full tenderness.
Grey" said Davis, nudging his COM
panion, "who is that last party that is
making such a sensstion?"
Grey turned carelessly and looked the
look opened to q stare, and he gazed
blankly ct the lady who futtered at her
spangled white fan with the faintest sug-
gestion of smile, as she turned to her
companion with a remark, which he bent
his handsome head to hear.
Fred turned scarlet, then pale, and
clutched Davis freely by the arm
"Why," he gasped, sits Rosa And
who has she with her p
II don't know" returned Davis, indif
ferently. "Some friend, probably; 81,
down, Grey; don't make fool of your
self"
II will not sit down y retorted FREQ
irsscibly. Friend my wife here Will
another man r And with an imprecatior
he strobe from the house. "Ill go home,
he muttered, ''and see what it all means
Served me right for leaving her How
lovely she was /! did not know she VA
half so beautiful But my proud darl