Los Angeles herald., 1891-10-29

bers have, by an elaborate stratagem, secured
the room for just one-half hour for a last re-
hearsal of the trio they are to render They
have locked the door and established them
selves in a corner, with box of bon bons
within reach, and their notes upon racks be-
fore them. Maude, who is youthfully piquant
and pretty, rests the tip of one patent leather
boot upon low hassock; the lavender ribbon
which decks her guitar makes harness for
her neck. Helen. who is a young woman of
extremely ample proportions, is trying to cud-
die upon rather too narrow window seat
while she devours goodies and thrums the
classic banjo and the ink stained fingers of
Ionise clasp the bit of tortoise shell which is
Co evoke strains of linked sweetness from her
iniaid mandolin.
Louise-Hurry up now, girlsl After
we've worked so hard to get the room,
we mustn waste minutel (Strikes the
first notes of the prelude with an air
which plainly signifies that she means
there shall be no trifling)
Helen Gmpatiently, as string snaps
There goes my string. Botherl That's
always the way when I'm in hurry.
There is nothing more provoking than
little banjo string.
Louise-Unless it's Greek verb. I've
worked for hours
Helen-Where is my banjo bag? Of
course it must go and get itself lost!
Well, if l haven't been sitting on it the
whole time! | thought wasn't just
exactly comfortable. Here, Lou. un-
pucker it for me, while 1 take out this
string. I'll only be two minutes.
Maude (cheerfully helping herself to a
crystallized cherry)-I think have my
part perfectly now, all but that horrid
advertisement on the last page. Oh, if
fail in that I'll feel like expiringl I'll
never take part in another concert. It's
too trying. I've had enough trouble
over my gown to drive one mad. Oh,
girls, had such lovely letter from
Alice this morningl
Louise Intensely interested) Did you?
What did she say? l suppose they're
awfully happy?
Maude icon xpressione)-Happyi
Helen (whose countenance has been
contorted by expressions of acutest an
guish during the Tightening of her banjo
string)-And is he as devoted as ever?
Maude-Devoted Well, they're sim
ply ecstaticl wish l had brought the
letter. If had had any idea that Helen
was going to keep us waiting like this
let's see-perhaps can remember what
she says. CLASPS her hands about the
neck Of her guitar and recites with
closed eyes)-''Yes, we've been married a
whole month now, dearest Maude, and /
can truthfully say that haven't single
regret. Indeed, never knew what hap
piness was before. Harold"-
Louise (murmuring)-How lovely!
Maude Continuing to quote)-'H Harold
is the personifcation of-the personifca-
tion of" - pshaw! l can't remember
what it's of, but it's something sweet.
Helen (whose interest in the letter has
caused her to allow the peg to slip, and
who now resumes her struggle with the
refractory string)-Well, she ought to
be happy, I'm surel l never saw such
devotion-it was perfectly abject. He
never even looked at the rest of us if
Alice
Louise (dubiously)-But she had only
known him year.
Maude (meaning to be very sarcastic)
II suppose Louise thinks people ought
TO grow up together, or else demand a
certificate Of
Louise-Not at ALL But year!- And
you know, girls, Hal used to be-
Maude (vehemently)-Well, what if he
did2 He isn't any more He's all right
now, and he simply adores Alice. He'd
die for her! How can you talk so, Lou
isef Just think how he gave up cigar
cites for her.
Louise-Y Yes-exchanged them for a
nasty pipe.
Maude-For pipe, did you sayl Well,
Alice says she likes fine meerschaum or
briarwood pipe. "Only yearr Why,
Louise, every one knows that love isn't
dependent upon time. For my part, l
believe in love at first sight
LouzSe (groaning)-Oh-ohl Maudel
Helen Qaughing)-Maude, you're sim
ply killing!
Maude (defantly)-Well, l dol Of
course don't mean that l think people
should be married right off, or even
(weakening under their reproachful
giances) that they should become en-
gagged; but do think-I believe-I know
gathering courage)-yes, l know that
people can love each other the very first
time they meet. Why, knew girl
The others forgetting their disap-
proval)-Oh, tell us about her, Maude,
do2
Mande (determinedly)-Nol Don't beg
me. l can't. I've promised. But met
her last summer and she is married now,
and she loved her husband before she
even knew his name. So, there!
Helen-Oh, know. It's that girl you
told me about last fall. So romanticl
Louise-Yes, romantic - and silly.
How could she love man before she
knew his thoughts or feelings or tastes?
Helen (at hazard) Perhaps she did
know, Lou-er-instinctively
Louise -Nonsensei believe in long
engagements
Helen-Well, dontl l think, when
people love each other, they should be
married and begin helping each other at
once don't like the idea of engage
ments-its like joining the church on
probation. y
Louise (seriously) surely, Helen,
q broken engagement = better than
wretched marriage. Don't be unreason-
eblel
Helena girl has no business to gel
engaged to the wrong man. despis.a