The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1897-07-13

sure" said she, that dear mother
would like papa to do whatever Woulo
make him most happy. We shall both
be away and why should papa not
please himseIf?"
but think how unhappy he will be.
You know how quiet he his in his ways,
and how even a little thing will upset
him. How could he live with wife
who would make his whole life series
of surprises? Fancy what whirlwind
she must be in a house. A man at his
age cannot change his ways. l am sure
he would be miserable"
Ida's face grew graver, and she pom
dered over the matter for a few min
utcs. Il really think that you are right
as usual" said she at last Il admire
Charles aunt very much, you know.
and [ think she is a very useful and
good person, but [ don't think she
would do as a wife for poor, quiet
papa"
But he will certainly ask her, and
really think that she intends to accept
him. Then it would be too late to in
terfere We have only few days at
the most. And what can we do? How
can we hope to make him change his
mind?"
Again Ida pondered. "He has never
tried what it is to live with a strong
minded woman said she. eff we could
only get him to realize it in time. oh,
Clara, [ have it; have it! Such love-
ly planw She leaned back in her chair
and burst into a fit of laughter so nat
ural and so hearty that Clara had to
forget her troubles and to join in it,
ooh, it is beautiful she gasped ct
last 'PoOr papa! What time he will
have! But it's all for his own good,
as he used to say when we had to be
punished when we were little. Oh,
Clara, [ do hope your heart won't fail
you
Il would do anything to save him,
dear"
That's it. You must steel yourself
by that thought
but what is your plan?"
ooh, I am SO proud of it. We will tire
him forever of the widow, and of all
emancipated women. Let me see, what
are Mrs Westmacott's ideas? You have
listened to her more than I. Women
should attend less to household duties.
That is one is it nOt?'
Yes, if they feel they have capabil-
tiles for higher things. Then she thinks
that every woman who has leisure
should take up the study Of some
branch of science and that, as far az
possible, every woman should qualify
herself for some trade or profession,
choosing for preference those which
have been hitherto monopoHzed by
men, To enter the others would only
be to intensity the present competi-
tion'
quite so. That is glorious" Her
blue eyes We're dancing with mischief.
and she clapped her hands in her de
light what else? She thinks that
whatever a man can do a woman
should be allowed to do also-does she
not?"
''She says So"
And about dress? The short skirt,
and the divided skirt are what she be-
lieves imp
Yes
eve must get in some CLOTH
"Why?''
1--WE must make ourselves a dress
each. A brand-new, enfranchise.
emancipated dress, dear. Don't you
see my plan? We shall act up to all
Mrs. Westmacott's views in every re-
spect, and improve them when we can.
Then papa will know what it is to live
with a woman who claims all her
rights. Oh, Clara, it will be splendid"
Her milder sister sat speechless be-
fore so daring a scheme. but it would
be wrong, Ida!' she cried at last.
mot a bit. 1t is to save him."
Il should not dare"
"Oh, yes, you would. Harold will
help. Besides, what other plan have
your
Il have none"
Then you must take mine"
Yes, perhaps you are right Well,
we do it for a good motive"
you will do it?"
81 do not see any other way"
you dear, good Clara! Now [ will
show you what you are to do. We must
not begin too suddenly. 1t might ex-
cite suspicion"
What would you do, then?'
Tomorrow we must go to Mrs.
Westmacott, and sit at her feet and
learn all her views
What hypocrites we shall feeI!'
eve shall be her newest and most
enthusiastic converts. oh, it will be
such fun, Clara! Then we shall make
our plans and send for what we want.
and begin our new life
Il do hope that we shall not have to
keep it up long. 1t seems so cruel to
dear papa
Cruel! To save himr'
81 wish was sure that we were doing
right. And yet what else can we do?
Well, then, Ida, the die is cast, and we
will call upon Mrs. Westmacott to-
morrow"
ITO BE Continued