Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1886-04-26
ANNIE'S LUCKY ERROR.

It was but the Monday previous, at
Mrs. Moore's, that George Berkeley. AFTER
dancing with me twice in succession,
had asked me il he might have the
pleasure of escortins me to the thea're
the next evening.
II should be very happy" But in
stead OF sailing off with him In all the
glory of nv spring attire, was obliged
to tell him, when he called for me, LOOK
ing so handsome, too:
~ regret 1t extremely, but papa wishes
mo To wait a year or two yet before go
out with gentlemen; he thinks me rather
dare say my papa's conscience must
have smote him. or else my doielul looks
troubled him, for as we were hnlshlng
dessert, he said:
{" Annie, II you would like to go to the
theatre tonight, run upstairs anu get
ready. will take you"
After all" said l, as l mounted the
stairs, II can wear my beautiful bonnet;
and perhaps he %eay be theFo-wh0
knows?'
Ere another hour was absorbed in
the misery of poor Elfle Deans. l
turned my head to wipe away the
starting tear when 10! but little
distance from me, sat George Berkeley,
with that odious Marion Raymond!
NV tears remained frozen to my eye
lids and the woes Of Jennie and Ellie
vanished in thin air. -,
When the play was over, rose win
the invincible determination to adlure
bis acquaintance at once and for ever.
IA for ber-detestable creature! The
tears so blinded my eyes, could scarce
ly follow papa through the crowd. he
iropped my arm moment to lind
the carriage, and l stood chilly and
cold in the damp night air, till l heard
ais impatient tone;
Come Annie, quick!'
darted forward, sprang through the
open door, which closed rapidly. and
| ,way we whirled.
Leaning back among the cushions,
| LET nv pride and grief have full sway.
There was q suffocating sensation In my
| throat that caused me to lower the
window by my side, when a gruH voice
exclaimed:
Good heavens, Maria what do you
want any more cold air in here FOR: am
nearly frozen now!
Mcrciful heavens! who was THAR
Who're was II Surely that was not
papas voice.
At this moment ray from passing
yaslight shone upon the opposite seat,
| and to my horror and Gismay, instead
| Of the gray hair and placid brow OF
papa, was mass OF very black hair, q
| heavy moustache, a keen black eye, and
most formidable countenance.
Twas Just about essaying one desperate
shriek-"Papa! papa !"-when my ami
able ris-d-ris spoke again:
Maria, what makes you so sulky?
hope, the next time you go to the theatre
you'll go with one Of your beaux--Elridge
for instance. You'd be sweet enough
for him, / dare say. Maria. are yo'
lsleep?
held my breath in agony.
Who could he be? He surely coul
not have murdered papa and stolen hi
carriage. But this bloodthrsty idea wa
abandoned rs soon las formed, wher
suddenly, clear as the MONDAY, 1t b'
c came apparent. /, in my blindness, ha
= sprung into the wrong carriage! An
"Mariaw Could it be? Yes; she ha
:, doubtless been left on the pavement q
{ the vehicle rolled away.
:. The rain by this time was falling
heavily that the idea of exposing IN.
self to its influence was extreme
agrecable-especially rs l reflect,
it was near twelve o'clock, and
had not the most remote idea of whe
was. Poor papa-what would he THU
had become of me?
Here new thought flashed aero
mc--possibly that unknown Maria Ii
taken my carriage. as l had hers;
SO. papa would bring her back and |
cover me. AS l arrived at this col
forting conclusion, the carriage stoppe
My companion gave me an energet
push, exclaiming:
Come, Maria, wake up! We're homo
nj I nj {,
cepted his offered hand, and stepped o
4 In the binding rain. The carra
quickly rolled away, and l hurried
the steps OF what appeared to be
fine structure.
found myself In a handsome loi
hall, with frescocd walls and inl;
pavement-made disccrnible by Il din
burning light, held 10y mari
nymph that stood in niche OF
staircase.
He locked and barred the heavy dou
doors, and while thus engaged.
thought occurred to me-it was evid'
my height and general appearance
sembled the absent Mara by keep
my face turned l might avoid notice
he went upstairs.
r. would remain in the hall until d.
break, then HE away home.
well, sis" said my companion, ''w
sou dreaming so intcntly that you III
> not awakened yet? hope for
credit of the family you are not Sc
1ambuliSt."
J., yawned sleepily by way OF rel
an. INV and loiteringly pretended to follow
> in up the stairs. With three bounds he
bile vanished.
, !. 7, Now" thought /, as l silently
teei traced my steps to large hall-ch
ide, and seated myself with immense sa
Is faction, "if there are no ghosts orgob
i n,s in this enchanted realm. / shall be ,
and very well content to remain here
morning. Good ta~vons! VIII
that?"
per The gas which had been undisturt
.rts now burned brightly, and looking u
rate saw the Ietreating figure ofmy quunt
companion, minus coat and boots,
,o, heard his football coming down what
n AS pearcd to be back stairway.
for He entered room at the fur
by extremity of the hall, and soon r.
my pearcd with q book in his hand.
rne Doubtless" thought /, "he
return tho same waJ. so l won't
.,,o frightened"
But no! his light firm step C
g., steadily along; and In another MON
with cleaning eyes and pale visag
stood-or rather sat-befre him.
He staggered lack as though he 81