Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1885-07-23
ALMOST A TRAGEDY.


of music welcomed them upon their
arrival, for as the hotel coach drove up
to the door, Mr.. and Mrs. Winsum, the
sole occupants, stepped out to the tune
of ..See the Conquering Hero Comes"
one of the various melodies with which
the numerous guests of the Mountain
House were entertained on pleasant
afternoons.
Dark hair and eyes, well-cut feat
ures, broad shoulders, five feet ten,
such was Mr.. Frank Winsum, who
sprang first from the clumsy vehicle
and assisted little lady with golden
hair, violet eyes, perfect complexion,
retrousse nose-Mrs. Frank Winsum.
The bridal couple, for such they
proved to be, were received with undis-
guised satisfaction.
We were getting tired of the despotic
control exercised by Mrs. Vaudeville,
tall dignified woman exceedingly
slender, with a Roman nose, piercing
black eyes, and an imperious manner,
which overawed most of us, more par
ticularly her husband, meek little
man, who was terror in his Office
and slave at home.
She had directed the social element
of Mountain House for a month past,
and had so completely subjected its in
mates, that 1 fancy we hardly ventured
to take drive before consulting her as
to the best road.
Mrs. Vaudeville, who was the mater
nal parent of two auburn-haired daugh-
ters, eyed the fascinating bride with
cold suspicion.
"Who are these personss" she said
in severe tone, looking round her
small circle of adherents. "We cannot
be too careful. We are wives" this with
scathing look at her timid spouse
sand mothers" casting sentimental
glance at her fair Progeny, who imme-
diately began to whisper ''and it is
due to our families that we should find
out exactly who these Winsums are be-
fore allowing ourselves to become init
mate with them."
Although fully agreeing with their
leader that evening, the next day an
introduction to the enemy completely
routed their prejudices, and one and
all shamelessly went over to the
other side without instituting a single
enquiry as to their antecedents, or, in
fact, asking anything about them.
Mrs. Vaudeville accepted the situa-
ton, but it was evident she did not in-
tend to relinquish the field without a
struggle.
She had chosen the picturesque spots
for picnics, superintended the ice
cream parties, occuaied the post of
honor in all the rides, led the songs in
a high soprano key during our moon
light sails; therefore it is hardly to be
wondered at that she failed to yield
gracefully to the younger and prettier
woman, but on the contrary cherished
a feeling of bitterness, and determined
to be avenged upon her lovely rival.
We were located at a sort of farm
house hotel almost on the top of the
| Murdock mountain, in Sullivan county.
| There were not more than forty board
ers-just enough to make a pleasant
party.
Before the advent of the Winsums it
was divided, each clique endeavoring
to supersede the other, jealous, and in
many ways quarrelsome. But somehow
this bright little couple soon changed
all that.
They were not well off, that was GER
tain, and occupied the cheapest room
in the house. The brides dresses,
though fitting exquisitely, were made
Of the plainest materials, here and
there trimmed with a bit of ribbon,
which, together with her piquante
beauty, made her entirely charming.
They were both brimming over with
talent.
Frank possessed an inexhaustible
fund of clever songs, ard, with good
baritone voice and excellent knowledge
of music, accompanied himself to
everybody's satisfaction.
As for little Mrs. Frank she was
really wonderful. She invented delight
full games for the children, taught the
girls the newest and most intricate
stitches in crochet, drew exquisite
sketches of tho prettiest views about
the vicinity, and, in fact, proved posi-.
lively invaluable.
Mrs. Vaudeville became Sullen with
disappointment, and finally declined to
| join us in any of our innocent amuse.
ments.
| Summer waned, as tho poets say,
and we were beginning to meet al
breakfast-time with questioning looks
and "What shall we do nextp" written
upon every face. No one had anything
new to propose, and our social circle
seemed at q standstill.'
During the week Mrs. Vaudeville
maintained a mysterious silence that
aroused suspicion, and presently vague
whispers were circulated to the effect
that the fascinating Winsums were moi
what they appeared to be; that theii
affection In public was a delusion.
i This dreadful rumor demanded in.
slant investigation.
i Az a matter of course. the ladies