The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1889-05-11
CHAPTER w.

1t was about the middle of May
Then Robin first put in her appearance
amongst us; by tho first of June she
seems to have installed herself at Pod
raore. The old house has in great
measure lost its gloom. Even the
dark oak staircase seems brighter,
now that her buoyant, light-robed
figure is forever fitting up and down
its shallow steps. Windows, long
shut, stand open to the merry sum
shine, punches of bright-hued flowers
rect one face to face in out-of-the-
way corners. Ripples of joyous laugh
ter echo through the formerly silent
rooms, and the somewhat stiff piano
keys arc beguiled into rafting dance
music and stirring marches.
Robin fits in and out, here, there,
and OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES, CHEEKY, i'm
pertinent, like her very name-sake.
She wins aunt Louis's heart by a
ready sympathy in all household mat
tcrs and an evident appreciation of the
many dainty dishes which she knows
so well how to prepare, and which
have hitherto been uncared for and
untouched by her unsatisfactory niece
and nephew. By dint of her untiring
energy and perseverance, Robin draws
John occasionally into almost spirited
arguments. He never grows really
angry with her, and but seldom even
brings the shaft of his satire into play
against her ready wit. He treats her
condescendingly, and smiles at her
o. orlowing animal spirits in superb
or kind of way, as he would smile at
the petulance or sauciness of a child.
AS for myself, / seem to have lost
my identity. Instead of creeping
about the house, languid and low
spirited, spend half my time in the
open air. Robin ruthlessly insists
upon changing the style of my hair.
and, after overhauling my wardrobe
informs me, with curling lip. that
there is not q dress in my collection
Juvenile enough for woman of forty.
So she has her way; and a week after
my friends arrival sees me arrayed
in dresses more becoming my age.
As l survey myself robed in a morn
ing gown of spotless white, / remark:
"You know Robin, never did care
much about dress, so l have always
left the matter entirely in the hands OF
the dressmaker.n
who loaded you with flounces and
fringes to her hearts DESIRE" laughs
Robin. "Of course it is very high
minded and superior not to care how
you look, but at the same time don't
you think it is a trifle hard on your
triends?n
II should hope my friends are above
caring what dresses l wear!" is my
rather scornful reply.
"You vain creature!" cries Robin,
looking quite shocked. '.Of course
we know diamond is a diamond,
whether set in gold or brass-and a
beauty beauty, whether she dresses
IN sackcloth or muslin-only ordinary
commonplace people like the gold and
the muslin BEST
"How can there be vanity in not
caring for dress?" protested.
at is the very height of vanity-it
shows that you think yourself above
1ress. There, now, don't scold-don't
scold! / am sure you ought not, for
you look scrumptious in white--posi-
lively scrumptious! I should not
Wonder in the least if Harry kissed
you ten minutes without stopping"
''How can you, Robinp Harry new
En-"
well, neyer-whatp" asks, Robin,
ooking at me with mischievous eyes.
Never what9-now, speak the truth. y