Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-06-24


Mrs. Dick Gawns undisguisedly)-
Don't mention it, or shall drop off to
sleep at once! It's been a good dance,
hasn't it? Have you enjoyed it?
Miss Dts been the very. very
jolliest dance l ever went to.
Mrs. Dick (takes a quick and search
ing glance at Miss Dwell, you cam
say any more than that. Did you
dance all the time?
Miss D. (scans her program not
exactly. In fact, sat out most of the
evening.
Mrs. Dick (waves her fan hzily)-Oh,
! indeed! Might one ask with whom?
Miss Done might ask. Uaughs.)
Mrs. Dick-Well, you ought to have
! come to me, as your chaperon, if you
were sitting out, you bad girl! Oh,
Nora, weren't you awfully surprised to
see Maj. Stronghold? l was, and so
was Dick
Miss D. (pokes the fire and make no
articulate reply)
Mrs. Dick (affects blindness-And,
do you know, Mr. Viccars told me he
had maiden aunt. Miss D. gives a
little start Of surprise, which Mrs. Dick
! interprets as an intended interruption.)
| Oh, you needn't tell me most people
have, because l know that. And about
| your Aunt HOratia, the dreadful old
party who punished you when you
weren't naughty in case you soon
should be. Dick often talks about her!
Dear me, what was l to say, do YOU re-
member?
Miss D. (demurely)-Yo were telling
me what Mrs. Viccars said about Maj.
Strongford's maiden aunt.
Mrs. Dck-So l was Mrs Viccars
says that she had lot of money and
| that she died not long ago and left
| it all to Maj. Stronghold. And Mrs. Vic
cars thinks-but she told me not to
mention it, 50 you must be sure not to
| repeat this ID any One-that Maj.
! STRAIGHTFORWARD, Influenced her a good
! deal anl hen took care that none OF
! her ether relations should have
| chance Of coming near her. And
| Miss D. (scarlet and indignantly
Viccars is an abominable, gossiping,
wicked old woman! How can she tell
such fearful stories, and how can you
believe a word she says when you know
she never speaks the truth except by
accident? 1t isn't as if he deserved if
in the very least. Fi7 aunt was old
and I'll, and she hadn't 9 penny. and he
sent her to the Riviera and vas aw-
10 "a y
J And then Mrs. Vicca1s saws such a
thing. Perhaps every one won't believe
her I wish I had her here, P0lyes fire
Viciously)
Mrs. Dick very quietly)-I never said
! | believed her But how do YOU come
to know so much about Mi Strong
ford's affairs. NCro9 Who told WI?
Miss DIE told me part of it him
| self, and 7 guessed the rest-and I've
promised to marry him Oracle.
Pauses. then, as Mrs Dick sits in
stony silence) Won't you wish NE low.
dear? He's the only nan I ever cared
| for
Mrs Dick (sti1I quietly and unsvm-
pathetically)-Oh yes, I'll wish YOU
| joy. But I am afraid wishing won't
bring it. I should like to know what
you purpose living on?
Miss D.-With Hughs aud my money
we ought to have enough. though we
sha'n't be exactly wealthy. Not that we
mind that.
Mrs. Dick (despondently)-N Nobody
ever does-at first I don't see that
your five years experience has done
you any good. When are you going to
be married? [ suppose you've arranged
all that?
Miss Doh, no, we haven't l wanted
to ask you about ever so many things.
But Hugh is ordered to India in two
months time and is very anxious |
should go with him. Oh, Oracle, do be
your own dear self and tell me you are
glad for me to be so happy. I could
never like any one else-and it's been
weary waiting-these three long years.
CTurns to fire again. trembling sus-,
piciously at the corner of her mouth)
Mrs. Dick hesitates and is lost.
Leans forward and kisses Miss D. and
pats her hand soothingly
Miss D.--You deari Mutual recon
ciliation)
Mrs. Dick-You must allow me to
say, Nora, that you and Maj. Strong
ford don't seem to have any more
worldly wisdom than a pair of child
rem.
Miss D. (radiant)-AlI the more rea-
son for you to help US. I'm sure you'll
like him, Oracle; he's so splendid.
And I'm quite glad he's not rich. I
hate people who roll in money.
Mrs. Dick with mock solemni.y)
NJ! dear child, you are most lanentably
behind your years. Your sentiments
can't be called ''up-to-date" by any
possible stretch of the imagination l
wonder what Dick viii say to ali his;
I'd better go and break it to him. N
afraid he'll be grievously disappointed.
Miss Doh, no; I don't think he
will Hugh and I met him in the ante
! room the one at the top Of the stairs,
you know-and Hugh told him, md he
seemed quite pleased.
! Mrs. Dick-Tben it's no use nv say
ing anything. You're wiser than I
gave you credit for in your present
state Of bliss. Well, know what it is;
| was just the same when I was first
| engaged to Dick
! Miss D. privately thinks no one
could have felt Ejust the same but
! valves question: not being sure If her