Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1888-05-26

Ic'8 H1~
length of limb in addition to the hand
some bearded head with which we were
already familiar. Mrs. Morton was still
In mourning, but she had discarded the
widows bonnet, and wore small straw
hat, similar to Mabel's. My mother
went over to Freda and kissed her affec-
tionately, speaking some words of con-
graduation, and then, turning to the
stranger, greeted him also, addressing
him as Mr.. Morton
"My name is Heath" he said, in 8
quiet, we'll bred voice; and then Mabel,
seeing the look of blank establishment
in my mothers face, struck in
sour brother, Mrs. Leslie. Just come
home from Australia
sYour brother2 Winifred, my dear,
l beg your pardon. I am sorry for hav-
ing distressed you" for Freda was sob
bling Historically, with, it seemed to me,
more laughter than tears in her eyes.
''She is distressed, because she is
ashamed, Mrs. Leslie" said Mr.. Heath.
81 have come here to-day to insist upon
both my sisters making full acknowledge
ment of the deception they have prac-
ticed upon your family, and beg that you
will kindly make it known to anyone
whom it may concern"
'sDeception2"
''Winifred's passing herself as a
widow. She is not married"
''Not married! then Mr.. Morton"
To Co., I'd II 11n
ieved, that living alone they would have
more freedom if one of them were
widow, and Winifred, being already in
mourning for my grandfather. whose re-
cent death had left them homeless,
bought widows cap, and called herself
Mrs. Morton. The false position once
assumed was not easily abandoned, al
though it led them into more absolute
deceit than they had at all foreseen.
They now wish to explain the matter to
you as their chief friend in Longmede,
and to ask your pardon for having de-
ceived you"
''The deception has not affected us
much, said my mother. "Your sister
would have been quite as welcome here
under her true name. How did such q
suggested it to youa"
cit was only on our way through Lon
don that thought of it." said Freda.
''Mabel and went into jays to buy
hats, and while we were choosing them,
I saw little widows bonnet on the ia
bic, and tried it on. It suited me ex-
actly, and Mabel said: What pity you
are not widow, Freda! you look SO nice
in weeds, and if you were, we should
both be far more Independent than we
can be as young ladies. The idea Of pre-
tending to be q widow came into my
mind then, and I thought it would be
good fun. Mabel did not like it, but I
made her consent. We bought widows
cap and bonnet; we were already In
mourning for grandfather, and I deter
mined to call myself Morton. It really
is my name-Winifred Morton Heath.
We talked so much to each other about
Mr.. Morton that we came half to believe
in him, and to be rather fond of him.
We did not understand at first how diff
cult it would be to keep up the pretense,
or how many lies we should have to tell.
I was many time longing to tell you the
truth, but was afraid"
"I am sorry you did not, my dear,
said my mother gravely. "However;
that cannot be helped now. Did you
expect your brother2"
ssNo, not at all. His coming was quite
. surprise. He walked suddenly into
the drawing room, and found me in .
widows cap"-she laughed somewhat
hysterioally.
sYou must have been startled, Mr..
Heath2''
81 was startled at first, I" he said, 'tand
when learned the truth I was shocked.
I did not think either of my sisters
would have been capable of such syste- |
matic deceit. 1 was determined that
at least would not be Q party to it.
This visit is also to say goodbye, Mrs.
Leslie, he added. 'sMY sisters accom-
pany me to London this evening. They
win scarcely find Longmede . pleasant
residence, once the truth IL known. /
am remaining in England for . year,
and for that time, at least, they are
better with me. / cannot understand
Why" he added, ssyou were 30 ready to
ton" with an expression that made him
for the moment like Freda.
eve saw your photograph" I said.
hesitatingly.
"Did she show me a. Mortoni" he /
asked.
ssMAbel did.
81 beg your pardon" mid Nabels
m.ye v0ica. ssYou assumed that The
portrait vas that Of Freda,s husband.
ana I did mot contradict you. You vsEo