The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-27
A Case Of Stratagem.
Frances Forbes, married sister.
Nettie Ashley, younger and unmarried
sister.

Frances.-I think you are behaving very
badly to Captain Kerr; you keep him
hanging about, yet you won't give him
the opportunity he is waiting for to pro-
pose TO you.
Nettie.-That's just 1t; how can /, when
1 haven't made up my mind what answer
to give him?
F.-Surely you know your own mind by
now; you ought to-
N-But I don't. like him immensely
and can't do without him; he looks so
well. 1 don't know any man whose coats
fit better than his, and he wears sucn
fascinating ties, and all the women envy
me when they see him by my side.
(which is pretty often. But surely
you like him for something more than the
cut of his coat and the color Of his
ties?
N.-Yes. do; but I dare not let him
propose. for fear 1 should say Yes" and
regret it all my life; or, perhaps, say NO
and then think what a fool have been.
So the only thing is to keep him near me,
but never without third person being
present, or the crisis will come and shall
do the thing l ought not to have done.
F.-Wel all l can say is that I've no
patience with you. and it isn't fair to Cap
tain Kerr. he is such nice fellow. and I
really think deserves better fate.
N.-Than me? Well, perhaps he does.
CTakes up her gloves) Do you want any
thing at the stores?
F.-What are you going there for?
MO meet Kate Erskine; she wants
me to help her choose cape.
F.-Then, you won't be at home for
tea?
Mo; we shall have 1t at the stores
or somewhere else. If Captain Kerr calls
entertain him kindly and give him my
love.
CAT the Stores.
Mrs. Erskine.-So. here you are. o. by
the bye, Nettie. hope you won't be cross,
but Charlie Vavasour Is coming to meet
US here. He wants to see me about some
thing.
Nettie.-That Is nothing new, is It Kate7
So. 1 suppose 1 am to make myself
| scarce, three is such an impossible num-
Der.
Mrs. E.-Perhaps he'll bring another
man with him.
N.-If he does. it is sure to be some one
1 dislike. What a nuisance.
Mrs. E.-Here they come; o. It's
N.-(coloring slightly)-Captain Kerr.
Mrs. BLOCKING smarter than ever.
want to know more of that man; you
can talk to Charlie If you like
N.-Thanks, but supposing don't Iike7
Mrs. E.-O, nonsense. Variety is good
for the soul and you are always with
Captain Kerr (turns towards the two men
approaching) All, how do you do7 Have
you come to help me decide upon a man
| tle2 I'm sure you have excellent taste
Captain Kerr. so come and give me the
benefit Of it. (Nettie and Mr.. Vavasour
followed behind)
VA man feels such fool in these femi
nine places; at least. 1 do 1 wish
hadn't come.
| N.-How rude you are; pray CO.
! V.-Do forgive me, Miss Ashley; Il was
an awfully gauche thing to say, but, of
| course, am charmed to be with you any
! where. Kerr seems to be enjoying it.;
should think he'll try a mantle on his own
shoulders directly.
N.-He appears to admire Mrs. Err
skine's.
VI am not surprised; she has remark
ably pretty ones
N (spitefully)-She knows It, too, and is
fond of showing them.
con the steps outside the stores.)
K. (to commissionaire)-Two hansoms.
Mrs. E.-Jump in, Nettie.
| n. (gruftiy)-Are the men going togeth-
|
i quickly into the second hanson, followed
Immediately by Vavasour Kerr takes the
vacant place beside Nettie.
K. (as they drive off)-At last!
| Nat last what?
K.-That l have what I've wanted for
weeks-you alone, How you have avoid
ed me!
N.-Quite the contrary I think People
say you are always with me.
K.-But never alone. Did you think I
should be satisfied to go on for ever like
that?
N.-Men are never satisfied. are theyP
K.-Someumes. l am very nearly so
now.
NJ think you might give me a little
more room: this seems TO be an unusually
narrow hanson. Why didn't you go with
Mrs. Erskine?
K.-Because she didn't want me, and
asked Vavasour.
N.-Indeedl how disappointed you must
have been.
K--Dreadfully. Don't look It?
N.-Captain Kerr. where are we driving?
This isn't the way to Bond street
K-No; it's not I told the man to drive
round the park We can get tea at Ken
sington.
N.-But what will the others say?
XXI don't think they'll mind, do your
(Frances Forbes boudoir $50 same af-
ternoon. Enter Mrs. Erskine)
Mrs. E-Well, I've managed It beauti-
fully. kept Captain Kerr hanging about
mo till ! saw Netie was furious with
jealousy. and then I passed him on to
her. They are at the present moment
together in a hanson or somewhere else.
at any rate without a third person, and
with opportunities.
Frances (doubtfully)-I hope she'll &C
cept him.
Mrs. E.-No fear. But harkl here ~
comes; not word. mind enter Nettie.
with heightened color and brilliant eyes)
Mrs. E.-Why Nettie. wherever have YOU
been? Charlie and I waited as long as
we could for you. and then came on here
to see II anything had happened.
N. Qaughing)-Well, something has hap
pened.
Both-What7
MIN engaged to Captain Kerr.
Frances-O, how did II happen7
N.-He took a mean advantage Of me.
and declared he would not let the han
som stop till gave him an answer. We
drove round and round that park TIL the
poor horse was positively dizzy. so out OF
pity for the animal and his master was
at last INDUCED to make up my mind.
Both-And you accepted him7
N.-Wnat else could I do2 Fancy the
awkwarcness of being in a cab with man
who has proposed and been rejected
Mrs. E--CertainIy not so pleasant as be-
ing in the same situation with the man
you have accepted Ny dear Nettie. your
hat is all awry.
y. tcolortngl-o. but that's the fashion.
you know.