The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1885-04-09

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society to listen, and in consequence
thereat had heard the most dreadful
things, adding, under his breath, .'It
makes my blood run cold to think of it,
and YOU must excuse me, for | will say
no more. -
This was enough. Several guests
who still remained loyal to the Vande-
vile colors congregated in that lady's
room at late hour the same night,
not only to verify Mr.. Vandevilie's
statement, but also to crafty their
own curiosity.
The door of a large closet which
separated the two rooms was purpose
ly left open, and ordinary conversation
could De easily heard.
Mrs. Vaudeville looked virtuous and
Important her husband disgusted and
abashed. A tiny clock on the mantel
chimed eleven. A slight rustling could
be distinguished. and the listeners be-
came interested.
Suddenly low voice broke the op-
pressive stiffness; but the confused
tumble OF undertones was too indis-
tinct, and disappointment was plainly
visible on every countenance.
After a few moments of inaudible
conversation, the voices grew louder
anu still louder, until the occupants of
Mrs. Vandeville's room, in their ex-
citement, exhibited signs of immediate
betrayal.
That lady made an imperious ges-
ture, and the eavesdroppers listened
breathlessly to the following dialogue.
Il will hear no more, | tell you.
What have ! to live for? l placed my
honor in your hands, and how have you
repaid me?"
Indeed, Harold, | have always
loved you, always been faithful to
your
"Haroldr' echoed Mrs. Courtenay.
the Vandeyilles dearest friend. Then
his name ism t Frank, after all?'
"Hushr'
The stern voice continued:
"Oh, Marion'
"Marionw calculated Mrs Courte-
nay in horror, why, she said her name
was Eleanor "
''Hushn' murmured the assembled
party again.
'.Oh, Marion, you dare not assert
your innocence, knowing that l hold
the actual proof of your guilt here in
my hand? What is this letter, but an
avowal of love for the man whom
have taken by the hand and called
friend, and who deceived me beneath
the very roof we both called home"
''Gracious mel whispered Miss
Merton, gentle spinster of forty. ''He
must mean Brother Fred. You know
how outrageously she flirted with
him.
"Silence!" said Mrs. Vaudeville.
Harold, have mercy; do not shut
me out from your heart See. upon
my knees plead to you. In memory
of the many happy hours we have been
together, listen to me, and can ex-
plain all"
''How dreadfulr'' gasped Miss Mer-
ton; land they pretended to be bri-
dal couple"
Enough! not one word. Tonight
you leave me for ever"
''Oh, this won't do at all, cried Mr..
Courtenay, who was usually an ex-
tremely quiet and punctilious man.
''Something must be done. The pro-
priety of this establishment ought to be
maintained. A departure at such an
hour would be ruinous and create diSa-
greeable gossip. Mr.. Vaudeville, you
must knock at these peoples door and
tell them all is known, they will be more
than welqkme to make their leave, but
by all means beg them to make no
disturbance at midnight. We will fol-
low and endorse anything that you
may consider proper to say.
The party fell in line, and in another
moment were facing Mrs. Winsum's s
door, from which faint cry was at
this instant audible.
Emboldened by this sound, Mr.. Van
devllle raped hastily, and hearty
Come in!' responded.
Pushing her husband aside, and
drawing Mr.. Courtenay by the arm,
Mrs. Vaudeville entered the room, fol-
lowed closely by the remainder of the
party.
The picture, that confronted them
was decidedly embarrassing. Frank
Winsum comfortably ensconced in
capacious rocking-chair, held his small
wife upon his knee. Her fair arm was
about his neck, her golden hair mingled
with his chestnut curls as their two
heads bent over a yellow-covered book.
''Oh, my"' said the little woman,
springing up. ''Is this surprise
party? Frank dear, put on your coat,
she ratified on: You see, we came to
our room early this evening, because
we were getting up little plan for
something new; so we've concluded it
would be a good idea to arrange a
series of private theatricals; but, as
you have caught US reading over a
play you shall be taken into the
secret at once; therefore" e"-with a
dramatic gesturc-'enter all and
choose your parts.
Il think, my dear Mrs. Winsum, that
we already have the characters best
suited to u.s." said Mr.. Courtenay,
who was honestly ashamed of his share
in the conspiracy.
why, l don't understand you.
What characters do you mean?"
Those of busybodies and FOOLS"
and there upon the whole story came
out.
The next day two trunks marked
''Nandeville" We're conveyed to the
station, Mr. and Mrs. Winsum became
greater fayorites than ever, and roar
ing farce was the only result of what
promised to become Almost Tragedy.