The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1894-10-31
A CONSPIRACY.

81 would't marry the best man that
ever lived ~ and she meant it, or, what
answers the same purpose, she thought
she meant it. After all, how very few
of us really know what we mean.
~ engaged myself once, when girl,
and the simpleton thought he owned
me. | soon took the conceit out Ofhim
and sent him away about his business" +"
The voice was now a little sharp.
What wonder, with 50 CALLING mem-
ory?
''No man shall ever tyranize over me
never, What the mischief do you
suppose is the matter with this sewing
machine"
Annoyed at your.logic, most likely"
said my friend, bright young matron,
as she threaded her needle. MY hus-
band is not a tyrant, Miss Kent"
II am glad you are satisfied" was
the laconic reply.
1t was quite evident by the express
sion of the dressmaker's face that she
had formed her own opinion about my
friends husband and was quite compe-
tent to form and express an opinion on
any subject.
Miss Kent was little woman, fair as
a girl and plump as robin. She wasn't
ashamed TO own that she was 10 years
old. She had earned her own living
most of her life, and was proud it.
She was good nurse, a faithful friend
and jolly companion, but stroke her
the wrong way, and you'd wish you
hadn't. Her views on all subjects We're
strikingly original and not TO be COM
batted.
"What are you going to do when you
are old ?' persisted the mistress of the
establishment.
"What other folks do, l suppose"
"But YOU can't work forever"
Cant say that | want to-"
"Now, Miss Flint, husband with
means, a kind, intelligent mani
AZ don't want any man. | tell you,
Mrs. Carlisle, wouldn't marry the best
man living if he was rich a CrGsus
and would die if | didn't have him.
Now, if you have exhausted the mar
riage question, should like to try on
your dress"
There was something behind all this,
| knew well. Ny friends eyes danced
with fun and ~ Miss Kent fitted the
waist she threw me letter from the
bureau.
Read that" she said, with a know
ing look. at may amuse you"
This is what the letter said:
Ny DEAR JENNIE-I shall he delight
cd to spend month with yoa and your
husband. There must, however, be
one stipulation about my visit-you
must say no more about marriage. |
shall never be foolish again. Twenty
wears ago to-day ! wrecked my whole
life. ["Better embark in new ship,
had't he ~ put in Jennie, sotto voice. ]
So unsuitable was this marriage, so
utterly and entirely wretched have
been its consequences, that | am forced
To believe the marriage institution a
mistake. So, for the last time, let me
assure YOU that | wouldn't marry the
best woman that ever lived, if by so
doing could save her life.
Your old cousin,
MARK LANSING.
erich, isn't he?" said Jennie, and
then pointed to the chubby little fig
ure, whose back. happened to he turn
ed.
shook my head and laughed.
"You'Il See" said the incorrigiable.
''See what? ~ inquired Miss Kent,
quite unaware of the pantomime.
THAT parties which are chemically
attracted will unite-of course an alkali
and an acid. Don't you. think this
sleeve little too long, Miss Kent?'
"Not after the scam is off. But what
were you saying, Mr.. Carlisle? The
other day, at Professor Boynton's | saw
some wonderful experiments"
"And dh they succeed?" inquired
Jennie, demurely.
beautifully ~
$50 will mine. | never yet botehed
a job in my life"
II don't think | quite understand
you," replied Miss Kent, perplexed.
"No? l always grow scientific when
talking about marriage, my dear.
Bother" was all the little woman
said, but the tone was much better ma
tured than expected.
The next week Cousin Mark arrived.
An unhappy marriage would have been
the last thing thought of in connection
with that gentleman.
He had accepted the situation like a
man, Jennie told me, and for l5 years