The Portland daily press., 1889-11-30
CURING A FLIRT.
BY MARK TAPLEY.
written for the Press. ]

Written for the Press.l
"Oh, Motheri" exclaimed Alice Burdett, |
as she bounced into the kitchen. her face ra-
diant with smiles and her eyes, as usual. |
sparkling with mischief, "Don't you think, |
that imp of Josh Helburn has invited me |
70 attend the picnic with him tomorrow on
Poplar Ridge. The idea! Wonder who he
took me for. That good-for-nothing iacka-
napes Did he for moment suppose |
would be seen in.his company, and. much
more, riding in that old ferry-boat cart,
drawn by razor-backed dromedary like Old
Sukie," ard driven by such horrid-looking
Not much, IL know myself"
The person addressed stood at the ironing
table preparing fine muslin dress for her
daughters benefit ON the above-named occa-
sion. IL being the annual 4th Of July gather
ing which, from ng-followed custom, had
become quite indispensable ana was even
attended by nearly the entire population of
the towns of O. and H which were
divided by a narrow stream known as Crook
cd river. Placing her fatiron on the rest,
she turned slowly toward the speaker and
with most significant glance so full of
meaning asked what answer she gave to his
Invitation.
"Why, told him would go.of course" re-
piled the thoughtless girl, in high glee. but
ct that moment she observed the stern and
reproving glance of her mother and turned
quickly away to hide the blush which suf-
fused her countenance.
sand still you hadn't the least idea of
doing So" continued the mother.
"Why, no indeed" returned Alice, ''you
must needs know hadn't"
"Do you think it just and commendable for
you to 90 on In the way you have for long
time, making promises which you have not
the least intention of fulfilling. 1t is with
pain and the most serious apprehensiOns, I
have viewed your wayward course which
sooner or later must bring both you and
your parents to shame and disgrace. Now
Alice, from this day forward 1 shall require
Of you the redemption of each and every pro-
mise you may make. so you must 60 with
him.
"Ol Mother dear. l beg. don'tw exclaimed
Alice raising both hands in an attitude of
duplication, and her eyes filled with tears.
"You shall go with Joshua" replied the
mother In a firm and emphatic tone, $50 let
that suffice"
Well knowing there was no appeal from
the decision so firmly given. she turned
quickly about and fed up the stairway to her
own room, threw herself upon the bed and
burying her face in the pillows burst into
passionate food of tears. The truth was
Alice had become a confirmed flirt. Being
of one of the most wealthy and arristocratic
families In town, her society and favor was
sought by most of the youngsters far and
near. No matter who invited her to ride,
walk, or sail, her answer was the same, O
yes, indeed she would be most happy to &C.
company them and even delighted, but when
the time arrived would frame some excuse
and the next day boast to her companion of
how she had fooled them. Her kind and
heretofore indulgent mother had frequent
told her of the cruelty and bad tendency Of
such practices but all to no purpose, and
viewing this as golden opportunity EN-
braced it for the of curing her daughter o.
this pericious habit. Lady BuIdetta as she wa
Familiarity called, was a kind and affectionatt
parent, and possessed of both frmness ant
decision. Ia matters pertaining to family
discipline, her word was law, and when she
arrived at a conclusion there was no appeal
Josua after receiving the assurance that i
would give Alice the greatest pleasure to at
tend the picnic In his delightful company, RAJ
home in high glee and lost no time in inform
ing his fond mother of his good fortune VIII,
in return congratulated him highly and ex
pressed a hope that match might be tn,
out come, "But what shall wear" quere,
Josh, "You know l want to look prett,
slick. / shall have to ask Dad for Old Suki,
Ispose."
"Why sartin replied the mother and III e,
about fixing your buds just as soon as W,
have supper"
AS soon as they were comfortably seated
at the frugal table, Josh preached the sub
tect without hesitation, "Say, Dad, can
have Old Sukie to carry Alice Burdett t.
. pinto tomorrow"
"Alice Burdett" exclaimed farme
Helbarn. In establishment "Why, Josh ar
you 10 earnest or jcking?"
Earnest, Dad" replied Josh, "For sartil
she promised to 90 with me and said sh,
would be glad too.
"Why yes indeed" replied the father s'yo,
can have the mare and wagon, but don't v,
drive fast. and you must get up early in th,
morning SO as to milk and help your mothe
about churning
Farmer Helburn. though possessed of
large estate besides having large bank &C
count, was ignorant, nrrrow minded ant
selfish. BY degrees he had become so mr.
row-minded and penurious as to scarcel,
afford himself and family the common com
forts Of life. consequently luxuries were en-
tirely out of the question. His only child
Josh, had been most unfortunate from hi
earliest childhood. Certain deformite.
caused by an accident of his early
youth together with his diminitiv,
figure and hating gait from the bat
setting OF br.ken leg. rendered him mos
conspicuous and pitiful object to behold
But he was lion In strength and courage
while his beligerent disposition and disre
GARD for common ciyilty, rendered him ar
object OF hatred and contempt.
The next morning, to the CONSERVATION n,
most Of the young people especially, dawnet
misty and cloudy with every appearance NJ
an approaching storm. But not So will
Alice. Springing quickly from her coucf
she gazed for a moment upon the lowerins
sky, and then. with ray of hope illuminat
ing her Responding heart for the first time IL
her life, she uttered heartfelt prayer tina
the storms might relieve her from the engage
ment. But as the prayers of the wicked ar,
seldom heard, so the misty clouds soor
passed away and the sun shone forth in al
his accustomed splendor. Alice kept he
room. however. without making the leas
move toward getting ready t, r the proposed
rae. People were seen in crowds passinl
toward the grove which had been prepared
for their reception.
boon the voice of her mother was heard q
tue stairway calling her to make haste ant
carly bird. >''' ~ w.