Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1883-05-30

DR.. and Mrs. Morton had finished
tifiin, and were discussing some private
theatricals, which, followed by ball,
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, wac 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
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 birthdayp" pouted the young wife.
"Ah! that is deeply important mat
terr' laughed the Doctor "We 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 theatri-
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 yet mine is the
only one in the cantonment. l really
do think, William, that you might let
me 60. 1 am sure sit patiently enough
through these solemn dinners and scien-
tiflc reunions of which you are so fond"
"Well, well, as it is the very last of
the season, l suppose must be amiable
for once; but"
80, that's a dear good disagreeable
old thingm said his wife, giving him a
kiss; and, without waiting TO hear more,
in u flutter of delight she left tho 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. l shall only
want it returning; the Hills will call for
me going"
DIR. Morton was taken aback.
$50" he exclaimed, ''you had ar
ranged to go with-or without-my con-
sentp'
With little start, she answered some-
what confusedly: "Well, l 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 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 DR.. 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 Ia
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
faceP 1t began, too, to dawn upon him
that "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 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 hisow 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 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 hel
himself. Just then carriage drove
swiftly past his; he recognized it to be
the Hills, and in it-could he credit his
sensesp-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 confidet
to one after another of her dearest friend,
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 tha,
would be at all likely; but in the event
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 palanquint
are in rs little request in India as sedan
chairs in England; but in DIR. and Mrs
Morton's time-for know, o reader, thai
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 a
hand, ready for instant service by day
or by night
1t was past two o'clock when DIR
Morton heard, coming down the com
pound, the moaning monotonous cry o.
the bearers who carried their mistres,
to her home. Placing the palanquin in
the verandah, they called loudly for ad
mission, striking the door with theil
h"h'7t III Aio WOuutI tudb lb i1ut
not, as usual, been thrown wide n
their approach. Expectation of the
coming triumph had driven sleep from
his pillow; and he now turned his heac
with grim smile, for his revenge wa
at hand-the little rebel should learn {
lesson never to be forgotten.
To the bearers voices was soon added
that of their mistress; Indignantly, en-
treatingly, coaxingly she called in turn
She reminded her husband that theil
verandah was overlooked from the road
"Let me in. I beg, l entreat of you
William. 1t will be gun-fire in couple
of hours, and il seen here / shall be the
laughing g-stock of the whole station. {
William dear, do let me inr'
To which her husband answered
sternly: 1--WE shall not rest under tn,
same roof this night" and he chucklet
to himself, for he only intended to keel
her waiting few minutes.
For n moment Mrs Morton seemed