Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-09-03
The Penrose Revolution.

The PenrOse Revolution.
The big store house was brilliantly
lighted up with the sic gle exception OF
the children's play-room, which was as
gloomy and dark as the clOuded faces
of the boy and girl who sat close to-
gether before the embers of the dying
fire. Ever since their early supper
they had been sitting here. The girls
face was Wistful and sad, and the boy S
handsome countenance was marred by
It's ugly, mutinous expression. 1t was
the night of their fathers homecoming
after two-mOnths' absence, and here
tOfore his return had always been made
a gala occasion, when their happiness
overfowed and gayety reigned SUI
preme. But tonight his return was to
be quite different, for he was not com
him a second Wife-a step-mother for
his children. The news had come TO
them in a letter two weeks before, and
had been a bitter blow, which the chill
dren had taken hard, being still bit
terly angry and unrecOnciled.
Its the most unexpected thing that
could have happened" Tom SAID,
gloomily, for the hundredth time, at
least You'll see, Flossie," he con-
tinued, things will go on now from
bad to worse. Oh, l know what d step
mother means! Smooth words, per-
haps, at first, and cat-like caresses-
but just look out for the hidden claws.
l shouldn't wonder if she'd bounce old
Bridget within a month. Papa will he
all on her side, of course, shell know
we'll enough now to manage him,-and
we will be always in the wrong. Wait
and see. 1t won't be so bad for me,
in a tone of gloomy superiority, for in
a year or two I'll be leaving home any
way, to go to college. But I'm sorry
for you. It's doubly hard on a girl, for
she's got to stay at home, whatever
comes, until she's old enough to get
married"
E'Pn-Tll ask papa to let me go away
to-boarding school, said Florence,
with a sob in her voice
you goosey," said the boy, land die
of inconsistencies the first thing! You
know you're the greatest baby that
ever lived My worst fear, after all, is
that she'll get around you-twist you
round her little fnger-and I'll be
left to stand out against her all alone. .
"Children! children! cried an ex-
cited voice from below, where are
you? Hurry down, my dearies, the
carriage is at the door, and you ought
to be on hand to meet your papa" And
good old Bridget, their nurse and con-
fidant since their babyhood, now all in
a futter of excitement, made haste to
marshal her reluctant charges in the
brilliantly lighted hall.
The door was thrown open almost
Immediately and a handsome man,
with a happy, sparkling light in his
keen, dark eyes, led a slender figure,
clad in costly furs, over the threshold
of her new home. My darlings," be
cried, as he saw his children, come,
welcome your new mammal
Slowly Florence came forward, and
the fur-clad figure bent swiftly over
her, but the child drew back from the
proffered embrace.
How do you do-Mrs. Penrose, she
said primly, extending one small, cold
hand.
Toms greeting was even more stiff
and formal, and for a moment the be-
wiIdered father stood looking at MS
children, biting his lips in annoyance
while Bridget in the background, hav-
ing dropped her stately courtesy un-
needed, turned away and vanished
wiping her fearful eyes. The wife laid
/ her hand fondly upon her husbands
arm. mo matter, Thomas" she said
in a gentle undertOne. Il do not won
der, really. 1 think l might have done
so,-in their place.
A smile instantly replaced his frowr
of annoyance. Come, dear, to ,youl
ROOM" he said You have had &
chilling welcome, but it is like you moi
to mind We shall be down in 10 min
utes, Bridget,-now where has Bridget
gone? F'lossie, dear, run and tell her
and then, when we come down again
J you Shall Tell LIE dII IuC uS"S.
Yes, I'll go tell Bridget, papa; but
Tom and I am just going to bed, so we
will bid you and-and Mrs. Penrose
goodnight"
Going to bed" her father echoed
but you have always stayed up late
and taken supper with me on my le-
turn"
ooh yes, papa" said Tom, "but now
It isn't the same thing any more. AND
you won't be lonely, you know,-with
your new Wife
Ten minutes later Mr.. Penrose and
J his new wife sat down for their frsi
meal together in her new home. His
/ brow was clouded and he seemed pre-
occupied, but her fair face was unruf-