Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-03-01

scoi uress. My aunt informed
me that your travelling suit was
brown"
VI. | laLntly calculated, inwardly
thinking how very strange in mamma
10 write to Mrs. Wharton concerning
the dress, and feeling considerable
seAeu ABOUT lt--so much so that the
gentleman, judging from my flushed
cneeKs that the subject was unpleas-
ant pursued it no further, to nv great
relief.
PRESENTLY the carriage stopped before
large and handsome dwelling. and
although [ know that Mrs. Wharton
was in possession of very comfortable
income, was not prepared for the ele-
gance encountered.
My poor brown merino looked sadly
out of place beside the rich crimson fur
niture and splendid mirrors, and had
not Mrs. Wharton's nephews made
strenuous efforts for my entertainment,
l should have subsidized into that most
toriorn and dreary feeling homesick-
ness.
My aunt begged that we should dine
at the usual hour said the gentleman,
after | had Invested myself Of my
wraps, "as she was afraid she would
not be able to return before s or 8
O'Clock; the friend she has gone to see
is very ill-in fact, dying and Aunt
Lizzie Will probably stay until all is
over"
Aunt Lizzie?" l thought; has she
discarded the name of Rose!'
l remembered, however, that her ini-
tials were L. e. W.
The dinner was charming; my appe-
tlte was good. l never had dyspepsia
ID my life, and ate the luxurious food,
SO dainuly prepared, with an enjoy
ment that must have been quite anus
ing to my companion.
About an hour after we had sat down,
While we were leisurely partaking Of
our dessert and discussing the rights
OF women, the butler handed note to
my vis-a-yis. After asking me to ex-
cuse him he opened and read
The look Of surprise and consterna-
ton in his face was simply appalling.
HAS anything happened to your
aunt?' l timidly inquired, feeling un-
comfortable under the scritinizing gaze
Of his dark-gray eyes.
mo, no-that is, nothing Of import
ance-but I do not think she will be
back tonight. But, Miss Rose-your
name is Miss Rose, is it not?''
I put down the orange l was peeling
and looked the amazement felt.
'My name is Miss Rose Terry I re-
piled, with as much dignity as I could
assume.
Yes-certainly-I beg your pardon
but, Miss Rose-Miss Terry, l mean
you will make yourself comfortable
for the night-until my aunt returns,
should say"
His confusion seemed very strange,
after his late elf-possession, but at
tributing it all to the contents Of the
note-alas, I did not then dream OF. the
information it conveyed endeavored
to make the best of it, and told him not
to be uneasy, as | had no doubt but
that Mrs. Wharton would return early
in the morning.
Books and music formed the principal
subjects Of conversation during the
few hours passed with Mrs. Whar-
toms nephew, and so pleasant and
agreeable did he prove that l began to
like him very much, and quite forgot
my embarrassment at remaining so
long alone with q stranger.
At breakfast next morning we chat
ted away like old friends, but when the
meal was over my companion asked me
to walk into the library for few mo-
ments.
I complied with his request, made
rather gravely, feeling sensation pass
through me that something was going
to happen.
please be seated, Miss Terry" he
began. ST regret that | am obliged to
explain a very strange mistake-and
beg your pardon for keeping you in ig-
norance through last evening, but, be-
neve me, did so only because l wished
YOU to have a pleasant and comfortable
rest after your long journey.
II could say nothing to this prepare
tory speech. for my heart was throb-
bing at such furious rate dared not
trust my voice.
.My aunt" he continued, expected
n lady friend, named Miss Annie Rose,
to arrive yesterday, and being called
from home unexpectedly, she commits
stoned me to be her escort from the
railroad station to the house. She spoke
Of Miss Roses travelling dress being
brown. and hence my mistake in ac-
costing you. The note I received last
evening appraised me of nay error, for
In it Aunt Lizzie informed me that Miss
Rose, learning Of the illness OF Mrs.
Talmage. had arrived by an earlier
train and gone directly to the house Of
Mrs. Talmage, so that she might see
her friend once more while alive. Ii
YOU will accept my apologies for eaus-
ing you this Inconvenience and delay III
your plans will be truly grateful FOR
your forbearance and viii do all in my
power to rectify my mistake as speedily