Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1883-04-07

daughter to practice her music lessons
in the back parlor the sliding door
being partly open--while he was at
work in the front.
And so it happened that Gertrude,
trying to play an air from memory,
and finding it continually eluded
her. was about giving it up in vexa
ton, when some one softly whistled
it behind her; and turning quickly
on the revolving stool, she saw the
young painter, brush in hand, stand
ing in the doorway.
Beg pardon, but that is what you
wanted. is it not?' he asked as he
ceased whistling, in voice as deep
as that of the bassoon grandmother,
though much more melodious.
"Oh yes. thank you" said Gertrude,
with blush; and turning 10 the
piano again, she played the whole
air skillfully and gracefully.
Its beautiful thing said the
painter, still standing in the doorway;
'but l think the song beginning in
this way"--and he prepared to
whistle again. when he encountered
the frozen frown Of Madam Won
Breeks Won Starch, as she stepped
into the room from the balcony and
fled.
And the next day the piano was
closed and locked, and the fair per
former a prisoner in her own room
and Grandmother Hutfey, meeting
Mr.. Everdell Tremlett as he came to
work, requested him in one brief
sentence to get through his work
and go about his business as soon as
possible
But Love-bless his merry little
heart laughs at locks and lock
smiths, and the very next time Ger
trude went for her singing lesson to
the Conservatory Ito and from the
door of which she was always escorted
by either Madame Won Breeks Won
Starch or Mistress Hufley) she found
there new pupil with magnificent
bass voice, and that new pupil was
the fair-haired. blue-eyed young
fresco painter. Not one word OF this
meeting. nor of the meetings that
followed it two or three times week
for six months thereafter, did the
naughty girl breathe to either OF the
three grandmothers, and the two
younger of the trio exulted greatly
over the strict vigilance with which
they guarded the future bride accord
ing to their long laid plans Of Died
rich Won Breeks, the rich Holland
merchant, due in New York with
the new year But their exultation
came to an end on New Years Eve.
On that evening the Conservatory of
Music gave pupil concert, and the
very first duet was sung by Miss
Gertrude Won Breeks and Mr.. Ever
dell Tremlett. In vain had the latter
begged to be left out of the pro-
gramme; in vain had he summoned
to his aid mysterious throat disease
His professor declared that sing he
must, or lose his place in the Con
servatory, and, what was still worse,
prove himself an ''ingra-a tie" And
so the three grandmothers, sitting in
great state near the stage, were hor
rified-that is, two of them were
great gran muuched her caraways as
placidly as ever)-by seeing and
hearing their granddaughter. made
operate love to, in very real love
making way, before most fashion
able audience, by the young man
who frescoed their parlors.
In moment the whole truth
flashed upon their minds, and how
they sat out the rest of the concert,
so great was their Indignation, they
never knew. But at last. much to
their relief, it came to an end, and
the ominous silence with which they
received the pretty culprit prepared
her for the storm (the after claps OF
which l have recorded at the begin
ming of my story that burst upon
her head as soon as they reached
home. When it was over Gertrude
was allowed to seek her room. Here
she threw off her cloak. turned the
key in her door, and took from her
bosom a note, which she hastily read
My dearest" thus it ran), 81
suppose-in fact, l know-you will
have scene tonight with her Royal
Highness Won Breeks Won Starch and
her faithful henchwoman the Ouch
esse de Huffey. l am so sorry for you,
dear! But don't let them frighten
you; and don't be frightened at what
I am about to propose. To morrow
will be New Years Day. Consent, 1
entreat you, to begin the new year
with me. l have but humble home
to offer you, but in it waits the bless
eldest of mothers and the best of
grandmothers (who will make your
fourth) to welcome you. l shall be
waiting, when you read this note,
with carriage around the nearest
corner Our alto and tenor will be
with me, ready to act as bridesmaid
and groomsman. Your grandmoth
ers would never consent to OUR mar
riage, and unless you take decisive
step they will marry you, in spite of
yourself, to your Dutch fifth cousin
Come, my darling, come.
EvERDELL.
"P. S.-1f you find it impossible to
make your escape, why, then 1 must
beard the lions in their den to morrow.
and fight duel with the Won Breeks
Won Starch as soon as he arrives in
the country"
Gertrude stood an instant in
thought. Then she glanced in the