Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1883-05-26
THE DELORME PARTY.

may say that the social event or the
season is Madame Delorme's recep-
ton"
Ariadne rolled up her pale. blue
eyes, in the direction of the gas
fixtures.
"Yes," in rapturous assent, 1T will
indeed be delightful. Such distin-
guished, cultured people as one al
ways meets in her parlors. Men and
women, with minds infinitely elevat-
ed above the sordid and carking cares
Of domestic life, with souls which
hold communion with the unex-
pressed in art, and yearn for
''Corned beef and cabbagew chimed
in voice in the doorway. THAT was
the best l could get from the butchers
this morning, Ariadne. Porterhouse
steak is eighteen cents pound, and
mutton chop is too wasteful."
And the small figure, in the shabby
gray cloak and maroon colored hood,
came forward into the big, bare sit
ting room, and laid down her market
basket with sigh Of relief.
"Wilhelmina" interrupted Ariadne
in angry irritation.
"Williew exclaimed kindlier Isa
dora. in faint protestation.
"What?" asked Willie, who had di-
vested herself of her wraps, and was
playing with the kitten on the lug be-
fore the fire; but just then though.
struck her, and she looked up in con
science-stricken remorse. ''Would
you rather / had bought roast of
pork?"
Their eyes met despairingly.
"No," explained Isadora, I'VE were
only shocked at your bursting into
the room so suddenly. These light
ming exits and entrances jar ones
nerves SO. Besides, you interrupted
Ariadpe"
"I'm SO glad it isn't the pork Ex-
cuse me, Ariadne."
And she went placidly back to the
ball of wool ard the kitten.
They were not what is called "well
off," the Dalrymples; in point of fact
they were decidedly the reverse.
There had been a time when Dal-
rymple pere was considered quite a
magnate in mercantile Boston circles.
But some years ago a financial land
slide had swept him off his feet, and
he had been ever since, fguratively
speaking, striving to regain them.
They still lived in the house which
had known them in the days of their
prosperity, and desperately endeav-
ored to keep up appearances. To a
certain extent they succeeded, and
also, to certain extent were socially
recognized.
Annually, for few weeks previous
to Mrs. Delorme's reception, they,
from motives of economy. dispensed
with hired domestic help. And this
year just as they were beginning their
enforced wrestle with dinners and
busters and rough dry" ironing,
their cousin from the country came
to pay them "a visit. To them, in
their tribulation, little rustic angel
was Willie West.
"Give me the broom. I'll do the
marketing-Tll sweep" she had said,
the first morning of her arrival; I'm
used to it"
And she was; for her father was
only scholarly, shiny coated, hard
working minister. in not over fer
vent or over generous corner OF Con-
necticut.
But sometimes Ariadne, who was
thirty -one and aesthetic, lost patience
with blooming Willie, who was six
teen and prosaic. And this crisp,
clear February morning the milk OF
human kindness was ever soured for
her.
"What shall you wears" asked Isa-
dora.
"What can I wearw snapped
Ariadne.
Your navy blue silk, with the old
rose point"
sIt's been turned twice. What are
you going to weari'
III Oh, I'll make over the olive
satin again"
You're easily contented. Isadora.
You have no lofty conceptions or am
bitions."
"No,'' assented Isadora, meekly
ssbut I'm a bit of philosopher for
all that. When / can't get what
want, / want what can get"
Willie, ignoring the kitten, was sit
ting erect on the rug, and listening
with all her ears. Her round childish
face was full of wonder, and there
vas pretty pink color in either vel
vety cheek.
II wish I could gov' she sighed
wistfully.
.Well, you'll wishv' barked Ariadne
The rosy lips dropped despondently
sCould we manage it. Ariadne? p
timidly questioned Isadora. 1--WE
might get her an invitation If she
cares SO much to 60. And then there's
that piece Of embroidered India mus
| lin-only ten yards, but she's small -
s.Isadora Dalrymple, what are you
talking about! She go to Madame
Delol mes reception!-shsY
Willie's brown eyes flashed mp un-
der their silken friDges.
..Why notir she demanded.
"Why notT gasped Miss Dalrymple
in indignant repetition. "What i'm
pertinence! You! Only disciples