Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1882-05-06
Mr.. DURANT'S NIECES.

HAN"SHO SbSAh APss AN@V SAAt ~AAAJ
knows 1 don't think upon, the
whole, that have brought them up.
They've come up themselves.
Which was an incontrovertible
statement. When Mr.. bedford Du-
rant inherited three nieces, of the
tender ages of ten, eight and six,
with no accompanying fortunes, he
turned one room of his house into
nursery and hired stout old woman
with kindly blue eyes and several
layers OF double chin, to watch over
the little legacies.
And when Mrs. O'Brien reported
herself as non -plused by the young
ladies, he transferred the nursery,
into school room, and engaged the
services of a specialized governess,
therefore relieving his conscience of
any extra strain.
But when Eda, Kate and Zoe, at
the end of ten years, presented
themselves for boarding school-they
had conquered the governess in
triple combat long ago-Mr. Durant
was appalled,.
"Why, you've grown up - said
he.
eyes, uncle" said Eda, who was
tall and lovely, with dove.like eyes
and cheeks like the inner convolu-
tions of pink sea shell.
And 1 suppose" added Mr.. Du-
rant, turning uneasily in his chair,
"that you will want to be going into
society now ?"
eve don't care for society, un-
cle," spoke up Kate, who was dark
sparkling brunette, with scarlet vel
vet lips and long eyelashes. eve
want career"
tA-career - repeated Mr.. Du'
rant. "What better career can any
woman require than to wed hus-
band worthy of her ?"
"We're not thinking of getting
married, UNCLE" said she. eve
want to vindicate our SEX
"Mr. Durant looked obviously at
the three pretty philosophers.
Hadn't you better go back to
school another year ?" he said.
"We've graduated, uncle, said
Zoe.
eve are ready to enter the worlds
arena" declared Kate.
"Wen," said Mr.. Durant, grasp
ing both arms of his chair, as if he
were going to have tooth extract
ed, "what do you want ?"
81 should like a studio, SIR said
meek Eda, with a north light and
the walls draped in Venetian red"
"a studio - shouted her uncle
"What do you want to study ?''
81 am an artist" said Eda.
"Fiddlestrings ~ said Mr.. Du-
rant. eff you want paint-box
and some lessons in water colors Say
so; but as for being an artist-no
woman ever was a true artist"
but, uncle"
go to your crewel work and china
daubing," said Mr.. Durant, land
let me hear no more of this non.
sense. "Now, Kate, what have you
to say ?"
81 am designer, UNCLE" said
Kate. "Wall papers and decorative
tapestries, and"
81 never heard such attrocious
nonsense in my life," said Mr.. Du-
rant. "Confine yourself to pies and
buildings, my dear, and design bills
of fare for my dinner, if you wish to
vindicate yourself. AS for you, lit
tie Zoe"
The youngest of the trio pulled a
thick roll of manuscript from her
pocket.
81 have written a novel, UNCLE -
said she. Il propose to publish it as
soon as / can find any establishment
ready to take it on my own terms.
Shall / read the first chapter to you,
uncle ?"
CANCELS and ministers of grace
defend us ~ cried Mr.. Durant. eff
it's all the same to you, my dear, no.
Write cookery receipts, if you like,
construct patchwork, but don't
spend your time in such mad folly as
this.''