The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1901-08-23

~ PRETTY COUSIN
FROM SEATTLE
BY G. E. CORBET.

"Will," said Gerald as he boarded the
New York train, from which city he
was to sail for Europe, when my pref
ty little cousin comes on from Seattle
be sure you lay yourself out to enter
tain her. You have her photo, and I
have written minute description OF
you, 50 you'll recognize each other the
instant she steps of the Pullman. Sor-
ry | can't be here to do the gallant my
self, but you'll have to take my place.
There was time for no further con-
versation. for the big limited was al
ready pulling out of the station, and
Will Dodge was left to his own pleas
ant cogitations on the beauty of the
western belle and the enjoyable time
he was going to have escortng her
around the city. However, day after
day and week after week went by, and
there was no word from the expected
young lady. Mr.. William Dodge actu-
ally lost his usual good spirits and
grew dumpish and petulant. "Fretting
for the girl who never came" was his
usual greeting from the Misses Anna
bel and WiIhelmina Dodge, who We're
never known to sigh for an unknown
quantity when there was plenty Of
available material near at hand.
II don't believe there is any Seattle
girl. It's all myth, story that Ger
aid got up to give Will something to
think about while he's gone. Annabcl
didn't Annie Olson, the washerwonan,
come from Seattle" said Wilhelmina
one day.
Eyes, but what could she possibly
have to do with Gerald's beautiful
cousin?'
Nothing now probably, but We may
establish some sort of connection be-
tween them"
Annie Olson objected wildly and
strenuously when certain proposition
was laid before her by the two young
ladies, but by dint Of much coaxing and
the promise of last seasons pink
foulard of Annabels and a huge white
leghorn Of Wilhelmina's she finally con-
scented to play her part in scheme
which had for its object the final de-
struction of Mr.. Dodgcs affection for
an unknown beauty.
A few days later that gentleman was
called up over the telephone by a lady
with peculiarly sweet voice.
as this Mr.. William Dodge? Oh, I'm
SO glad found you in. This is Miss
Lattimer Of Sratt'a. Oh. you are sur
prised, aren't you? OF course my
cousin Gerald has told you all about
me. What is it? Oh, | arrived ycster-
day with my brother, who at the last
moment decided to come east. What?
Yes, thank you, you can DO something
for me. Just called you up to ask y
favor Of you. My brother went on to
Boston this morning and left me with a
box for the opera on my hands. An old
friend is going with me this evening. |
want you to join US. Can l count on
you? Oh, thanks! The pleasure will
be mutual then. So glad you can come
WIN send the ticket by messenger this
afternoon. Goodby. Goodby."
There" said Miss Wilhelmina Dodge
to Miss Annabel Dodge as she dropped
the receiver into its hook, 'if your be-
loved sister is not afflicted for the rest
of her life with chronic throat trouble
aStsE keeping up that voice for SO
Many minutes it will be miraculous
escape. Now let us hurry home to pre-
pare Miss Lattimer of Seattle for an
evening at the opera"
1t took the united efforts of both SIS
tiers and several hours time to allay
the constantly arising fears and appre-
tensions of Miss Annie Olson and to
array her in apparel worthy the occa-
sion. 1t also took much persuasion and
many brides and applications Of the
scrubbing brush to persuade Mr.. John
johnson to accompany the respondent
creature who sat stitf1y conscious in the
drawing room waiting for the time OF
departure.
Mr.. Will Dodge entered the house
that afternoon at an unusually early
hour and allowed much time to elapse
in the preparation Of a careful and
elaborate evening toilet. At dinner he
did not crafty the natural curiosity Of
his sisters concerning the nature Of his
engagement, but maintained dignity
which successfully resisted all attempts
at raillery, the gentleman shrewdy
thinking that now Miss Lattimer real
ly had arrived he would keep the
knowledge to himself as long as posi-.
bic
In box No. 20 Of the Metropolitan
Grand Opera House that evening there
sat a lady and gentleman who drew
forth smiles of curiosity and amuse-
ment from all around. Many pairs of
glasses were levelcd on them, but none
SO iiXedly as a couple which were di.
rected from an obscure corner Of the
gallery. Some minutes after the cur
tain rolled up the two watchers and
others who happened to be looking saw
the hangings at the rear Of the box
part and man, well dressed. hand
some and evidently cultured, enter.
They noticed that he took only a step
Or two forward md then, with an ex-
preston Of intense surprise and per-
pleyity, turned on his heel and left.
When Mr.. Dodge entered the house
some time In the wee small hours Of
the morning, all was quiet as usual,
and there was nothing to remind him
Of the girl from Seattle. Nor was there
any mention of her for some weeks and
months At the end Of that time, when
he married the cousin Of Gerald. she,
having been informed of certain little
former adventure Of his, reminded him