The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1890-08-08
Uncommonly Common.
ROBERTINEs ROMANCE HOW SHE
CONCEALED 1T.

clarcd She deteStCd. Its quite rs bad
aS common benZine." she said to her
mother, who was busy cooking Spir-
Iuelte sort of supper on the gasoline
stove in the other room.
They leased the entire house, a two
story and basement brick. rather CEN
tralIy located. and relet unfurnished
rooms or suites in such manner rs
To clear their own rental while reServ-
ing the double parlors and the joys OF
prOpretorShlp.
They were very comfortably arrang-
ed. In the evening, Robertine could
make herself pretty, close the folding
doors, run her fingers lightly over the
keys of the upright piano, and feel
equal to the entertaining Of the most
eligible gentlemen friendS-even Will
fred Wales, Esq. In some respects she
was more at ease with this gentleman
for company than with any one else.
Not because he was unusually hand
Somc-bcyond the frequency of his new
clothes-Or talented, or cultured, or
witty; not because of any subtle charm
in his conversation, like that of poor
Dick Ethel, whom she had known so
long, and who. she was forced to admit,
would always remain the same vision
airy enthusiast and Bohemian. Poor
Dick! II he would only quit trying to
maks xnS %s hlf 5f and bssH%e ssif1f
or shoemaker, or something honest! No,
but when Wilfred Wales was calling
Robcrtinc knew there would be no af-
ter remarks from her mother, that good
lady being, ut such times, content to re-
tire to peaceful dreams and bookcase
bedstcad. leaving the young people un-
disturbed.
with further expectations" and Rob
ertine felt it wOhld be the mereSt folly
to discourage his attentions. She knew
herself thoroughly; knew all her disad-
vantages and all her little attractive
ness She had sized herself up long
ago as a moderately pretty brunette, who
could sing and play passably, read
French novel without the dictionary,
write dashng sort Of letter, and dance
got that she had neither fortune nor
family-a blue lookout for any girl Of
twenty: that she had talent in no par
ticular direction; that she was physical
ly too delicate for continuous labor, be
sides being untitled, by ambition, for
the life of Il workinG-woman.
Yet sometimes she felt sick of it all
sick of doing LAWYERS, copying at home,
and addressing wrappers by the thouS-
and. and Schcming how to best spend
the money SO earned and how to con-
struct the prettlest costume in which to
attend theatre or promenade concert
with Mr.. Wales. (Often she would far
rather have gone saunterlng III the
park, clad in her plain, brown Mother
Hubbard with Richard Ethel beside
her, and his pleasing fantasies.)
self? you can't be clerk in any
store" said her mother, lit takes away
girls social position"
"If she has any" said Robertine ironi-
cally.
Meanwhile they had got on very we'll
without touching the insurance money
received at the death Of Robertine's Ia
mented father, which was but a small
sum at best, and which the mother
would need for herself when once the
daughter was married.
Robertinc shook out three pair OF
evening gloves. and said musingly,
NOW nj ready to go anywhere II only
some one invites me-"
IF were you wouldn't 60 with
mother. IF he sees you running
around with common tugs like Dick
Ethel, he'll ship you" Mrs Ferris was
often more forcibie than elegant, and
always unconscious of nautical ten
dencies. She was thin, nervous wo-
man. with an extraordinary contempt
for the OipOllOi. She was often heard
to say that she had been struggling for
years to keep her head above water, as
also that of her deceased husband.
(Poor man. his head had gone under
ground in spite of her!)
Robertine colored. Il never go with
any one In ashamed Of she said, in
dignantly: land rs for Mr.. Wales, the
shipping process may be conducted by
the other party"
20, no doubt you feel able to manage
your own affairs. Some folks, when
they have a little streak of luck, act as
CIUSlnS with n pei 'o.IILi llu aois.
Now, mother, what is the use of
such talk? Let us eat our supper in
peace"
And they did; after which, Robertine
having adjusted her toilet. went to the
back, admitting the evening breeze.
The sun was declining and the sky
Herewith gloriticd; she stood where it
might dazzle her eyes moment, then
turned away
Mother, shall / close the folding
doors? Dick Ethel is coming over"
20, yes: for heavens sake, shut the
doors, so | needn't hear him EARNING.
If were you wouldn't fool away my
time on such common"
Robertinc banged the doors and lost
the remainder.
Come in, Dick" she called, through
the wire window-netting. Don't stop
| to ring"
"I ou are alone?" he said, smiling
family, as he entered. II thought you
might have company"
on see for yourself / haven't"
* our mother is well, / hope?"
] Quite; and busy, as Usual"
Il n2Ixler on the Street to-day, but l
| do notyknk She saw me-"
| Perhaps not, said Robertinc, doubt
| fully. remembering her mothers disdain
for common attire. "But what are you
doing this week, Dick? What is the
latest romance?"
| 81 haven't done much" lie answered
slowly, but have thought of so much
| | would like to do. O. have had such
beautiful thoughts. Dreams that I
| would like you to share with mcv'
| Robertine stirred uneasly
| have had thoughts too" she said,
| half lightly. Il have been thinking of
| getting married"
| lie looked at her in a curious way,
Dut dld not interrupt, as she went on:
| eS, have about decided that the
only thing | can do ia ppt married -