The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1898-09-23

L suppose-this kind of thing-for in
stance, now-may /? puts down cup
and takes silken cover from work
basket.)
Miss De t. Mutton (suddenly)-O,
don't, please.
Maj. Blowzer-I beg pardon. (Sees
open French novel with picture ON
back.) Ah-ha, / see, yes, well, perhaps
we had better not. Oaughs.)
Miss De T. Mutton-A novel by
Maj. Blowzer--Yes,. SO see, Miss de
Trafford, know it. Uaughing) Ho!
no! I've read it myself, no! no! no!
twice, no! hot no! no! Oh dear,
and-ho! no! no! you'll excuse ne,
but-but Waverley, no! no! no!
no! ..tLaugbs, looks at her, feels
in his element, thinks: "Come,
this is all right.') Well, perhaps we
had better cover it up again.
Miss De T. Mutton (Remen rs when
she last blushed; tries to recoilect how
she did it; fails. )-I am afraid mamma
reads rather curious books. CThlnks
she ought to push out her slipper and
look at it. Does SOY
Maj. Blower looks at her and
laughs; hopes he has not hurt her feel
ings; determines to make up for 1T.
Moves easily to seat on sofa.)-My dear
Miss De Trafford, I'm sure you must
think it very strange in me to call after
such slight acquaintance like this, but
you will remember that there are oc-
casions when strict formalities may DE
excused. There was something that
would not wait-I think you can guess
what it is.
Miss De T. Mutton Thinks she
ought to sit silent, and looks gravely at
her fingers and twiddles something in
her law. Reaches for scent bottle and
twiddles it,
Mai. Blower thinks she need not
be so cut up at his finding the novel;
j wished to speak last night, but you
know how difficult it is to manage such
things at large dance. Remembers
how he stood close beside her and
looked searchingly for her through
the ballroom, in order that he might
take Katie Travers in to supper instead,
and be believed when he should explain
how he hunted for her in vain.)
Miss De T. Mutton (softly)-Yes.
Remembers the same occasion and
that she said in loud voice, beside him,
to friend: "Oh, have you seen NAM
MAJ" but without drawing his atten-
ton from his keen quest of herr
Maj. Blower Tin a burst of unre-
serve well, my dear Miss De Traf-
ford, it is like this, we are getting up a
bazaar to help the fund in aid of the
widow of the gunner killed last month,
you remember? My wife is away.
Miss De T. Mutton-Your wife!
Maj. Blowzer-Yes, she's away, and
promised her would do what could
before she came back. The poor fellow
was in my old battery; and 1 thought if
you would be so kind as to give us the
benefit of your help and experience it
would.
Miss De T. Mutton loudly and rapid
ly)-O, I shall be delighted.
Maj. Blowzer-Now, that's very good
of you; very kind.
Miss De T. Mutton Qoudly and rapid
ly)-O, I shall be delighted, only too
pleased, I'm sure; charmed; I'm so glad
you came-so MISUNDERSTANDING
out-would have been delighted.
Maj. Blower (taken aback and feel
ing for haD-O, thanks; now that's
awfully kind, don't you know.
Miss De T. Mutton (still loud and
rapid)) Don't please, no. I'm delighted
the opportunity greatest possible
pleasure should never have forgiven
you if you hadn't asked me.
Maj. Blower Thanks-good of you
indeed. No, really-good-by, good
by. Thanks again-grateful, I'm sure:
good-by. Remembers that the White
Hart is close at hand and he can get
drink at once. Exit.)
Miss De T. Mutton rings bell, looks
blankly at bell-pull, walks aimlessly
about touching things, stares into glass
L. without seeing herself, etc. Enter
mamma.)
Mamma Tin clear ringing voice.
Did they send those cakes?
Miss De T. Mutton (stamping)-O,
l don't know whether they've sent any
cakes. Where have you been all the
afternoon ?-Black and White.