The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-05-12
DIR. AND MRS. MORTON,


DR.. and Mrs. Morton had finished
tiflin, and were discussing some private
theatricals, which, followed by a ball,
were to take place that evening at the
mess-house of the -th. The subject
was a delicate one, for on it they held
decided, but unfortunately divided,
opinions. The doctor had Il prejudice
against such things, and, though in
most respects very indulgent to his
pretty little wife, objected to her attend
ing them. She, however, was bent on
doing 50.
"You know, dear, that it is the very
there.'
''And you know my rooted objections
to these entertainments, Ada; why do
you urge me?'
''Then when shall I ever have an op-
pdrtunity OF showing that lovely pink
and silver cloak you got from Madras
on my birthday?" pouted the young
wife.
'.Ah, that is a deeply important mat
tcrl'' laughed the doctor. eve must
see if we can't get up a dance in our
own bungalow, little woman, continued
he somewhat incOnsetuently
tricals tonight; and by that time Dad
dahbhoy, Rlm;,nagee and the other
Parsces will have their shops filled with
the new-fashioned cloak, while as vet
mime is the only one in the cantonment.
| really do think, William, you might
let me go. am sure / sat patiently
enough through those solemn dinners
and scientific reunions of which you are
80 fond"
"Well, well, as it is the very last of
the season, suppose must be amiable
for once; but -"
"Oh, that's Il dear, good, dsagrceablc
old thing!" said his vile, giving him u
kiss; and withour waiting to hear more,
in Il illltter of delight she left the room.
When left to himself the doctor pom
dered their late conversation, and felt
ny no means satisfied with his share
in it. Still, having consented, he
determined to do so with good
grace; and, Oh Mrs. Morton presently
.reentering to look for something, he
said, "By the way, dear, when shall I
order the palanquin for your"
Still continuing her search she re-
piled rather absently, ooh, any time, L
will call for me going"
N.
So" he exclaimed, ''you had arranp-
ed to go with---or without-my consent!'
With Il little start, she answered, some
what conf'sedly, "Well, I thought you
would be sure to give me leave, Will
liam, and -
"As you have chosen to act so wholly.
independently" interrupted her h,ls-
band, angrily, 81 withdraw the consent
| so llnwittingly gave. The house shall
be closed at the usual hour, and if you do
not happen to he at home ut II O'Clock,
We do not sleep under the same
roof this night" And in high displea-
sure DIR Morton left the house; nor did
he return for more than 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 facep It began, too, to
dawn upon him that the whole can
tonment'--which in India, where
private life is more distinctly public
property than in any other corner of the
world, stands for our esteemed old friend,
Mrs. Grundy-might, as has ever been
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 cogi-
tation was that if, on his return home,
ne should find that she had accepted
both disappointment and rebuke in Il
proper spirit--much, indeed all, depend
Ell on that, she should go with their
friends to the hall; OF even in the pro-
bable event of their having already
called, he would show his magnanimity
by taking her himself. just then car
riage drove swiftly past his; he recog-
nized it to be the IIill's, 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 hand to him as they passed.
Both ball and theatricals were de.
lightful, and none enjoyed them more
than the volatile and fascinating Mrs.
Morton, In the gayety of her spirits
she cOnfidcd to one after another of hel
dearest friends her husbands threat
and to one or two who expressed some
fear that he might carry II out she Ian
guidly 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-fre, when, Of course, the
house would be opened.
am told that nowadays palanqnins
are in as little request i'm India as sedan
chairs III England; but in Dir, and Mrs
/ Morton's time--for know, Oreader, that