The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1890-08-08
Uncommonly Common.
R0BERTINEs RoMANOEAHOw SHE
~ CONCEALED IT.,

hODhh IINh hUMANO6-dUW SHE
- O0NOEALED IT..
, ----A
Robertine had finished cleaning her
gloves, and was putting away the bits
of old flannel and the "deodorized''
clared she detested. Its quite as bad
axcOmmon benzine." she said to her
mother, who was busy cooking a sptr-
ituette sort OF supper ON the gasoline
stove in the other room.
They leased the entire house, q two
story and basement brick, rather CEN
trally located, and relet unfurnished
rooms or suites In such 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-eyen 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-Ori talented, or cultured, or
witty; not because of any subtle charm
in his conversation, like that of poor
Dick Ethel, vhom she had known so
long, and who, she was forced to admit,
would always remain the same vision
Dick! Ii he would only quit trying to
make Ens Sst %sa bis and bscH%s sSs
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 q bookcase
bedstead, leaving the young people un-
disturbed.
Mr.. Wales was amoneyed 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 q moderately pretty brunette, who
could sing and play passably, read q
French novel without the dictionary,
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
ly too delicate for continuous labor, be
sides being untitled, by ambition, for
the life Of working-woman.
Yet sometimes she felt sick of it all
sick Of doing lawyers copying at home,
and, and scheming how to best spend
the money so earned and how to con-
struct the prettiest costume in which to
attend theatre or promenade concert
with Mr.. Wales. (Often she would far
rather have gone sauntering 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
store" said her mother, lit takes away
q 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 la
mented father, which was but a small
sum ct best, and which the mother
would need for herself when once the
daughter was married.
Robertine shook out three pair OF
NoW m Ready to e gS any%nsrS ss1% 1ifHgig, 4 9niy,
some one invites me-"
IF I were you I wouldn't go with
anybody but Wales" admonished her
mother. IF no sees you running
around with common tugs like Dick
Ethel, he'll ship you'll" Mrs. Ferris was
often more forcible than elegant, and
denotes. 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 mani his head had gone under
ground in spite of herD
Robertine cOlored. II never 90 with
any one I'm ashamed Of" she said, in
shipping process may be conducted by
the other party"
30, no doubt you feel able to manage
your own affairs. Some folks, when
they have o little streak Of luck, act as
II It Woula never be day with them
CICSlnY with Q pet tanti p1u apiy.
Now, mother, what Is the use OF
such talkf Let us eat our supper In
peace"
And they did; after which, Robertine
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 glOrified; she stood where Il
might dazzle her eyes moment, then
turned away.
Mother, shall I close the folding
doorsp Dick Ethel is coming over"
20, yes; for heavens sake, shut the
doors, 80 needn't hear him yarning
IL were you wouldn't fool away my
time on such common"
Robertine banged the doors and lost
the remainder.
Come in, Dick" she called, through
the wire window-netting. "DOn't STOP
to ring"
You are alone?" he said, smiling
family as he entered. IT thought YOU
might have company"
You see for yourself haven't"
Your mother is well, L hopep
|ynQuitei. and busy, az usual"
N ber on th6 btreet to-day, but