The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-05-10
THE STEPMOTHER.

am to marry highly estimable wo-
mana Miss Hurd-next week, Eliza
beth, at Troy. We shall be al home in
ten days from to-day. l wish that you
would see that the servants are informed
and that the house is in order. The
south room / shall use hereafter.
hope-well-Elizabeth, this change shall
not interfere in anyway with your COM
fort. hope that you have no deep
rooted prejudice against stepmothers and
that you will get along together.
This was the first announcement had
Of my fathers intended second marriage.
listened to his unexpected news with
the utmost CONSERVATION. A dimness
came over my eyes-it seemed as if my
fathers tall figure and carefully measur-
ed words were far away. l had dreaded
this possibility for years, but as ten had
passed and almost lost my fear of such
catastrophe.
In the days that followed great shad-
ow hung over me-the shadow Of COM
ing disaster. A maiden lady, no longer
young, crotchety, of course, unused to
young people, bomely, unattractiye, she
had managed somehow 10 entsngle my
grave, stern father, only too delighted to
enjoy his ample income and his COM
Portable home. My own mother l re-
membered as a woman Of elegance and
fond of society. | was not yet twenty,
just out Of school, and here at the begin
ming of my freedom, was to be fettered
with disagreeable stranger in the house.
When she appeared l found that my
preconception of her was only partly
true. She was no longer young, but
neither homely nor unattractive. She
was tall and Of fine presence, and while
her face was plain it had certain charm
when she talked-a genial lighting-up of
the eyes and great animation. Was she
real or sham? This was what kept ask
ing myself, for how much depended upon
this second Mrs. Van Twillerl
Ny father, while giving me every ad-
vantage in my education, still looked
upon me as a child. He had always been
very strict and had allowed me less free
dom than any of my friends enjoyed.
had not been greatly troubled by this
so long as was in school, but now |
longed to spread my wings a little and
60 out with young people and to enjoy
life's pleasures.
1t was not long after his marriage that
received an invitation to party at
friends in the country. We were all to
go in two large box-sleds-the sleighing
was fine-and dance till midnight. We
sat about the brilliant low lamp in the
library, Mrs. Van Twiller crocheting, my
father deepin his paper, and pretend
ing to read, but really screwing up my
courage to ask coveted permission to az
tend this party. At last said in rather
husky voice:
"Father, l am invited to party at the
Harrison's tomorrow evening. We are
to go in sleighs."
well, you cannot CO." my father said,
abruptly. 81 never did approve of girls
going Off about the country at night. So,
that is settled"
The color flew to my face. Ny fathers
manner mortified me before my step
mother, who, / fancied, was delighted
over his restrictions. And, then my dis
appointment was 50 keen. There was a
little pause, and then my stepmother be-
gan talking to my father about various
things. To my surprise she alluded to
days when they were young together,
and then she said:
"0h, do you remember, David, that
sleighing party, when We were thrown
down that embankment ?"
And how Araminta Wilton scream
out out that she was killed, and she
hadn't a scratch" my father said laugh
ing.
TO think of this sober, staid man "tear
ing about the county at night" with the
girls
My father expanded over his remini-
SCIENCES and then to my surprise, Mrs.
Van Twiller said brightly:
"Your sisters and l used to 90 TO par
ties and it didn't hurt us. Why,
wouldn't be without the memory of those
gay, innocent times for anything. Why
can't Elizabeth 90? She lis old enough.
1t is dull for her with two old fogies like
u.s.
For the first time felt rush of graft
tude towards my stepmother while l
glanced spprehensively at my father.
How dared she be so free with him. He
frowned, looked at me, then at my step
mother.
How late shall you be out?" he ask
ed.
"Pm afraid we can't be home before l:
il is so far" | answered.
1--WE used to be out after midnighl
sometimes" said my stepmother.
Eleanor, you are demoralizing to the
young" my father said smiling. "Well,
Elizabeth, We can't refuse her-you may
go, but mind, be sure and be home by L.
could have danced for joy.
was dressing, with all the delightful
anticipaiions of girls frst real party,
when there was hesitating tap at my
door, and my stepmother came in.
Excuse me, Elizabeth, but wonder
ed ifyou wouldn't wear this?"
This" proved to be the daintiest pale
blue wrap, fur-lined and reaching nearly
to my feet.
at is too young for me ; just keep it,"
she said.
OF course, l thanked her warmly.
What made her so kind2 Remembered
my friend Minnas remark: "Distrust
them when they're too kind they're
always scheming. / haven't lived most
of my life with stepmother for nothing.
And IN nlaca of gratitude I felt a picken-