The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-04-21
DIR. AND MRS. MORTON.

tiffin, and were 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
you urge meF'
Then when shall ever have an OPP
portunity of showing off that lovely pink
and silver cloak you got from Madras on
my birthdays" pouted the young wife.
''Ah!that is deeply important mat
tern' laughed the doctor. ave must
see if we can't get 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 filled with the new
fashioned cloak, while as yet mine is the
only one in the cantonment. / really
do think, William that you might let
me go. | am sure sit patiently enough
through these solemn dinners and scien-
tific reunions of which you are so fond"
well, well, as it is the very last of
the season. | suppose must be amiable
for once; but"
80, that's dear good disagreeable
old thingn' said his wife, giving him
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 good grace; and, on Mrs.
Morton presently re-entering to look for
something, he said: ''By the way, dear,
when shall l order the palanquin for
your
Still continuing her search, she replied
absently: 80, any time. | shall only
want it returning; the Hills will call for
me going"
DR.. Morton was taken aback.'
80" he exclaimed, 'you had ar
ranged to go with-or without-my con-
sentr'
With little start, she answered some
what confusedly: "Well, thought you
would be sure to give me leave, William,
and"
CAS- you have chosen to act so wholly
independently" interrupted her hus-
band, angrily, 81 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 DIR. 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 1.-THE whole cantonment'- which,
in India, where private life is more dis
tinetly public property than in any other
corner 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 hisown 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
bail; or even, in the very probable event
of their having already called, he would
show his magnanimity by taking her
himself. Just then a carriage drove
swiftly past his; he recognized it to be
the Hills, and in it-could he credit his
senses?-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 confided
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, that
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 be seen, with their bearers at
hand, ready for instant service by day
or by night.
1t was past two o'clock when Dr.
Morton heard, coming down the COM
pound, the moaning monotonous cry of
the bearers who carried their mistress
to her home. Placing the palanquin in
the verandah, they called loudly for adj
mission, striking the door with their
hands, in no small wonder that it had
not. as usual, been thrown wide at
their approach. Expectation of the
coming triumph had driven sleep from