The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1883-04-21
DIR. AND MRS. MORTON.

eiIlu, anu we're discussing some private
theatricals, which, followed by ball,
were to take place that evening at the
mess-house of the til. The subject
was delicate one, for on it they held
decided, but unfortunately divided, opin-
ions. The doctor had prejudice against
such things, and, though in most re-
spects very indulgent to his pretty little
wife, objected to her attending them.
She, however, was bent on doing so.
"You know, dear, that it is the very
last OF the season, and every one will be
there"
"And you know my rooted objection
to these entertainments, Ada; why do
you urge meT'
Then when shall / ever have an op-
portunity of showing off that lovely pink
and silver cloak you got from Madras on
my birthday" pouted the young wife.
"Ah! that is deeply important mat
terri laughed the doctor. "We must
see if we can tget up dance in our own
bungalow, little woman" continued he
somewhat inconsequently.
''But that won't be ball and theatre
Gals tonight; and by that time Dadda-
bhoy, Rumangee and the other Parsees
will have their shops filed with the new
fashioned cloak, while as vet mine is the
only one in the cantonment. | really
do think, William, that you might let
re go. | am sure sit patiently enough
through these solemn dinners and scien-
titie reunions of which you are so fond. :"
We'll, well, as it is the very last of
the season. suppose must be amiable
for once; but"
80, that's a dear good disagreeable
old thingr said his wife, giving him a
kiss; and, without waiting to hear more,
in flutter of delight she left the room.
When left to himself the doctor pom
dered their late conversation and felt by
no means satisfied with his share in it.
Still, having consented, he determined
to do so with a good grace; and, on Mrs.
Morton presently re-entering to look for
something, he said: "By the way, dear.
when shall 7 order the palanquin for
youPn
Still continuing her search, she replied
absently: 60 any time. | shall only
want it returning; the Hills will call for
me going
DR.. Morton was taken aback.
$50" he exclaimed, 'you had ar
ranged to 60 with-or without-my con-
sentn'
With little start, she answered some
what confusedly: "Well, thought you
would be sure to give me leave, William,
and
'As you have chosen to act so wholly
independently interrupted her hus-
band, angrily, II withdraw the consent
l unwittingly gave. The house shall be
closed at the usual hour, and if you do
not happen to be at home at eleven
o'clock, we do not sleep under the same
roof this night" And in high displeas-
ure DR.. Morton left the house; nor
did he return for couple of hours.
during which his mood had more than
once changed. The first irritation over,
he felt that it was hard upon his pet to
deny her the pleasure to which but the
moment before he had assented. How
could he bear to spend the long evening
opposite that disappointed wistful little
face? 1t began. too, to dawn upon him
that ''the whole cantonment which,
in India, where private life is more dis
tinctly public property than in any other
T9sner of the world, stands for our
esteemed old friend Mrs. Grundy-
might, as has ever been its wont, put an
unkind construction on motives it did
not understand; might hint that he was
not so much standing by his principles
which, in fact, he had yielded-as
avenging his own offended dignity. The
result of all which cogitation was that
if, on his return home, he should find
that she had accepted both disappoint-
ment and rebuke in proper spirit
much indeed all, depended on that
she should 60 with their friends to the
ball; or even, in the very probable event
of their having already called, he would
show his magnanimity by taking her
himself. Just then carriage drove
swiftly past his; he recognized it to be
the Hills, and in it-could he credit his
sensesp-all radiant with smiles, wrapped
in her new cloak, sat his wife, who, in
merry defiance, kissed her hands to him
as they passed.
Both ball and theatricals were delight
full and none enjoyed them more than
the volatile and fascinating Mrs Morton.
In the gaiety of her spirits she confded
to one after another of her dearest friends
her husbands threat; and to one or two
who expressed some fear that he might
carry it out she laughingly replied
that she did not think that that
would be at all likely; but in the event
of anything so improbable, she had still
her palanquin, in which she could rest
till gun-fire, when, of course, the house
would be opened.
am told that nowadays palanquins
are in as little request in India as sedan.
chairs in England; but in DR.. and Mrs.
Morton's time-for know, O reader, tina,
my story is founded on fact--they were,
except in the evening drive, the most
general mode of carriage. In the We.
randall of every house one or more might
always DO seen, with their bearers al
hand, ready for instant service by day
or by night.
1t was past two o'clock when Or
Morton heard, coming down the com
pound, the moaning monotonous cry OF
the bearers who carried their mistress
10 her home. Placing the palanquin in
the varandah, they called loudly for adj
mission, striking the door with theil
hands, in no small wonder that it had
not, as usual, BEEN thrown wide al
their approach. Expectation of the
coming triumph had driven sleep from
his pillow; and he now turned his head
with grim Smile, for his revenge was
ut hand--the little rebel should learn a
lesson never to be forgotten.