The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1884-12-06
CHANG THE BABY"
Then You won't 90, Aliceg'


Alice stood looking at the door, grow
ing whittier and whittier. Then she gave
heart breaking cry, fell on her knees by
the cradle, and hiding her face in her
hands, sobbej bitterly.
She had looked forward so long TO
this particular party. 1t was given by
Mrs Mountjoy, one of the leaders OF
society, and all that was eminent in
politics, diplomacy or literature, rs well
as distinguished in the fashionable
world were sure to be there. She had
been kept at home so much since baby
had been born that she really felt the
need of little variety and relaxation
But baby had been threatened with
Group the week before, and the fond
mother had not yet recovered from her
fright. Baby, she admitted, was now
: better, "but not fit, she declared, Ito
be left, at least with only the nurse TO
look after it. Nurses are so careless,
everybody had told her, even the best of
them" SO she felt it her duty to give
up the party She had not asked Her
bert to give it up also, and even said
there was no reason he should stay at
home; but still, in her heart of hearts,
she hoped he would.
He said, hang the baby yes, he did
daring" she murmured, with indig-
nant emphasis, as she bent over the lit
tie unconscious sleeper. ''It was your
papa who said that, and he has gone to
brilliant party, with such thoughts of
his wife and child! Did you come,
dearest, to estrange us from each
other"
THIS awful idea called for bitter sighs
Herbert had said such beautiful things
in her trusting girlhood "Never should
their lives run in separate channels, as
those of some married people of their
acquaintance did"-'never q Joy be ac-
ccpted that did not make them one
"never barrier sho Id come between
them" And now to think that this
wee babe with its golden curls this
antiful little helpless creature should
| trt them as never strong hands could
She pictured the gay assemblage, and
tuy Herbert dancing with young girls
s'7iling on Others, and leaving her to
: of heartbreak.
Her imag nation, always too vivid,
v ed him in his triumphs, until her
mi'ary took almost the form of mad
NJ =
'e didn't want me to go" she said;
81 cted as if he didn't and then he
pr 'nded TO throw all blame on dear,
., l., 'Hss baby"
ddcnly she heard the sound of car
ris "whce,s outside; they stopped at
I'll oor; TIE lei rang, and fairy-like
fire STOOL on the threshold of the
r. :, in all the wistfulnesS of expect
i, with dimpling smiles and laugh
irgryes.
h. Mabel" cried Alice, starting to
i .oot tn glad cry. This is, in
0'd, surprise. I'm SO glad you've
10. My darling sister"
Forthwith ensled scene of raptur-
c5 welcome. Then the baby was ex-
aited, and ono would not have
tIeGmed that q tear had ever stained
cheek of the proud mother. Then
o visitors trunks were ordered to be
tlrried up stairs.
"Rr. heres Herbert2 In the study?
s. dabel, at last.
Hes out, dear.
Good! Don't be angry because I'm
glad, for We can have such nice little
chat. You didn't expect me-"
"Of course didn't"
"Well, didn't think of coming, al
you know, for month yet. But
thought it would be so nice to surprise
you"
"Ohl I'm so glad"
And then Paul is coming" " said she
blushing, next week to stay month
ho has busines here, and he wanted INT
so badly to be here, too. | declare,
she said, laughing, "T'll have to MARI!
him soon to get rid him.
''Oh, Mabel! don't marry him unless
you're certain you'll be happy crieC
Alice, Historically. "Be sare first h,
won't go to parties, and leave you
alone with ba--haby," she sobbed
"What! Is Herbert at party?" .queriet
Mabel, quite subdued.
eyes, he is; and when l told him
couldn't go on account of baby, he sale
hang la-babyr Yes, you little an
gel, your own father said those awfu
words-and then he sl-slammed tn
door,
Hes a viper exclaimed Mabel, witt
sudden vehemence "A nice way to trea
wife like you-a baby like that! Bu
why couldn't you leave babyl"
Because he was threatened wit
Group last week. "
"Eut he's we'll enough now-sleep
deliciously. He'll not wake up all tn
night, perhaps. And the nurse woul
have taken good care of him..
81 should have been thinking of fire
Group, and all that"
'Oh, nonsense! You ought to hav
gone. But Herbert had no right t
behave as he did; and he must b
punished and Ma ell threw her wrar
on the bed and took her seat by tn
glowing fire. 1T won't do to let hil
get the upper hand. All! have i
I've thought of splendid plan.
charming, delightful plot. and 81
clapped her hands in glee.
''Oh, Navel, what is il" and Alice sli
q down at her sisters feet, gazing in HI
face with expectant smiles. what al
you going to do'"
"rm not going to do it. shall sta
here and watch baby You are to go
the party"
Mabel! impossible"
Quite possible In fact, it must
done. You must let Herbert see tn
you're as pretty as anybody, and qui
as much admired. 1t is decided. YC
are to go to the party and play par
Let me arrange the programme.
'But Mabel, haven't dress pr
parcd-or anything. gave up going
week ago, you see, when baby W
threatened with the Group"
''Pshawl You shall wear one
r,,1nn nnn Of tho r,,nst hnwitnhino