Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-05-10

AFTER a few moments OF inaudible
conversation, the voices grew louder
and still louder, until the occupants Of
Mrs. Vandevillc's room. in their ex-
citement, exhibited signs of immediate
betrayal.
That lady made an imperious gcs-
ture, and the eavesdroppers listened
breathlessly to the following dialogue.
II will hear no more, l tell you.
What have to live forp l placed my
honor in your hands, and how have you
repaid mep"
'Indeed, Harold, have always
loved you, always been faithful to
you!"
"Harold!" echoed Mrs. Courtenay.
the Vandevilles dearest friend. Then
his name isn't Frank, after alp"
"Hushr'
The stern voice continues:
"Oh, Marion!"
"Marion!' calculated Mrs. Courte-
nay in horror, "why, she said her name
was Eleanor"
"Hushr' 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 handp What is this letter, but an
avowal of love for the man whom l
have taken by the hand and called
friend, and who deceived me beneath
the very roof we both called home"
"Gracious me!' whispered Miss
Merton, a gentle spinster OF forty. ale
must mean Brother Fred. You know
how outrageously she flirted with
him."
"Silencen' 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 l can ex-
plain ALL"
"How dreadful!' 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 welcome 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. WinsuIn's
door, from which faint cry was at
this instant audible.
Emboldened by this sound, Mr.. Van
deville 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 yellow-covered book.
'.Oh, my" said the little woman,
springing up. .'Is this a surprise
partyP 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 good idea to arrange
series of private theatricals; but, as
you have caught us reading over a
you shall be taken into the
secret at once; therefore a
dramatic gesture-'enter all and
choose your parts"
II 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, don't understand you.
What characters do you mean?"
Those of busy and fools;"
and there upon the whole story came
out.
The next day two trunks marked
Vaudeville" were conveyed to the
station, Mr. and Mrs. Winsum became
greater favorites than ever, and roar
ing farce was the only result of what
promised to become Almost Tragedy.