Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1885-02-04
(WHICH rs IT TO BE?


II am sure don't know "said Adelaide
Berry Grossly to herself, as she stoodbe-
fore the glass, .hurriedly tying on her
plain dark bonnet. and vet.
after all. [ suppose it must be Yes.
Most people would not be able to see
why should hesitate for moment"
But Miss Berry frowned more cross
~ than before as she said this; and
then, having drawn on her gloves, she
forgot that she had been in hurry,
and stood still for a minute by the
dressing table to think. The truth was,
that the worse part of her nature was
trying hard to conquer the better con-
sequently she was feeling by no means
happy or at her ease.
Words came to her, which she had
read to Mrs. Mountebank only that
morning-"No man is bound to be rich
or great; no, nor to be wise; but every
men Is bound to be honest"
And am honest" she said to herself
III low, quiet tone. "Who dares to
say that [ am not?"
She was young woman of seven or
3 eight and twenty, dark complexioned,
and rather sharp featured, fairly good
looking, with black eyes and shining
black hair-very nicely, yet. at the same
time, very plainly arranged; for Mrs.
Mountebank, with whom she lived as
companion, would have found fault at
once If the slightest sign of curl or
braid had appeared, even on an after
noon like the present, when the two
were going out together to drink tea at
the viearage.
Miss Berry," called somewhat ir-
ritable voice now. Il hope you have
nearly finished your dressing! I have
been ready these five minutes!'
And Adelaide hurried out, thinking
to herself:
Il should be foolish indeed if [ said
No I am getting more and more
tired every day of this kind of life; and
yet"
But now she had reached the hall,
and ab the open door stood Mrs. Mounte-
bank-a little old lady, with a pale face
and white curls, and robed in rustling
black silk, over which a white shawl
with lavender border showed to adyant-
age.
The two were soon in the lane; and
there, only few hundred yards dis
tant, was the vicarage-a little, brown,
old-fashioned building, almost hidden
by trees.
And very near it was another house,
also partially hidden by trees, larger
and certainly far handsomer house, with
an imposing white front. More than
once Adelaide glanced in It's direction,
but Mrs. Monntebank did not observe
her.
The sky was dull, the air was chill,
but the ground was dry and both ladies
felt that the short walk was refreshing
and cheering them. But they spoke
scarcely word as they went; they saw
SO much Of each other that they really
had very little TO say.
They arrived at the vicarage. and
were presently seated at the table
in the bright, cheerful drawing
room, and being talked to by the kind
but absent-minded vicar occasionally;
and by his busy, happy little wife con
tinually.
And now Miss Berry felt that she
might consider herself relieved for a
time from her duties as companion.
Mrs. Mountebank, being an old inhabi-
tant of the village, would find enough
to talk about-with Mrs. Leighton
some time; and very possibly would
even forget her companions presence.
AS Adelaide (even more silent than
usual this evening, Mrs. Leigh thought
herr slipped her tea very leisurely and
composedly to all appearance, the door
was thrown open and Mr.. Stapleton
announced-a tall, thin gentleman,
with face as dreamy and gentle as the
wears own. And Adelaide started Wis
IDLY and spilled few drops of tea upon
the pretty, bright table cover. But no
one observed her, for all were busy in
welcoming the newcomer, who was
person of no small Importance in the
village, being both rich and benevolent.
He was also unmarried, and, as far as
was known, disengaged.
AS he went round shaking hands the
gentleman was, in slow, kindly voice,
making his excuses for being late. But
no one appeared especially to regard
them; the wonder would have been had
he been in time, for, as every one who
knew him was aware, he was punctual
only in being unpunctual.
II am afraid entirely lost myself in
box of new books which I received TO-
day." he said. 81 am very much asham-
cd to own it; but it is better to tell the
truth at once"