The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1893-07-05
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frame of mind, feeling that perhaps he
had said too much in the morning, that
his daughters had for years been models
in every way, and that if there had been
any change of late it was, as they said
themselves, on account of their anxiety
to follow his advice and to initiate Mrs
WestmacOtt. He could see clearly
enough now that that advice was un-
wise and ths t a world peOpled with Mrs
Westmacotts would not be happy or
soothing ono. 1t was he who was him.
self to blame. and he was grieved by the
thought that perhaps his hot words had
troubled ami saddened his two girls.
This fear. however, was soon dissi-
pated. AS he entered his hall he heard
the voice Of Ida uplifted in rollicking
ditty, and Il very strong smell of tobacco
was borne to lis Hostrils. He threw open
the dining room door and stood aghast
at the scene which met his eyes.
The room was full Of the blue wreaths
of smoke, and the lamplight shone
through the thin haze Upon gold topped
bottles, plates. napkins and litter Of
oyster shells and cigarettes. Ida, flushed
and excited. YVES reclining upon the set
tee, /: v inc@Iass at her elbow and a ciga-
rette between her fingers, while Charles
Westlu; colt sat beside her, with his arm
thrown over the head Of the sofa with
the suggestion Of q c2ress. On the other
side Of the room Clara was lounging in
an armchair. with Harold beside her
both smoking and both with wineglasses
besit.e them. The doctor stood speech
less il the doorway, staring at the bac-
chanalian scene.
Come in, papa, dor cried Ida. Wont
you have a glass of champagne"
"Pray excuse me" said her father
coldly. Il feel that am intruding. |
did not know that you were entertaining.
Perhaps you will kindly let me know
when you have finished. You will find
me in my study" He ignored the two
young men completely, and closing the
door retired, deeply hurt and mortified,
to his room. A quarter of an hour aft
erward he heard the door slam, and his
two daughters came to announce that
the guests were gone.
Guests! Whose guests" he cried an
grily. "What is the meaning Of this ex-
hibitionY'
"We have been giving little supper,
papa. They were our guests"
"Oh, indeed!' the doctor laughed sar-
castically. "You think it right, then, to
entertain yong bachelors late at night,
to smoke All drink with them, to-oh,
that should ever have lived to blush
for my own daughters! l thank God
that your dear mother never saw the
day"
dearest papa," cried Clara, throwing
her arms about him. do not be angry
with us. If you understood all, you
would S, there is no harm in it,
'No harm, miss! Who is the best
judge of that%
"Mrs. Westmacott," suggested Ida
slyly.
The doctor sprang from his chair.
"Confound Mrs, Westmacott?' he cried,
striking frenziedly into the air with his
hands. cam I to hear Of nothing but
this woman? Is she to confront me at
every turn? will endure it no longer"
"But it was your wish, papa"
"Then will tell you now what my
second and wiser wish is, and we shall
see if you will obey it as you have the
first"
"Of course we will, papa"
"Then my wish is that you should for
get these odious notions which you have
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