Stephens City star. (Stephens City, Va.) 1881-1883, 1882-05-13


my overcoat. How's baby, Maud?'
But Maud was already at the head OF
the stairs.
"RealJy, madame, pinch me, ] must
be asleep, for I've no wife, never had
wife, never expect to have wife II
"What's the row ?" cried Earnest,
pushing past Maud. "Is baby worse.
BELIEF For Gods sake, tell mel"
"Oh, Earnest T. said the weeping fe-
male, and forthwith tainted completely
away, and would have fallen but for the
protecting arms of Hugh, which gal
lantly received the sinking form.
"Doctor," exclaimed Earnest. address,
ing Hugh, "my wife, my child Doctor,
tell me the worst |"
"WaterI water Don't you see the
lady has fainted" cried Hugh.
Eyes, doctor, Ring the bell, Maud.
No matter-Tll run for water"
The disconsolate husband rushed pell-
NELL into the bathroom; here was water
enough, whole bath tub full; but how
to carry it to Belle? His eyes fell on
watering pot, and appropriating it. he
thurst the vessel in the tub and filed it.
"Quick, Earnest |" called Maud.
"Water |" again shouted Hugh.
"Here's plenty" replied Earnest. try
ing to steady himself.
"Oh, Earnest, Belle will die She
will never come to her senses--I fear
she is breathing her last II sighed
Maud.
"Belle, Belle, only livel I'll give
up the club-T!l never smoke again
Only live !" he prayed, as he approached
his unconscious darling. "Here, doc
tor" he continued. "here's the water"
Unluckly his foot slipped, and like a
shower bather the contents Of the inno-
cent watering pot descended on the
fated four. Belle opened her eyes as
the reviving deluge came and continued
| to come.
"She revives !" broke in the loving
husband. "Belle lives Oh, doctor, l
can brave any fate now! !" and he shook
off the offending drops.
"I'm drowned II vociferated Maud.
"What next ?" demanded Hugh.
"Doctor, doctor, help me to carry my
dear wife into the room, and, doctor il
baby so much worse ?" inquired the
anxious father. "Do not fear to tell
me; would know the worst"
Again furious ring resounded
through the house, and DIR. Cureall was
ushered in by servant.
"Why, DIR. Cureall, how can you be
here and there at the same time p ex-
claimed Earnest. letting go, in his
amazement, the hold he had on his wife,
whose tiny feet came down with bang
on the oiled floor.
"Strange time to jestl" said the doc.
tor, joining the party. ''What kind ol
trouble are you having9"
Then, as he noted the unusual ap-
pearance of the lady of the house, q
horrible suspicion took possession ol
his brain; it was plainly evident that
the unfortunate female had taken dror
too much; and he recoiled in horror.
"Who are you" demanded Ernest,
confronting Hugh.
"Who am I? More likely, who are
you2 / am master here-this house Is
mine. You must be escaped lunatics O,
usurpers. Now ask again, who are
you?" fiercely cried Hugh.
"Zounds man, how dare you ?"
Bellies eyes were open now, and she
shrank from the arms that encircled
her. With Hugh's assistance she was
enabled to stand.
"Zounds man." shrieked Ernest,
"you are master here? Belle, how did
this man come here? Who is he, de-
mand? ?"
"Where is my motherw questioned
} Hugh in return.
J "Where her son ought to be-" growled
Earnest. "Belle, I see it all You
thought / would stay at the club until
} late, and you would have quiet firta'
, tion with this william; but caught you
And you, Maud, my own sister, I could
not believe that you would countenance
such proceeding"
The nurse came down stairs, exclaim'
ing
81 thought the doctor came. Baby
Will is kicking and yelling; my arms
and ears ache. He must have the doc
tor |"
"Where am I ?" interrupted Hugh.
He looked around; suddenly light
dawncd on his befogged and beclouded
, Intellect, and he burst into a hearty
laugh.
"What are you laughed at, you dou-