Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-09-12
STRATAGEM

Frances Forbes. married sister.
Nettie Ashley, younger and unmarried
sister.
- RANCES-1 think you are behav
r ing very badly to Capt. Kerr; you
- keep him hanging about, yet you
won't give him the opportunity he Is
waiting for to propose to you.
Nettie--That's just it; how can l,
when haven't made up my mind
what answer to give him?
T.-Surely you know your own mind
by now; you ought to.
N.-But don't. like him immense
ly and can't do without him; he looks
50 well. don't know any man whose
coats sit better than his, and he wears
such fascinating ties, and all the won-
en- 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
tes2
N-Yes, do; but dare not let him
propose yet, for fear l should say
YES" and regret it all my life; or,
perhaps, say mo-" and then think what
fool have been. SO the only thing is
to keep him near me, but never without
third person being present, or the crl-
sis will come and shall do the thing !
ought not to have done.
E'.-Well, all can say is that I've no
patience with you, and it isn't fair to
Capt Kerr, he is such a nice fellow
and l really think deserves better
fate.
N.-Than me? Well, perhaps he does.
tTakcs up her gloves) Do you want
anything at the stores?
F.-What are you going there for?
Mo meet Kate Ersklne, she wants
me to help her to choose a cape.
F.--Then you won't be at home for
tea?
Mo; we shall have 1t at the stores
or somewhere else. Ii Capt Kerr calls
entertain him kindly and give him my
love.
cat the Stores.)
Mrs. Ers!line-So, here you are. o,
by the bye, Nettie, hope you won't be
cross, but Charlie Vavasour is coming
70 meet us here He wants to see me
about something.
Nettie-That is nothing new, Is 1t
Kate? So l suppose am to make my
self scarce. three is such an impossible
number.
Mrs E.-Perhaps he'll bring another
man with him.
N.-If he does. it is sure to be some
one dislike. What nuisance!
Mrs. E.-Here they come o its
n. \coloring slightly)-Capt. Kerr.
Mrs. E.-LQoking smarter than ever.
want to know more Of that man; you
can talk to Charlie If you like.
N.-Thanks. but supposng don't
nike?
Mrs. 60, nonsense! variety Is good
for the soul and you are always with
Capt. Kerr turns towards the two men
approaching). All, how do you do?
Have you come to help me decide upon
mantle? I'm sure you have excellent
taste, Capt. Kerr, so come and give me
the benefit of it. (Nettie and Mr.
Vavasour follow behind.)
VA man feels such a fool in these
feminine Places at least. do. l wish
hadn't come.
N.-How rude you are; pray go.
V.--Do forgive me, Miss Ashley, It
was an awfully gauche thing to say,
hut, Of course, am charmed to be with
you anywhere. Kerr seems to be en-
ioying 1t; should think he'll try a
mantle on his own shoulders directly.
Nile appears to admire Mrs. Frs
kine's.
VI am not surprised, she has re-
markably pretty ones.
n. (spitefully)-She knows 1t, too and
is fond Of showing them.
ION the steps outside the stOres.)
X. Ito commssionaire)-Two han
SONS.
Mrs. E.-Jump in, Nettle.
n. (grutily)-Are the men going to-
gether? (AIrs. f. does not answer, but
steps quickly into the second hanson,
followed Immediately by vavasour.
Kerr takes the vecant place beside Net.
tie)
X las they drive off)-At last!
Nat last what?
K.-That have what I've wanted for
weeks-you alone. How you have avoid
Cd me!
N.-Quite the contrary, think. Peo-
pie say you are always with me.
K.-But never alone. Did you think
! should be satisfied to 60 on forever
like that?
N.-Men are never satisfied are they!
K.-Sometimes. am very nearly SO
now.
NJ think you might give me little
more room, this seems to be an unusual
ly narrow hanson. Why didn't you 60
with Mrs. Erskine;