The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-07-29


Of both sexes. There we're teachers, pro-
Sess0rs. musicians. artists. elccHtionists.
journalists, sllustratcr4 lecturers. and
others. We were thoroughly up-to-date
people. and could discuss politics, art.
literature, travel-In fact. there was no
topic we could not discuss. It was an
education to dine at eur table, and
good study In human nature as well
The most distinguished gentleman IN
the house was a rising young architecr
named Mr.. Swanberg.
How the ladies did exert themselves to
be charming in his presencsi He was
| gallant and gracious to all, but paid no
special court to any one Of as.
One morning Mr.. Swanberg told Us he
was going on on trip for q month. We
missed him greatly, as We liked him best
OF the gentlemen among as.
A week before his return the absent
gentleman startled US all by writing to
the lady Of the house that he you'd bring
back his bride with him.
We felt disappointed, and the meal was
rather quiet one, as far as the ladies
were concerned. Secretly, we were just
crazy to see the woman who mad been
smart enough and charming enough to
capture the fancy of the elegant Mr.
Swanberg. We concluded she must De
surprisingly beautiful to suit his taste,
as he was true artist and loved beauty.
Perhaps she was wealthy and had been
educated abroad, hence would outshine
US with her accomplishments. The lady
was certainly to be pitied should she
prove to be In the least Ordinary" as
more critical set than ours was not TO
be found in Boston or any other city.
At last the bridal couple arrived. Din
ner time came, and we all tried to look
our best to make good impression up-
on the honored stranger. We imagined
the couple would wait until all were
seated, then they would come into our
presence with an lair, that would be
quite overcoming, perhaps. The bride
would be queenly, and her handsome
groom would present her proudly to US
In the most stately manner.
What was our establishment to find that
Mr.. and Mrs. SWanberg had passed into
the room quietly with the rest of US, and
had seated themselves at the table as
though they had always been With US.
The gentleman told us simply that he
was glad to see US all again. and trusted
we would soon become acquainted with
his wife. The lady Of the house then in
vited US to a little reception N the parlor
that evening.
The new husband and wife chatted nat
urally and pleasantly with those near
them at the table. The bride was Of me-
dunn height, weight, and complexion.
She was simply and becomingly dressed.
without the least attempt at display. Her
features were ordinary, but her express
sion was sympathetic, CHEEKY, bright. and
thoughtful. She was neither blue
stocking nor a flirt. She did not talk
much. nor pose any.
After dinner we ladies declared among
ourselves that the bride was \ mystery.
as we could not see how she had ever
captured the exquisite Mr.. s~anberg. She
certainly was plain, and at leas: 80 years
OF age. Doubtless she had hidden tai
ents that had bewitched him. Perhaps
this simplicity was only for effect, and
she would dome out Of her shell In the
evening and take US by Storm" as 1t
were.
or course, We all fixed up In party ar
ray for the reception. VIII you believe
It? That provoking bride had only added
a rose to her pretty brown hair, and
placed bunch OF white roses In her belt!
Was she trying to create a sensation:
She was succeeding, surely. Yet she did
not look nor act as though trying to play
a part" Well, you should have seen us
''show or before that bride. and do our
best to discover her charm, or talents,
or secret, whereby she had, with no APP
parent effort on her part, won such q
prize we ali would have nearly died 10
gain.
Well, we discussed every popular sub
ject OF the day. and exhibited our knowl- |
of11ff Al
voices, etc. The more we talked the more
and attentive Mrs. swanberg
appeared. She really acted as though |
honestly glad to gain so much iuforma-
ton and meet so many wonderful women. ]
She could listen attentively enough to |
please the greatest talker in the room, IL |
We had not been burning to have her |
show us what she could do. We asked |
Z she could play, or sing, or recite. One |
inquired IL she had taken up art as a |
special study. Another wanted to know |
Z she had travelled much. To all Of these
questions the bride answered mo" as |
pleasantly as though she thought we
would be pleased to know she lacked |
hese points of interest. Finally one lady
lsked her outright what her profession i
lad been She quietly replied that had
'nly helped take care Of her sick father
,efore marriage. She further added that
Ter plan had been to become a trained
Iurse, but Mr.. Swanberg had persuaded
Ter ochange her mind. she did not
eem conscious that we were all mentally
her, and "sizing her up" so to
peak, ''for all she was worth
When she babe US good night" she said
he was sorry we should find her una
lie to entertain US. but hoped we would
elleve that she was capable Of appreciat-
ng our gifts and talents.
At this point an old gentleman stepped
p to the lady, and, extending his hand,
aid: My dear Mrs Swanberg. you are
ruly a marvel of the nineteenth century.
have not seen a so-called lady for
many years who did not pretend to pos
ess some Accomplishments or talents.
bought your kind had become extinct"
low the little bride laughed and showed
er white teeth!
/ think we all secretly acknowledged
o ourselves that night In our rooms that
re had been totally eciipsed by q simple,
1vable young woman, without a talent
r attempt on her part to draw any at
ention to herself. Genuine worth needs
L