Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1885-10-17
Mabel's Calico.
n Won raallv caro for him 9n


AS Mabel's mother asked the question
che looked at Mabel sharply through
her spectacles, flashing like two candles
searching a room. Mabel blushed. A
tipge of color came to her clear, pure
complexion, delicate as the pink tint
touching a morning glory.
"Y.esp said Mabel.
The old lady said nothing, but gave q
sigh in her heart that nobody heard,
and there was little moisture believing
her glasses, eyaporating unseen as a
daisy; tear after rain.
"Poor thing!I pity her." was the
thought in the motherly heart.
"But mother" said Mabel with sudden
energy, Il don't want to deceive Frank
Winthrop. He thinks probably that we
are rich. So we were until that letter
came last week and said our property
was virtually gone-through that venture
in western stocks. What is the result?
We must 60 out of our parlor, and letting
it, sit in the back sitting-room. l must
exchange silk for calico. We must give
up our >ervants. and must 90 to the
door. am rejoiced to do it rather than
be in debt, and glad to doanything rath-
er than have you Inconvenience.
Mabel was cslmer now, but her face
betrave ed her emotion like window-panes
that show the warm flashes of freight
within.
81 don't think Frank Winthrop has
been paying me attentions for the sake
of our reputed wealth. To begin with,
he don't need it. They say his European
business to which he exiled himself 80
long, has brought him fortune. Ishould
despise him if he were after any money,
out then you know We have been consid-
cred rich, and if a person is attentive to
me, want him to understand the exact
situation of affairs.
Sand MOTHER" declared Mabel. speak
ing with still greater energy, 81 will give
calling every day, and he shall know
how we are situated. will be frank,
/. and he may stop his calls, if he wishes
90"
-Mabals naturally fine face was still
more attractive in its excitement. If
Frank Winthrop could have seen Mabel
then! something interesting might have
happened as conversation. 1mpulsive
humanity!
"But-but-it will be hard" said
Madel, her face losing its look ofresolute
pride and her lip ouivering. "I-sup-
pose-I can't help thinking 80 much of
Frank"
The proud queen was only tender
hearted girl after all.
my dear, dear child" said motherly
Mrs Haven, and she took Mabel right
to her bosom, and cried over and with
her.
There, there, mother" said Mabel, 1
did not mean to let my feelings out, but
you know, dear Posy," calling her moth
er by Q pet name and kissing the cheek
she was patting, 81 can't keep anything
from you"
always tell me, darling. Don't lock
up your heart to me-"
II can't mother. You carry the key
to it."
aBut, Mabel, dear, answer
one thing. Has Frank fully
committed himself? Has he said any
thing defnite?"
The freight came crimson now to
the window-pane and Mable blushed
deeply.
"0nly-only q few little foolish things
But, Posy, don't ask any thing more.
Here's another kiss for the dearest old
lady in the world. Now, will run. For
Frank will be here this evening, and
Posy, the martyr is going to receive him
lust rs our situation makes it appropriate.
I win dress in calico. I will go to the
door. Will take him into the sitting
room, and Twill be frank"
"Mind you don't get him into the
kitchen in your eagerness, and there he
L. c..v,l--;tb RrS1uof
4. "Don't you worry, Posyw And Mabel
as she ran away, let q sweet, musical
laugh out of her throat which was like
the escape of an imprisoned bobolink.
Posy-and che did look like big,