Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1894-04-18
II.

The other day l went to break
fast with B. He is the husband of
Mrs. B., you know. had been
talking about the Queen. flatter
myself that if anyone knows any
thing of high life I'm that person.
| take in the Court Circular every
week. B. seemed very much
amused. He said:
Nov if | were King of Eng
land"
(which you are not-fortunately
for u.s." cut in Mrs. b., with her
usual good humor.
"Of course not, my dear" said B.,
in tone of mild astonishment, "of
course not. But if was"
"And never likely to be" inter
rupted his mother-in-law, who had
only just caught on to what b. was
saying.
Perhaps not" said B., a little
ruffled at her tone; "very likely
not, but if l was"
wouldn't it be splendid, pa
cried Miss Emily, aged sixteen,
spilling her coffee in the excitement
of the moment over my lap. "Just
think how those Butterfly girls
would change their tone when they
met me. And I'd have new dress
every day, and send my things to
the wash just when / wanted TO,
an"
"Yes, and wouldn't I give it to
young Thrasham just" chirped in
Master Tommy, a fierce light spring.
ing into his eyes. "I'd 60 up to
him and hit him on the nose with a
brick. And if he hit me back it I'D
be treason and I'd hang him and
use his skull for coal-scuttle. And
I'd slide on the pavements, and
SNOWFALL the boobies, and keep q
pastry cooks shop. And I'd have
tarts for breakfast, and tarts for
dinner, and tarts for supper; and
I'd never go to bed"
"Yes," chimed in Mrs. B., catch
ing the infection. "Yes, and Id
be the first lady in the land. I'd
have balls twice a week, and ban
quets, and keep carriage and pair" :"
"And I'd have the management
of the Palace" piped the mother
in-law, waving her hand in the air.
I'D look after things, you see if !
wouldn't. I'd"
"Not much you wouldn't" shout
ed Emily. "You, indeed! I'd like
to see you. Not if l had anything
to say on the subject. I'd be the
Kings daughter, and if anyone in
terfered, I'd know the reason why.
Not if / kept my health, and knew
myself you wouldn't, so you'd bet
ter make up your mind to that"
"Bahw hooted Tommy, dropping
his bread. and-butter soft side down.
wards on the carpet. 81 fancy the
Prince of Wales would be the big
gest plum in that cake. Who said
! wouldn't be Prince of Wales?
Say that again. What 'ud you
know bout"
Hold your tongues, hold your
tongues, all of you" yelled Mrs. B.,
bringing her hand down on the ta-
BILE with crash which set all the
glass and China giggling. Would
not the Queen be the biggest au-
thority in the land? Don't you
contradict your mother, Thomas, or
you'll go off to bed. Now, then.
out you go. Not another word.
And don't come down again till I
send for you. / can tell you there
would be dusty time if anyone
questioned my authority. What
did you say, Emilyp Very we'll,
you 60 up after Thomas. Imperti-
nent hussy! I'd like to see the per-
son. By the way, Mr.. B., what was
it you were going to do if you were
King2"
Resign just as soon as l could"
said my friend B. calmly, but with
great determination.
And then a meditative silence fell
upon the family. At least those
members of it who remained. l
didn't go to breakfast any more
with B. It doesn't do to discuss
l. 4 = 4