The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1883-04-21
from the London society.l
DIR. AND MRS. MORTON.

Siffin, and were discussing some private
theatricals, which, followed by a ball.
were to take place that evening at the
mess~house of the til. The subject
was delicate one, for on it they held de-
clded, but unfortunately divided, opin-
ions. The doctor had a prejudice
against such things, and, though in most
respects 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 me?
"Ihen 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
teri" laughed the doctor. eve must
see if we can't get up dance in our
own h ngalow, little woman" continued
he, somewhat lnconsequently.
''But that won't be a ball and the
atricals tonight; and by that time Dad
dahbhoy, Rumanagee and the other
Parsees will have their shops filled with
tn new-fashioned cloak, while as vet
mine is the oily one in the cantonment.
really do think, William, you might
let me go. [ am sure | sit patiently
enough through those solemn dinners
and scientific reunions Of which you are
50 fond.
''Weii, well, as it is the very last OF
the season, L suppose l must be amiable
for once; but"
Oh, that's dear, good, disagreeable
old thing" said bis wife, giving him
kiss and without waiting to hear more.
IN tiutter 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: g By the way, dear.
when shall | order the palanquin for
you?"
Still continuing her search she replied
rather absently: "Oh, any time I Shall
only want it returning; the Hills Will
call for me going"
DIR. Morton was taken aback.
So he exclaimed, "you had ar
ranged to go with-or without-my con-
sent'
With a 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-
1 so unwittingly gave. This house shall
be closed at the usual hour, and if you
do not happen to be at home Ut II
O'Clock, we do not sleep under the same
roof this night. And, in high dis
pleasure, DIR. Morton left the house; nor
did he return for more than a 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 canton
ment which IN India, where private
life Is more distinctly public property
than III any other corner of the world
:.
Grundy-might, as mas ever been its
won't, put an upkind construction onm
tives 1t did not understand; might hint
that he was not so much standing by his
which, in fact. he he'd
ylelded-as avenging his own offended
dignity. The result of all which cogita-
ton was that if, on his return home, he
should find that she had accepted both
al tFlaa -,,l
spirit much, indeed ali, depended on
that she should go with their friends 10
the bail; or even IN the probable event
Of their having already called, be would
show his maganimity by taking her
himself. just then Il carriage drove
swiftly past his; he recognized it to be
the Hills, and IN lt-c0uld he credit his
senses all radiant with smiles,
wrapped in her new cloak, sat his wife,
who, IN merry defiance, kissed her hands
to hlm IS they passed.
Both ball and theatricals were delight
tUl, and none enjoyed them more than
the volatile and fascinating Mrs. Nor
ton. In the gayety of her spirits she
contided 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
laughlngly replied that she did not
think that that would be ut all likely ;
but III the event of anything SO improb-
able, she had still her palanquin, IN
which she could rest till gun-ire, 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 DIR. and Mrs.
Morton's tlme-for know, O reader, that
my story IS founded on fact-they were,
except IN the evening drive, the most
general mode Of carriage. In the veran-
Ola OF every house one or more might al
ways be seen, with their bearers at
hand, ready for instant service by day or
by night.
1t was past o'clock when DIR. Nor
ton heard, coming down the compound,
the moaning, monotonous cry of the
bearers who carried their mistress to her
home. Placing the paIanquin in the
Verandah, they called loudly for admis-
sion, striking the door with their hands,
IN no small wonder that it had not, as
usual, been thrown wide at their ar-
proach. Expectation OF the coming tri-
umph had driven sleep from his pillow !;
and he now turned his head with a grim
smile, for his revenge was at hand-the
little rebel should learn lesson never
to be forgotten.
To the bearers voices was soon added
that of their mistress; Indignantly. en-
treatingly, coaxingly she called in turn.
She reminded her husband that their
veranda was overlooked from the road.
Let me in, / beg, l entreat of YOU,
William. 1t Will be gun-fire in a couple
OF hours, and if seen here / shall be the
laughing stock of the whole station. .
William, dear, do let me in
To which her husband answered stern
~, I'VE shall not rest under the same
roof this night" and he chuckled to
himself, for he only intended to keep
her waiting few minutes.
For moment MIS-. Morton seemed ir-