The Portland daily press., 1896-10-02
MRS. LATON'S TEA.


of snow, Mrs Harmon was considering
her nephew Andrew, a good looking young
fellow Of IS, who, for his part, was consid-
sring the timepiece on the mantel whose
hands were already well past clock.
WELL Andrew, do you find my clock
very interesting?''
In some confusion the young man stam-
mered an excuse, but she went on: 'tNow,
don't deny it, you naughty fellowl You
wanted to know If your visit had lasted
long enough for you to take your depart
ure decently.
4Not at all, aunt. Your guess is quite
wrong, for I haven't the slightest inten-
ton of going yet. But why do you keep
regular sundial like that in your drawing
room?''
Perhaps because | was born SO long
ago that it is l. and not the clock, that is
behind time. But comel Instead of criti-
cising lny drawing room, tell me what
you are going to do when you leave herep"
In the first place, am not going to
leave here for some time, but when have
wearied you with my presence until you
cannot stand it any longer it will be time
for me to go to Mrs. Laton's tea
Mrs. Laton-Pauline Laton?''
The same -
"Ah, yes 1 used to see her some time
ego. I remember her yaguely-a large
woman, dark
s'She is blond, aunt.
Indeed? She used to be brunette
And so you are signing at the feet of Mrs
Laton?'
We are all sighing at her feet"
"She must enjoy it2''
ssWell rather think she does"
''Is it fun?''
Eyes, after fashion We are always
the same little circle of friends, and then,
besides Mrs. Laton, there's sister, a rath-
er good looking girl, and few other young
matrons and bachelor girls.
And what do you do besides look at
these women
1--WE take tea, which We moderate with
rum and bit of lemon We gossip, and we
firtr
sOh, ohi''
But, my dear aunt one musb do some-
thing between o'clock and dinner
Evidently. And flirting is what you
have found to do.
It is way to kill time''
L scarcely know just what you mean
by the term. Explain it to me-
Oh. impossible A definition for the
word has long been sought, but it has not
yet been found. But given young wom-
an tete-a-tete with a young man who is
not fool, and warrant you it won't be
long fore you will have practical DEM
onstr4lion. Filtration is manner Of be-
ing discreetly indiscreet. To know how to
firt is no common accomplishment. 1t is
a veritable science -
And is love a SCIENCE toof''
"No. 1t is rather an art
"And marriage-what is it?"
"Oh, that is philosophy
"Indeed2 At what age does one attain
this philosophy"
As late as possible. "
IL seems to me that at 29"-
Aunt, aunt, cried Andrew, springing
from his chair, confess that you are con-
cocting some terrible plot. You look as
guilty as a conspirator.
Mrs Harmon smiled fine smile and
enjoyed for a moment the CONSERVATION
in her victim as face Then she answered.
after pause:
Yes, you arc right. wish to get you
married. y
In heavens name, what have done to
your gasped the young man. with comic
seriousness, and, as the old lady still smiled,
he continued: See here, aunt, should
never have suspected you of such thing.
You woman Of intelligence, a superior
woman, descending to the role of match
1nakeri 1t is a terrible SCATTERING of my
ideals. -
Come, come, my poor boy, do not be SO
cast down. The girl is charming, assure
you"
HOf course Andrew burst out, "the
6 al cfEtsr
can see her now. She may not be exact
ly pretty; but, as you have said, she is
charming. She dresses admirably and
makes all her Own gowns She stood at
the head of her classes in school and at
tends lectures now. Moreover, she has
taken cooking lessons and can put up pre-
serves. She plays the piano, she sings, she
pa ats, and she has a tidy fortune in her
own right. Bah! no, a thousand times
mol l do not want this miracle of perfec-
ton l know a thing or two aunt, even
if don't look it. And if 1 marry, shall
marry woman who SUITS me simply for
the sole &ad unique reason that she does
suit me. But know girls. They are all
alike, ana know what they are and what
they are worth. There ism one who suits |
me CT can suit me, and shall remain a |
bachelor"
"And you go TO take tea at Mrs La |
TOMS" niurmured Mrs. Harmon between |
her teeth, while a disturbing expression |
came into her clear seeing old eyes.
Under this ironical and even inquisito- |
rial look Andrew lost oountenance little. |
He coulfnot deny chat to matrimony he |
preferred flirting with Mrs. Laton.
He was pulling himself together to reply, |
or rather to defend himself, when the
street door bell was heard.
A caller, ell? Is this your reception
day, aunt; or do you, too, give your friends |
tea at 3 O'clock"
you are ilnpertinent, nephew. At my
age woman does not give g O'Clock firta-
tions. 1t is not even q caller. I am sure !
il is my little friend Rosamond, the
charming girl L spoke of. -
81 shall fee, then"
f'Do you not wish even to see her9'
"Neverl Or, if you insist, l shall go in
d. sits little anteroom and look at her