Nevada County picayune., 1891-08-06

anu ouSdnila VIII tACuSe IDe, Salu she, doubtfnlly.
 'Oh, we are of no consequence, " said Miss Molina, with toss of the head.
 Pray don't remain at home on our account" said Miss Susanna.
 We are just going to take leave ourselves" said Mrs Cartwhistle, sourly.
 Me do, too, mamma, coaxed little Dita, siczing hold of the skirts of Mrs. Constants dress. Me do with oo.'
 No, darling, no, said Mrs. Constant. ringing the bell for Brid- get. You are too little"
 "EXcrcisc is good for the child, :" intcrposcd Grandmama Cartwhistlc
 "Ettertisc dood for L" This was Dita's mite.
 And you know you were very croupy last night" added Mrs. Con- stant, tenderly.
 Il never could find it in my heart to leave a child that wasn't well, l" croaked Miss Malina.
 But" added Susanna, "a step mother knows nothing of the sensa- tions that agitate q true maternal heart. 7"
 And the bride, fairly driven to the last extremity of patience. took an abrupt departure, leaving the small Dita shrieking in the arms of Brid- get, while her grandmother and maiden aunts stood around, a sort of commiseratng chorus.
 "Shc has no heart at all, ," growled Miss Malina.
 II told Charles how it would be when he would persist in marrying that slip of child" said Mrs. Cart whistle.
 What can you expect of step mother?' gloomily demanded Miss Susanna.
 Sure, an sayin' your presence, ladies'" put in Bridget, who by this time succeeded in quicting the child's cries. Its me humble opinion as Mrs. Constant spells the little lady intirely wid too much kindness. Sure, wasn't she up with her hal f the night last night wid ipecac and camphorated ile? And ain't it her as hears missy's prayers livery blessed night of her life, and tells her all the fairy stores as ever grew, an pets her like kitten! There ain't one mother in a hundred, let alone q stepmother, as loves child like my misss loves little Miss Dita.'
 And the grandmother and the two maiden aunts went grim'y away, saying to one another what very presuming person that Bridget was, and. how Charles young wife hadn't dignity enough to keep her servants in their proper place.
 But when Mrs. Constant returned from her shopping expedition that afternoon there was an evident at mospherc of consternatlon ahout the house. noors and windows were wide open sympathetic ncighbors were gathering about the threshold ]; Mrs. Cartwhistlc, with her wig on awry and her mourning veil all twisted to one side, stood sohhing in tue middle of the floor, with pro- digious black -horderod pocket hand korohiet pressed to her eyes; Miss Malina and Miss Susanna were hur- ry ing to and fro, wildly wringing their hands; and Mir. Constant him. self had just sprang from cab which had rattled up to the curb stone as if drawn hy flying dragons,
 Dear mel" cried the young step mother, What can have happen edf"
 II told you sol" said Mrs. Cart whistle.
 ''I always prophesied it!" said Miss Malina.
 'l foresaw it from the very begin ning" said Miss Susanna.
 But what is the matterH gasped poor N rs. Constant. Has any thing happned toto dear little nita!|
 "She's drowned {" said Mrs, Cart whistle:
 "ln the great Persian jar!" said Miss Susanna.
 "Filled il with water out of the bath-tub, and then crawled in her self, dear, sweet innocent" sobbed