Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1892-08-12
VIRGINIA, AUGUST. IL, 1892.

oe Returned, anu every evening IouHu us
together among our friends. My theatre
Gals were y lasting success.
AS time passed could not fail to see
that Fred regarded me as quite advanced
in years, though had just reached the
quarter of century mark. He began to
pay attention to the young ladies he met
in society. could not say he fiirted, but
it looked very much like that popular
, amusement
"Mollie," Fred said to me one day, II
would not dance SO much if | were you"
why" innocently asked.
Because, my dear, when woman gets
to be your age it is really better taste to
sit down most of the time and make room
for the girls"
81 will sit down every dance with you,
4 Fred, " responded beamingly.
He frowned
81 did not mean exactly that, Mollie.
Of course, would prefer it, but there are
generally so few dancing men feel it my
-ahem-duty to dance"
s'That is very thoughtful of you, dear,
and since it is at best only a disagreeable
duty, be sure you dance with that homely
Miss Smith; she so seldom has partner"
He said nothing, but slammed the door
rather hard as he went out, and it is need
less to say that his sense of duty did not
lead to poor Miss Smith.
There was no question in my mind that
he was very much interested in one OF
last seasons ssbuds," a girl favorlng OF
bread and butter and the schoolroom.
Men display such peculiar taste in such
matters Of course | was foolish to be
Jealous of Fred's harmless attentions.
Still they were such as he would not have
liked me toreceive. I knew jealousy was
the kind of medicine Fred needed, but how
to administer it was the problem. Flirt
myself? l would not. I had too much
self respect for that.
An inspiration! My medicine, like the
physicians sugar pills and colored water,
should be a justifable hoax.
l took pen and wrote in a broad, mas
culine hand: "Mollie, you know how l
suffer when | see you and realize anew
that we are indeed parted forever. My
only comfort is his indifference. While he
is dancing with others can be by your
side looking into those azure eyes, listen
ing to the sweet voice love SO we'll
ooh, my darling why did you choose
him in preference to one who worshiped
you? A word and a smile from you are
now my greatest treasures Surely in time
his GOODNESS and my devotion will turn
your heart to one who in all these years
has never wavered in his devotion"
When | finished this absurd letter
folded it many times and creased it that
he might think it long carried and often
read; then dropped it where Fred could
not fail to find it.
It worked charmingly. Fred came down
to dinner with countenance usually re-
served for a fall in stocks. He could not
even relieve his feelings by finding fault
with the meal, as men generally do. l
might draw comparisons.
Darling, would you mind very much if
we did not attend Anderson's reception to-
night? have headache" said Fred.
"Darling!'-I had been nothing better
than 'sMrs. So or ''Mollie'' for months.
81 am sorry you feel ill, Fred" said,
going over and kissing him, for I had some
computations, 'but hadn't we better try
and go? You know the girls will be so
disappointed; they depend on you so much
as a partner"
"The girls be hangedp' he exclaimed
under his breath, but I heard it with joy.
''Shall read to you, dear?"
He gladly accepted my offer and cheered
up somewhat when he found did not seri-
ously object to remaining home with him.
The poor fellow grieved SO that many
times could with difficulty refrain from
telling my secret, but the thought of those
odious girls would seal my lips.
Fred never referred to the letter, but
was so devoted to me when we went in
society that no opportunity offered for my
former lovers to show me their constancy
had any one been so inclined.
But the greatest and best joke is young
Fred. His father is so delighted with him,
and he proves such an unfailing source of
novelty and excitement, though he is now
two years old, that have no further use
for my private theatricals.
often laugh oyer the past, and right
merrily, for a more loving, devoted hus-
band than mine never gladdened the heart
of acknowledgements Magazine.