The San Antonio light. (San Antonio, Tex.) 1883-1886, 1885-06-19
UncommonIy Common.
RoBERTINEs ROMANCE HOW SHE
CONCEALED 1T.

mother. who was busy cooking spir-
uicile sort Of supper on the gasoline
stove in the other room.
They leased the entire house. n two
story and basement brick, rather cen
trally located. and relet unfurnished
rooms or suites In such manner as
to clear their own rental while reserv-
ing the double parlors and the joys of
proprietorship.
They were very comfortably arrang-
ed. In the evening. Robertine could
make herself pretty, close the folding
doors, run her fingers lightly over the
keys OF the upright piano, and feel
equal to the entertaining Of the most
eligible gentlemen friends-even Will
fred Wales, Esq. In some respects she
was more at ease with this gentleman
for company than with any one else.
Not because he was unusually hand
somo-beyond the frequency of his new
clOthcs-Or talented or cultured, or
witty; not because Of any subtle charm
In his conversation. like that Of poor
Dick Ethel, whom she had known 50
long. and who. she was forced to admit,
would always remain the same vision
AIRY enthusiast and bohemian. Poor
Dickl Ii he would only quit trying to
make living with his pen. and become
practical member of society-a tailor,
or shoemaker. or something honestl No,
but when Wilfrcd Wales was calling
Robertine knew there would be no af-
ter remarks from her mother. that good
lady being. at such times, content TO re-
tire to peaceful dreams and "A bookcase
bedstead, leaving the young people un-
disturbed.
Mr.. Wales was amoneyed young man,
with further expectations. and Rob
ertno felt il would be the merest folly
to discourage his attentions. She knew
herself thoroughly: knew all her disad-
vantages rad all her little attractive
ness. She had sized herself up long
ago as a moderately pretty brunette. who
could sing and play passably, read "A
French novel without the dictionary,
write n dashing sort Of letter, and dance
all the newest fancies. She never for
got that she had neither fortune nor
family-a blue lookout for any girl of
twenty; that she had talent in no par
ticulnr direction; that she was physical
ly too delicate for continuous labor, be
sides being untitled, 10y ambition, for
the life of n working woman.
Yet sometimes she felt sick of IL all
sick of doing lawyers copying Mt home,
and addressing wrappers by the thous-
and. and schemng how to best spend
the money so earned and how TO con-
struct tho prettcst costume IN which to
attend theatre or promenade concert
with Mr.. Wales. (Often she would far
rather have gone sauntering in the
park, clad in her plain, brown Mother
Hubbard, with Richard Ethel beside
her, and his pleasing fantasies.)
But what could she do to support her
self "Iou can't he clerk in any
store said her mother, lit takes away
girls social position
8 If she has any, said Robertine ironi-
cally.
Meanwhile they had got on very well
without touching the insurance money
received Mt the death of Robertne's la
mented father, which was but a small
sum ut best, and which the mother
would need for herself when once the
daughter was married.
RObertine shook out three pair OF
evening gloves, and said musingly,
snow I'm ready to go anywhere If only
some one invites me-"
"If | were you | wouldn't go with
anybody but Wales" admonished her
mother "If he sees you running
around with common tugs like Dick
Ethel, he'll ship youl" Mrs. Ferris was
often more forcible than elegant, and
always unconscious of nautical ten
denotes. She was a thin, nervous wo-
lllbils MlNll an
for the Oipolloi. She was often heard
to say that she had been struggling for
years to keep her head above water, as
also that of her deceased husband.
Poor mani his head had gone under
ground in spite of herD
Robertine colored. 81 never go with
any one I'm ashamed Of she said, in
dignantly; land as for Mr.. Wales, the
shipping process may be conducted by
the other party"
20, no doubt you feel able to manage
your own affairs. Some folks, when
they have little streak Of luck, act as
If il would never be day with them
closing with pet antiphrasis.
Now, mother, what is the use OF
such TALK Let us eat our supper In
| peace"
And they did; after which, Robertine
having adjusted her toilet, went to the
front windows and drew the curtains
back, admitting the evening breeze
The sun was declining and the sky
Herewith gloriied; she stood where Il
might dazzle her eyes moment, ther
turned away.
Mother, shall l close the folding
doorsg Dick Ethel is coming over"
20, yes; for heavens sake, shut the
doors, so ! needn't hear him EARNING
II 4
time on such COMMON
Robertine banged the doors and los
the remainder.
Come in, Dick" she called, through
the wire window-netting. Don't stol
TO ring.n
you are alone?n he said, smilin,
family as he entered. II thought yoi
might have company
You see for yourself | haven't"
your mother is well, | hopper"
"Quite; and busy, as usual
81 met her on the street to-day, but
do not think she saw me-
Perhaps not. said R1bertine, doubt
fully. remembering l,cI mothers disdaiI
for common atgre. but what mv yol
doing this week, Dicky What is lin
latest romance?"
II haven't done much.n he answered
slowly. "but have thought of so mucl
| would like 10 do. o. have had sucl
beautiful thoughtsl Dreams that
would like you to share with meW
Robertine stirred uneasily.
81 have had thoughts too she said
half lightly. IL have been thinking o
getting married.
lie looked at her in curious way
but did not interrupt, as she went on:
Yes, | have about decided that tn
only thing | can do is, get married"
80 Robeitinel' he said, in a shocke
voice.
you think am joking, Dick, but
am not. ] am taking business view q
the matter. | must find a rich husband
You see | belong to a very good-fol
nothing class; incapable and indolen
yet ambitious for social distinction
mediocre in talent, yet refined in tast'
while my education has been Of such