The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1890-04-11
U%ncommonIy Common.
ROBERTINE's RoMANOE-How SHE
CONCEALED IT.

Iley leased Une entlre mousse, a Two
story and basement brick, rather CEN
trally located, and refet unfinished
rooms or suites in such a n as
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 SO
long, and who, she was 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 s%ociety-a tailor.
or shoemaker. or something honest! No
but when Wilfred Wales was calling
Ro5ertine knew there would be no al
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 un-
disturbed.
Mr.. Wales was 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
ly too delicate for continuous labor, be
sides being untitled, by ambition, for
the life of a working-woman.
Yet sometimes she felt sick of it all
sick of doing lawyers copying at home,
and addressing wrappers by the thous-
and, ana 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 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
self? You can't be a clerk in any
store" said her mother, sit takes away
a girls social POSITION
'1f she has any, said Robertine irOni-
cally.
Meanwhile they had got on very well
without touching the insurance money
received at the death of Robertine's la
mented father, which was but a small
sum at best, and which the mother
would need for herself when once the
daughter was married.
Robertine shook out three pair of
evening gloves, and said musingly.
Now I'm ready to go anywhere if only
some n invites me-
IF We're you | wouldn't 90 with
anybody but Wales" admonished her
mother. IF he sees you running
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 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. II never go with
any one I'm ashamed Of" she said, in
dignantly; land as for Mr.. Wales, the
shipping process may be conducted by
the other party"
20, no doubt you feel able to manage
your w affairs. Some folks, when
they have a little streak of luck, act as
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 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 gloritied: she stood where it
might dazzle her eyes a moment. then
turned away.
Mother, shall | close the folding
doors? Dick Ethel is coming over"
20, yes; for heavens sake, shut the
doors. 50 ! needn't hear him EARNING.
If | were you | wouldn't fool away my
kllIlV Oll SuII toIillllUIi-~
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 entel-d. II thought you
might have company,n
"You see for yourself | haven't"
Your mother is well. | hope?"
quite; and busy, as USUAL
81 met her on the street to-day, but
do not think she saw me-"
perhaps not" said Robertine, doubt
fully, remembering heI mother disdain
for common attire. ''But what are you
doing this week, Dick? What is the
latest romance?.'
81 haven't done much.' he answered
slowly. but have thought of SO much
beautiful thoughts. Dreams that /
would like you to share with mei'
Robertine stirred uneasily.
II have had thoughts too" che said,
half lightly. 81 have been thinking of
getting married"
He looked at her in a curious way.
but did not interrupt. as she went on:
Yes, | have about decided that the
only thing ] can do is, get married."
20 Robertinel he said, in a shocked
voice.
You think l am joking, Dick. but I
am not. / am taking a business view of
the matter. l must find a rich husband.
You see l belong to a very good-for-
nothing class; incapable and indolent,
yet ambitious for social distinction;
mediocre in talent, yet refined in taste,
while my education has been of such a
superficial nature that the thought of it
disgusts me.'
20, Robertine!" he repeated, distress
fully. "But you couldn't sell yourself
you couldn not marry for money alone!''
20, dear no." she answered, cheer
fully, mot for money alone. l must
have a respectable-looking husband,
with a suspicion of brains. Then, too.
while she is about it, why can't a girl
happen to fall in love with a man who
has money? l regard it as my duty to
do this, andy the way-you ought to
follow my example,
He changed his seat to one beside her
on the sofa, and spoke in Il hurt, re-
proachful tone:
"Robertine. these words are unworthy
of you. | can't understand why YOU
should joke, either. We've have been
good friends--' then he broke off. as
if he had lost all sal%f-coptrn1 ou nourar