Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-04-27
DIR. AND MRS. MORTON.

DR. AND MRS. NORTON.
DIR. and Mrs Morton had finished tffin,
and were discussing some private theatrcals,
which, followed by ball. were to take place
at the mess house of the til. The subject
was delicate one, for on it they held decid-
ed, but, unfortunately, divided opinions.
The doctor had prejudice against such
things, and, though in some respects very in
dulgent 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, aud every one will be there"
And you know my rooted objection to
these entertainments, Ada why do you urge
me y
"Then when shall | ever have an oppor.
tunity of showing of that lovely pink and
silver cloak you got from Madras on my
birthday - pouted the young wife
"Ah, that is a deeply important matter -
laughed the doctor. 1--WE must see if we
can't get up dance in our own bungalow,
little woman, continued ho what incon-
sequently.
But that won't be a ball and theatricals
to night aud by that time Daddahbhoy
Rumangee aud the other Parsees will have
their shops filled with the new-fashioned
cloak, while as yet mine is the only one in
the cantonment l really do think, William,
you might let me go. | am sure sit patient.
ly enough through those solemn dinners and
scientific reunions of which you are so fond q"
"Well, well, IS it is the very last Of the
season, l suppose l must be amiable for
once but"
"Oh, that's a dear, good, disagreeAble old
thing ~ said his wife, giving him kiss and
without waiting to hear moro, in flutter OF
delight she left the room.
When left to himself the doctor pond cred
their late conversation and felt by no means
satisfied with his share in it. Still, having
consented, he determined to do so with a
good grace and on Mrs Morton presently
recntering to look for something, he said,
'By the way, dear, when shall order the
palanqun for you;"
Still continuing her search she replied,
rather absently, "Oh, any time, l shall only
want it for returning the Hills will call for
me going
DR.. Morton was taken aback
80" he exclaimed, you had arranged TO
go with-or without my consent -
With a little start, she answered somewhat
confusedly, well, l thought you would be
sure to give me leave, William, and"
'As you have chosen to act 80 wholly indie
pendently," interrupted her husband angrily,
Il withdraw the consent l so unwittingly
gave. The house shall be closed at the usual
hour, and if you do not happen to be at home
at IL O'Clock, edo not sleep under the same
roof this night" And in high displeasure
Dr. Morton left the house nor did he return
for more than a 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 assent
ed. How could he bear to spend the long
evening opposite that disappointed, wistful
little face; 1t began, too, to dawn upon him
that 'the whole cautOnment'-wh in In
dia, where private life is more distinctly pub
lie property than in any other corner of the
world, stands for our esteemed old friend,
Mrs. Grundy-might, as has ever been its
won't put an unkiud construction on motives
it did not understand might hint that it was
not so much standing by his principles
which, in fact, he had yieded-as avenging
his own offended dignity The result of all
which cogtation was that IT, on his return
home, he should find that she had accepted
both disappointment and rebuke in proper
spirit-much, indeed all, depended on that
she should go with their friends to the ball :
and even in the probable event of their hav-
ing already called he would show his mag
nanimity by taking her himself just then a
SAiiAh5D utONp bNllig PapN LIS no AuNob-
nized 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 we're delightful,
and none enjoyed them more than the VIOLA
tile and fascinating Mrs. Morton. In the
gayety of her spirits she confded to one af-
ter another of her dearest friends her hus-
bands threat and to one or two, who ex-
pressed some fear that he might carry it out,
sue 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 until
| gunhTe, when of course the house would be
opened.
l 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, oh reader that my story is
founded on fact-they were, except in the
evening drive, the most general mode of car
| riage. In the verandah 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 compound, the
moaning monotOnous cry of the bearers who
carried their mistress to her home. Placing
the palanquin in the verandah, they called
loudly for admission, striking the door with
| their hands, in no small wonder that it had
not, as usual, been thrown wide at their ap.
proach. Expectation of the coming triumph
had driven sleep from his pillow and he now
turned his head with grim smile, for his re-
venge was at hand-the little rebel SHOULD
learn a lesson never to be forgotten.
To the bearers voices was soon added tina
| of their tniatraaa'a indiunantlu antraatipulv
coaxingly calling in turn. She reminded he
husband that their verandah was overlooked
from the road. Let me in beg, l entrea
of you, William. 1t will be gun-fre in
couple of hours, and if seen here l shall b.
the laughing stock of the whole station
William dear, do let me in!"
To which her husband answered sternly
eve shall not rest under the same roof thi
night !" and he chuokled to himself, for h
only intended to keep her waiting few min
utes.
For moment Mrs. Morton seemed irreso
lutte then having said few words to tn
head bearer she cried aloud in passionat
burst of sobs. 81 will die sooner than sui
NIT to such humiliation :" and, followed b
her servants, she rushed away.
There was long wailing cry-a Shrek
heavy splash Good heavens could it be-
could it be possible that his impetuous wifi
had thrown herself into the we'll? Hark I
those wild cries as the bearers run hither an
thither with loud ordinations and calls fC
help PAralyzed with fear, the husban
could with difficulty open the door; the
rushing out he would have flung himself il
to the still ripping water, in mad atteml
at rescue, had not a bearer hung upon h
arm, as, in broken English, he tried to el
plain that his mistress was safe.
"Then where is she +? What is all this 70
about2 Who has fallen in What are W
all yelling for?"
] down well i then too much bobbery max,