Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-11-25
Unco1nmonly Common
[Chicago Tlibune.1

tChicago Trlbune.l
Robertine had finished cleaning her gloves,
and was putting away the bits of old flannel
and the ''deodorized" fluid, whose faint hate
fitness she declared she detested. "It's quite
as bad as common benzine,n she said to her
mother, who was busy cooking spirituelle
sort of supper on the gasoline stove in the
other room.
They leased the entire house, two-story
and basement brick, rather centrally located,
and re-1et unfinished rooms or suites in such
manner as to clear their own rental while
reserving the double parlors and the joys of
proprietorship.
They were very comfortably arranged. In
the evening, Robertine could make herself
pretty, close the folding doors, run her f1ng-
ers lightly over the keys of the upright
piano, and feel equal to the entertaining of
the most eligible gentlemen friends-even
Wilfred Wales, Esq In some respects she
was more at ease with this gentleman for
company than with any one else. Not be-
cause he was unusually handsome-beyond
the frequency of his new clothes-or tai
ented, or cultured or witty; not because
of any subtle charm in Instrumentation, like
that of poor Dick Ethel, whom she had
known 80 long, and who, she was forced to
tuuut, HOulO always TeItfsuH lilo Sallic VS.
ionary enthusiast and Bohemian. Poor
Dickl If he would only quit trying to make
a living with his pen, and become practical
member of society-a tailor, or shoemaker,
or something honest No, but when Wilfred
Wales was calling Robertine knew there
would be no after remarks from her mother,
that good lady being: at such times, content
to retire to peaceful dreams and a bookcase
hfaflc l1ruy fhn
turbed.
Mr.. Wales was tnoneyed young man, with
further expectations" and Robertine felt
it would be the merest folly to discourage
his attentions. She knew herself thoroughly;
knew all her disadvantages and all heT little
attractivenesses She had sized herself up
long ago as moderately pretty brunette,
who could sing and play passably, read
French novel without the dictionary, write a
dashing sort Of letter, and dance all the new
est fancies. She never forgot that she had
neither fortune nor family-a blue lookout
for any girl OF 30; that she had talent in no
particular direction; that she was physically
too delicate for continuous labor besides be-
ing untitled, by ambition, for the life Of a
working woman.
Yet sometimes she felt sick OF it all-sick
of doing lawyers copying at home, and ad-
dressing wrappers by the thousand, and
sehe1ning how to best spend the money SO
earned aud how to construct the prettiest
costume in which to attend theatre or prom
enade concert with Mr. Wales. Often she
would far rather have gone sauntering in the
park, clad in her plain, brown ''Mother Hub
| bard, with Richard Ethel beside her, and
his pleasing fantastes.)
But what could she do to support herself?
you can't be a clerk in any store said her
mother, sit takes away girls social posi-
ton
"If she has any," said Robertine ironically.
Meantime they had got on very well with
out touching the insurance money received
at the death of Robertine's lamented father,
which was but small sum at best, and which
the mother would need for herself when once
the daughter was married.
Robertine shook out three pair of evening
gloves, and said musingly, "Now I'm ready
to go anywhere if only some one invites me-"
eff were you wouldn't go with anybody
but Wales, admonished her mother. IF he
sees you running around with common tugs
like Dick Ethel, he'll ship you'll" Mrs. Ferris
| was often more forcible than elegant, and
always unconscious of nautical tendencies.
She was thin, nervous woman, with an ex-
| traordinary contempt for the OF polloi She
was often heard to say that she had been
struggling for years to keep her head above
water, as also that Of her deceased husband.
| poor mani his head had gone under ground
! In spite of herd
Robertine colored. ~ never go with any
one I'm ashamed Of" she said Indignantly,
''and as for Mr. Wales, the shipping; process
may be conducted by the other party"
80, no doubt you feel able to manage your
own affairs Some folks, when they have a
| little streak of luck, act as if it would never
be day with them closing with pet anti
| phTasis.
| Now, mother, what is thu use of such talkl
Let us eat our supper In peace"
And they did; after which, Robertine, hav-
ing adjusted her toilet, went to the front
windows and drew the curtains back, admit
ting the evening breeze The sun was de-
Ginning and the sky Herewith gloriied; she
stood where it might dazzle her eyes mo-
ment then turned assay.
| mother, shall / CLOSE the folding doorsi
lex Ethel is coming over
| 80, yes; for heavens sake, shut the doors,
30 1 needn't hear him EARNING If were
you wouldn't fool away my time ON such
l
Robertine banged the doors and lost the
remainder
| Come in, Dick she called, through the
| wire window netting. Don't stop TO ring. y
You are aloneF' he said, smiling family
as he entered. Il thought you might have
company"
'You see for yourself l haven't
Your mother is well, hopeF r.
quite; and busy, as usual.n
~ met her on the street to-day, but dc
not think she saw me.
Perhaps not, said Robertine, doubtfully,
remembering her mothers disiain for com
mon attire. "But what are you doing this
week, Dick, WHAT'S the latest romance!'
81 haven't done much,n he answered
slowly, ''but 1 have thought of so much
would like to do. q, I have had such beauti
ful thoughts Dreams that would like yoU
to share with mer'
Robertine stirred uneasily.
81 have had thoughts, too she said, hal
lightly 81 have been thinking Of getting
married
He looked at her in curious way, but die
not interrupt as she went on:
Yes, have about decided that the only
thing can do IS. get married.
'Oh, Robertiner' ne said, in g shocked
voice.
'rYou think an joking, Dick, but I an
t,-,-- r-<,rs