The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1883-05-19
DIR. AND MRS. MORTON.

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theatricals, which, followed by ball,
were to take place that evening at the
mess-house Of the --th. The subject
was delicate one, for on it they held
decided. but unfortunately divided, opin-
ions. The doctor had a 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.
s.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 meP"
Then when shall ever have an OPP
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
terr' laughed the doctor. 1--WE must
see if we can't get up dance in our own
bungalow, little woman" continued he
somewhat inconsequently.
s.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 filed with the new
fashioned cloak, while as vet mine is the
only one in the cantonment. really
do think, William, that you might let
me 60, am sure sit patiently enough
through these solemn dinners and scien-
tific reunions of which you are so fond"
ssWell, well, as it is the very last of
the season. / suppose l must be amiable
for once; but"
20. that's dear good disagreeable
old thingr' said his wife, giving him a
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
abscntly: 20, any time. l shall only
want it returning; the Hills will call for
me going"
Dr. Morton was taken aback.
$780," he exclaimed, s.you had ar
ranged to go with-or without-my con-
sentr'
With little start, she answered some
what confusedly: 'sWell, thought you
would be sure to give me leave. William,
and
..As you have chosen to act so wholly
independently" interrupted her hus-
band, angrily, II withdraw the consent
/ unwittingly gave. The house shall be
closed at the usual hour, and il you dc
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; mol
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.
tinctly public property than in any other
corner of the world, stands for on.
esteemed old friend, Mrs. Grundy-
might, as has ever been its wont. put an
unkind construction ON motives it did
not understands; 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 a proper spirit
much, indeed all, depended on that
she should go with their friends to the
ball; or even, in the very probable event
of their having already called, he would
show his magnanimity by taking heI
himself. just then carriage drove
swiftly past his; he recognized it to bt
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 thar
the volatile and fascinating Mrs Morton
In the gaiety Of her spirits she confided
toone 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 thai
would be at all likely; but in the even
Of anything so improbable. she had still
her palanquin. in which she could res
till gun-fire, when, of course, the house
would be opened.
/ am told that nowadays palanquin.
are 10 as little request in India as sedan
chairs in England; but in DR.. and Mrs
Morton's time-for know. o reader. tha
my story is founded on fact-they were
except in the evening drive. the mos
general mode of carriage. In the We
randall OF every house one or more might
always be seen, with their bearers 81
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 monotouous cry Of
h. <.o. xr<I,<> - A.