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


his wife, hearing strange sounds issue
from the Winsums' room, which ad-
Joined theirs, considered it duty to
society to listen, and in consequence
thereat had heard the most dreadful
things, adding, under his breath, at
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 a late hour the same night,
not only to verify Mr.. Vandeville'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 be 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 few moments of inaudible
conversation, the voices grew louder
and still louder, until the occupants of
Mrs. Vandeville's room, in their ex-
citemcnt, exhibited signs of immediate
betrayal.
That lady made an imperious ges-
ture, and the eavesdroppers listened
breathlessly to the following dialogue.
II will hear no mere, | tell you.
What have to live for? 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"
"Hush!'
The stern voice continued:
"Oh, Marion''
"Marion!" calculated Mrs. Courte-
nay in horror, ''why, she said her name
was Eleanor"
"Hush!" murmured the assembled
party again.
"Oh, Marion, you dare not assert
your innocence, knowing that 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, gentle spinster of forty. "He
must mean Brother Fred. You know
how outrageously she fiirted with
him."
"Silencer' said Mrs. Vaudeville.
Harold, have mercy; do not shut
me out from your heart. See, upon
my knees I plead to you. In memory
of the many happy hours we have been
together, listen to me, and can ex-
plain ALL"
"How dreadful!' gasped Miss Mer-
ton; "and 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 ar
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 nc
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
door, from which faint cry was a
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 tht
party.
The picture that confronted then
was decidedly embarrassing. Franl
Winsum comfortably ensconced in g
capacious rocking-chair, held his small
wife upon his knee. Her fair arm wal
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. sis this a surprise
partyp Frank dear, put on your coat
she ratified on: ''You see, we came t,
our room early this evening, becaus
we were getting up little plan fo
something new; so we've concluded j
ould be good idea to arrange
series of private theatricals; but, a
YOU have caught us reading over
p!ay-book, you shall be taken into tn
secret at once; therefore"
dramatic gesture-"enter all ant
choose your parts. :"
Il think, my dear Mrs. Winsum, tina
we already have the characters bes
suited to u.s." said Mr.. Courtonay
who was honestly ashamed of his shar
in the conspiracy.
"Why, | don't understand you
What characters do you meanp"
Those of busybodies and fools;'
and there upon the whole story cam
out.
The next day two trunks marked
"Vandeville' were conveyed to tn
station, Mr. and Mrs. Winsum becam
greater favorites than ever, and roar
inp farce was the only result of Wha