The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-03-06
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ming of her nap.
1t was the dog that awoke her. There
he was, flying round and round to room,
dragging after him what looked like,
yes, most decidedly like--the head Of
Mrs. Bolton!
Mrs. Langley sprang up, for no other
lady at the hotel had precisely that shade
and color of hair. 1t was--good heavens,
1t is wig!
Here was a discovery. indeed! And
light of mingled surprise, amusement
and triumph sparkled in the eyes Of the
handsome brunette, as she surveyed the
unexpected prize.
Then, with tile wig in her hand, she
softly gllded into the passage, paused
outside Mrs. Belton's door, and took a
cautious peep within.
There reclined the fair. plump, little
widow herself, fair still, though her
snowy complexion and delicate features
were set of by only thin mist of short,
golden hair, which, If twisted all to-
gether, would not have made q strand
as large as her little finger.
Mrs. Langley gently tossed the ruined
wig upon the floor, and retired to her
own room, closed the door securely on
Puck.
Mrs. Belton did not come down to
tea, though her aunt did. The old lady
seemed considerably upset, and glanced
suspieiously round upon the faces Of the
ladies.
But all looked so innocent, and all
especially Mrs. Langley-inquired so
naturally as to the cause of her niece's
absence, that her doubts were quieted.
They could know nothing about it.
1t was lovely moonlight night, and
there was music and dancing in the
saloon. and promenading on the lake
terrace.
Mrs. Bolton, listening to the music,
grew tired of staying in her own room.
She could not possibly show herself in
public for day or two, in which time
she could have her wig restored to its
normal condition.
Why, therefore, should she not take
advantage of the moonlight obscurity
to enjoy herself as she might be per-
Mrs. Langley stared, and the major
frightened, as they saw her step upon
the terrace. Her face was shaded by
the folds Of silk scarf, which, falling
to her shoulders, entirely concealed
her head. Thus, she said, she must
protect herself from the dews and the
breezes.
They were all seated in a group when
Mrs. Langley said:
Did you ever see the Indian scarf
dance, Mrs. Gaylord2'
Mrs. Gaylord had not; and the major
begged a description OF 1t.
Il would show It to you if I had a
scarf, or if Mrs. Belton would be good
enough to lend me hers for moment
The blonde widow colored in the
moonlight, and murmured something
about taking cold
You could not not possibly take cold
in this summer air, and you shall have
my zephyr, said Mrs. Langley, with her
sweetest and most persuasive smile.
What could Mrs. Bolton do? How
could she refuse, will the eyes of all up
on her, and especially the majors eyes,
who already looked little surprised at
her hesitancy.
Suddenly thought dashed upon her.
She raised her eyes and looked steadily
at her rival. She saw it all in mo
ment; her secret had been discovered,
and tomorrow, without doubt, it would
be made known.
For an instant her heart failed her;
but then she nerved herself to a brave
resolve.
4 am very sorry that I cannot let you
have the scarf she said, In voice
which faltered despite herself.
Why? persisted her mercilcss tor
mentor, with an air of innocent sur
prise.
'Because'-it was hard to say, after
all-'because have not my wig on
Flora! gaspcd Mrs. Gaylord,
4 shall have 10 make clean breast
of it, she said, with a little laugh.
'one Of the ladies' pet dogs--was it not
yours, Mrs. Lang!y?-sot hold of my
wig this evening, and has completely
spoiled it,
The major turned bis eyes upon her
with sudden and glad surprise.
so you wear wig, madam! So do I.
How rejoicOd am to find lady who
happens to be in the same predicameut
as myself! Why, would have married
long ago but for the haunting fear of
shocking my bride with the knowledge
of my bald head
Then there was a tableau! Mrs. Bel
ton blushed and smiled-a glad smile,
the major looked delighted, and Mrs.
Langley's face was white as she turned
away.