McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1884-02-28
MAsQUERADING.

Mrs. Symes Symington was engaged
in smoothing down the nap of her jetty
velvet pelonaise with her pretty white,
plump hand, on the fore finger of
which sparkled a cluster diamond ring,
on the third finger chung plain, heavy
wedding ring.
She was a plump, rosy little lady,
not as tall by a head as the handsome
young fellow who called her 'mother,"
and in whom her whole hearts affec-
tons were conferred, and to whom she
was at this present time administering
as severe a reproof as she ever had
found occasion to do.
Naughty, headstrong Cleve listened
very respectfully, as he leaned his head
ON his hand and his elbow on the man.
tle-piece, with an air that demonstrated
the perfect uselessness of the argu-
ments his lady mother advanced. Then
when she paused in triumphant breath
lessness- because of her
long sentences, and triumphant be-
cause she certainly accepted Cleve's
silence as the consent she aspired to Sc
curing.
After this Cleve smiled-so' sweetly,
coolly, right in her face.
'sBut shall marry little Birdie Lorne,
mamma-that is, if she will have me.
Now, don't frown SO, you look so much
prettier when you smile and blush, lit
tie mother. Tell me to propose to my
pretty little sunny-haired girl and
bring her here for the maternal bless
ing"
He leaned his handsome head toward
Mrs. Symington and looked at her in
such proudly coaxing way that in her
fond heart she wondered how any wo-
man could resist him. Then she shook
her head until the diamonds in her
ears sent their brilliant coruscations
both far and near.
elbow can 1, Cleve, when 1 am NOR
ally sure Miss Lorne wants your money
only? A hundred thousand ism to be
secured every day; and to marry for
money is too perfectly miserable. I
married for money, Cleve, and you
know the life 1 led until your father
died. You are my only comfort. Don't
pain me by bringing home wife who
will only endure us for the sake of
what we can give her."
Evidently she had forgotten her men
tai decision that no girl with human
heart could resist her boys handsome
face. Certainly it was very unlike the
proud, self-assured Mrs. Symes Sym
ington to understand her own import
ance so tremendously, as she had just
done.
But then evea the richest, proudest
and haughtiest people have their other
side that only few friends know; and
this was Mrs. Symington's other side.
She watched Cleve's face anxiously,
but there was no sign of change of
views in the gay, debonair face, with
the contradicting eyes so grave and
sternly decided.
s'You mistake Birdie altogether,
mother dear. How can it be possible
she wants me for my money when lots
of other fellows are after hers? She is
an heiress in her own right-forty or
fifty thousand.
ssOh! is that the case? Well"
Her altered tone, her hesitating
words so delightfully."- emphasized were
enough for Cleve. He caught her up
in his arms, regardless of her elegant
toilet, and kissed her until her face was
as scarlet as a girls.
"Cleve! Are you not ashamed of
Yourself? Put me down this minute,
or-or-or-yoa shant marry Bird ''
He dropped her instantly.
"You're down, mother; and in just
one hour prepare to see my little dar-
ling-all bushes, dimples, smiles and
sweetness"
He went out hurriedly, caught up his
hat from the rack and hailed a passing
cab that would speed him on his mis-
sion. -,
the plumb-colored damask curtains, her
ewes kindling with pleasurable, pardon
"The dear boy! he wants me to think
7 settled the matter he arranged long
400 OF course he would have mar
red her, anyway, but just to think how
splendidly he has behaved to me-"