Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1890-04-12
U%ncommonIy Common.
R0BERTINE's RoMAECE-How she
CONCEALED 1T,

-
Robertine had finished cleaning her
gloves. and was putting away the bits
or old flannel and tho "deodorizedn
fluid, whose faint hatefulness che de-
clared she detested. Its quite as bad
as common benZine." she said 20 her
mother, who was busy cooking a spir-
ttuette sort OF supper on the gasoline
stove In the other room.
They leased the entire house, a two
story and basement brick, rather CEN
trally located, and relet unfurnished
rooms or suites In such a manner as
TO clear their own rental while reserv-
ing the double parlors and the joys of
proprietorship.
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
some-beyond 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 sc
long, and who, she vas forced TO admit,
would always remain the same vision
airy enthusiast and Bohemian. Poor
Dick! If he would only quit trying to
make a living with his pen, and become
a practical member OF society-a tailor,
or shoemaker, or something honestl No,
but when Wilfred Wales was calling
Robertine knew there would be no af-
ter remarks from her mother. that good
lady being, at such times, content to re-
tire to peaceful dreams and a bookcase
bedstead. leaving the young people I'M
disturbed.
Mr.. Wales was a moneyed young man.
with further expectations" and Rob
ertine felt it would 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 a
French novel without the dictionary,
write a dashing sort Of letter, and dance
all the newest fancies. She never for
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
~ too delicate for continuous labor, be
sides being united, by ambition, for
the life of a working-woman.
Yet sometimes she felt sick of 1t all
sick of doing lawyers copying at home,
and addressing wrappers by the thOus-
and, and scheming 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 s%auntering in the
park. clad in her plain, brown Mother
Hubbard with Richard Ethel beside
her, and his pleasing fantasies.
But what could she do to support her
self You can't be a clerk in any
store" said her mother, lit takes away
a girls social position"
IF she has any, said Robertine lroni-
cally. i.
Meanwhile they had got ON very well
without touching the insurance money
received at the death of Robertine's la
mented father, which wa but a small
sum at best, and which the mother
would need for herself when once the
daughter vas married.
Robertine shook out three pair of
evening gloves, and said muslngly,
NOW I'm ready TO go anywhere If only
some one invites me-"
IF / were you | wouldn't go with
ANYBODY but Wales" admonished her
mother. IF he sees you running
around with common tugs like Dick
Ethel, he'll ship you!" Mrs. Ferris was
| often more forcible than elegant, and
always unconscious OF nautical ten
denotes. She was a thin, nervous wo-
man, with an extraordinary contempt
for the oipolloi. She was often heard
to say that she had been struggling fol-
years to keep her head above water, az
also that of her deceased husband
(Poor man! his head had gone undo.
ground in spite OF herb
Robertine colored. Il never go with
any one I'm ashamed of" she said, in
/ dignantly; ''and as 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, wheI
they have a little streak of luck, act a.
if it would never be day with them
closing with a pet antiphrasis.
Now, mother, what is the use Of
such TALK Let us eat our supper IL
peace"
And they did: after which, Robertint
having adjusted her toilet, went To the
front windows and drew the curtains
back, admitting the evening breeze
The sun was declining and the sky
| Herewith glorifed; she stood where il
might dazzle her eyes a moment, ther
turned away.
Mother, shall / close the folding
doorsg Dick Ethel is coming over"
20, yes; for heavens sake, shut tho
doors, SO / needn't hear him EARNING
If / were you L wouldn't fool away my
time on such common"
Robertine banged the doors and los
Eie remainder.
Come in, Dick" she called, through
the wire window-netting. Don't stoI
to ring"
You are alone?" he said, smiling
family as he entered. II thought yol
might have company
"You see for yourself ] haven't"
"Your mother is we'll, l hopper"
"Quite; and busy, as usual"
II met her on the street to-day, but
do not think she saw me-" =.
perhaps not" said Robertine, doubt
fully, remembering her mother disdaiI
for common attire. But what are yol
doing this week, Dick? What is TIT
latest romanceg'
II haven't done much" he answered
slowly, ''but / have thought of so mucl
/ would like to do. O. L have had sucl
beautiful thoughts! Dreams that ]
would like you To share with mel"
Robertine stirred uneasily.
81 have had thoughts too" che said
half lightly. ~ have been thinking o.
getting married"
He looked at her in a curious way
but did not interrupt, as she went on:
ayes, / have about decided that thu
only thing / can do is, get married"
80 Robertine!' he said, in a shocked
voice.
"You think / am joking. Dick, but
am not. l am taking a business view o
the matter. / must find a rich husband
You see / belong to a very good-for
nothing class; incapable and indolent
yet ambitious for social distinction
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