Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1891-07-15
ALMOST A TRAGEDY.


the sole occupants, stepped out to TIT
tune of "See the Conquering Hero
Comes" one Of the various melodies
with which the numerous guests o
the Mountain House were entertained
on pleasant afternoons.
Dark hair and eyes. well.cut feat
ures, broad shoulders, five feet ten
such was Mr.. Frank Winsum, whC
sprang first from the clumsy vehicle
and assisted little lady with golden
hair, violet eyes, perfect complexion
retrousse nose-Mrs. Frank Winsum
The bridal couple, for such they
proved to be, were received with un.
disguised satisfaction.
We were getting tired of the des
potic control exercised by Mrs. Vande
vile, a tall dlgnifed woman exceed
ingly slender, with q Roman nose
piercing black eyes, and an imperiou:
manner, which oyerawed most of us
more particularly her husband, q
meek little man, who was terror in
his office and slave at home.
She had directed the social element
of Mountain House for a month past
and had so completely subjected it:
inmates, that | fancy we hardly yen
tured to take drive before consult
ing her as to the best road.
Mrs. Vaudeville, who was the mat
ternal parent of two authenticated
daughters, eyed the fascinating bride
with cold suspicion.
"Who are these persons :" she said
in severe tone, looking round hei
small circle of adherents. 1--WE can
not be too careful. We are wives,
this with a scathing look at her timid
spouse "and mothers" casting senti.
mental glance at her fair Progeny
who Immediately began to whisper
"and it is due to our families that we
should find out exactly who these
Winsums arc before allowing our
selves to become intimate with them.
Although fully agreeing with thei,
leader that evening, the next day an
introduction to the enemy completely
routed their prejudices, and one and
all shamelessly went over to the other
side without instituting single en-.
quiry as to their antecedents, or, in
fact, asking anything about them"
Mrs. Vaudeville accepted the situa
ton, but it was evident she did not
intend to relinquish the field without
a struggle.
She had chosen the picturesque
spots for picnics, superintendent the
ice cream parties, occupied the posi-
Of honor in all the rides, led the song,
in high soprano key during oul
moonlight sails; therefore it is hard.
ly to be wondered at that she failed
to yield gracefully to the younger
and prettier woman, but on the con
trary cherished feeling of bitterness
and determined to be avenged upon
her lovely rival.
We were located at sort Of farm.
house hotel almost on the top Of the
Murdock mountain, in Sullivan
county. There were not more than
forty boarders just enough to make
a pleasant party.
Before the advent of the Winsum:
it was divided, each clique endeavor'
ing to supersede the other, jealous
and in many ways quarrelsome. But
somehow this bright little couple
soon changed all that.
They were not well of, that was
certain, and occupied the cheapest
room in the house. The bride.
dresses. though fitting exquisitely
were made of the plainest materials
here and there trimmed with a bit Of
ribbon, which, together with hel
piquante beauty, made her entirely
charming. They were both brimmine
over with talent.
Frank possessed III ineAhaustiblt
fund of clever songs, and, with good
baritone voice and excellent know
ledge of music, accompanied himsel
to everybody's satisfaction.
AS for little Mrs. Frank she wa'
really wonderful. She invented de
lightful games for the children, taught
the girls the newest and most intricate
stitches in crochet, drew exquisite
sketches of the prettiest views abou
the vicinity, and, in fact, proved posi-
lively invaluable.
Mrs. Vaudeville became sullcl
with Disappointment, and finally de
clined to join us in any of our innocen
amusements.
Summer waned, as the poets say
aud we were beginning to meet a
breakfast time with ques tioning look
and "What shall we do next 2
written upon every face. No on,
had anything new to propose, ant
our social circle seemed at stand
still
During the week Mrs. Vaudeville