The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-03-17
That Dear Man,

But don't you think you are reposing
too much confidence in him, Bertha?'
You are such an unbeliever. Mrs. Port
man. Have I not trusted him in so far
that I have promised one day 10 become
his wife? And that once conceded all
other trust becomes a matter of less con-
sequence"
Mrs. Portman was a matron Of 80. who
had passed through the fiery ordeal OF
experience, and profited withal- Bertha
Brooks was only four and twenty, the
widow Of a man whom she had dudfully
married because her father bade her do
so. Old General Brooks had lived only
four years after the marriage. and the
young widow was left with two cherry
checked little girls and q half a million
Of money.
"Of course Mrs. Brooks will marry
again." prophesied everybody. and Mrs.
Brooks verified the popular rumor by en-
gaging herself TO Mr.. Gerald Montressor,
"a model mani
He was president Of half a dozen be-
nevolent societies, director of as many
more, chairman of charitable commit
at his tongues end.
such a dear man." said all the old
ladies.
such a jolly humbug" said the men,
but then they were always disposed TO
pass severe judgment on one of their own
number.
So the big wedding cake was made. and
the white silk dress was ordered, and the
clergyman engaged TO perform the cere-
mony, when a telegram arrived from Eu-
rope demanding Mrs. Brooks instant
presence at the death-bed of her only
brother.
You surely will not think OF going.
Bertha?" pleaded the bridegroom-ele
II shah co. Mrs. Brooks answered,
quietly. 1T is a duty from which may
not shrink"
And she went, resolutely refusing the
escort of Mr.. Montressor.
Before she sailed, however she made
wili-to Mrs. Portman's utmost dismay.
leaving her children her property, her all,
10 the guardianship Of Montressor-and
thereby arose the little discussion which
opens our tale.
Three or four weeks glided away before
a second telegram was handed into the
gothic furnished library of the house on
Patrician square, where Mr.. Montressor
was reading the paper aloud to Miss Jo-
sepha Johnson.
4 sail in the San Duomo, April p. Love
to ALL B. B."
lacking down the pale blue velvet carpet
in the brides boudoir, the sad tidings came
of the laundering Of the good steamer
San Duomo and the loss of all on board.
1.-The Lords will be DONE" groaned Mr..
Montressor.
I'VE must strive to be resigned" said
Miss Josepha Johnson.
It was a sun-bright morning, toward the
first of June. Mrs. Portman was water
ing the monthly roses and geraniums IN
her windows, when there came a soft
tapping at the door.
Come in" said Mrs. Portman, and a
ghost glided in. Or at least so she
thought.
Don't be frightened, Mrs. Portman."
said Bertha It's only I. didn't sail
in the Duomo, after all. A little extra
law business that I hadn't anticipated
kept me until the next steamer. And now
tell me about the children-about Ger
aid"
Mrs. Portman's spectacles glared upon
the inquiring face of the young widow.
rs 1t possible" she asked. that you
have been there?"
ST wanted to hear something of their
welfare first. wanted to surprise them"
''And 1 guess you will surprise them"
said Mrs. Portman. why, Mr. Montres-
SOr tnOuSnC II was great pity the wed
ding cake and the dress and the vail
should all be wasted, so he is to marry
that precious Miss Josepha Johnson Of
yours the day after tomorrow"
'Impossible" gasped Bertha.
''He is such a dear mani" quoted Mrs.
Portman.
And the children?"
80, the children, They are a secondary
consideration said Mrs. Portman. dryly
'"They are to be packed off to a boarding
school, for Miss Josepha Johnson has had
quite enough Of them already, and Mr..
Montressor isn't fond OF children now that
their mothers eye is off him and the
property is in his own control. So you see
the consequences Of that Quixotic viii of
yours, Bertha
Mr.. Montressor lost his rich wife, but
Miss Josepha Johnson did not gain hus-
band. She is an old maid still; for that
dear man. had too much common sense
to throw himself away on a homeless gov
erness. nd Bertha Brooks still remains a
widow, devoted to Blanche and Bessie.