Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1903-08-01
LEFT on Ship Island |
BY MARGARET A. LOGAN.
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YOUNG MRS. BIRDING always re-
garded her husband with ap-
pgoval, save In the light of country
editor. His store, she would argue,
drew more custom than any other in
the little town of Upton, and it
afforded him steady, though
modest, income; while this publishing
business brought much labor and
annoyance with very small recon-
pense.
Rural subscribers seemed to con-
slider frewood and vegetables suffi-
cient compensation for such litera-
ture, and the editor frequently found
himself involved in difficulties; Mr..
Smith taking offense at some political
effusion, and Mr.. j ones feeling injured
because his friend, Mrs. Bland, was
not mentioned among the personals.
"The society notes are written up
by Mrs. Nobling, who generally Con
trives to get names wrong and
costumes impossible. Jim gave her
the job, because he felt sorry for her.
Her husband is perfectly worthless
and out of work half the time.
That's Jim's way, you know. He
pays Mrs. Dreamy for the stuff she
calls poetry, because she is poor
widow, and supports herself and chill
dren by teaching and sewing"
While his wife thus unburdened her
mind to confidential friends, Mr..
Birding, a man of literary tastes and
benevolent disposition, enjoyed his
peculiar management of the Upton
Chronicle, and day came when the
little woman was not so blind to the
privileges of being an editors wife.
This was when the Printers Ink Fra
ternity, of which he was a member,
decided to hold it's annual meeting
at Gulfport, on the Mississippi
Sound.
That now-famous shipping point
had already become a town of phe-
nomenal interest, and most of those
backwoods editors had never beheld
the beautiful waters of the Gulf. Ex-
cursion rates were cheap and an in
vitation from Mrs. Hearty, her old
schoolmate, living at Gulfport, settled
the question of hotel bills very COM
fortably.
"And she says Little Sis must
come with us. will run over at once
and make your mothers consent. The
child grows shy and reserved, never
going anywhere or seeing anyone but
village folks"
Bessie Birding, known as Little Sis,
might seem shy and quiet beside
certain set in Upton; but she was
sprightly enough in the home circle
and among congenial friends. Gladly
did her young heart beat that April
morning as they boarded the train
There came no presentment of evil,
NO thought of any change of destiny
awaiting her. Beautiful were the
green, budding woods, the orchards
in pink and white bloom, the waving
fields of corn and cane, and, full of
interest, the other editorial parties
among passengers taken on at differ
ent stations.
Surely, we are not required to
wear those things, Mr.. Birdling"
BY ''those things" she meant fra
ternity badges, prepared for the oc-
easion, which some excursionists
sported with as much pride as if it
had been a Victoria cross. This badge
was an orange-colored ribbon with
scarlet lettering, from which de-
pended a deep and very brassy fringe.
'I should as willingly deck myself
with red peony or big sunflower.
1t is well brother did not get them
or u.s."
'But three have been given me,
Bess, and we must wear them at the
MEETINGS, or brethren viii think US
too proud. Here we are in New Orr
leans"
After a day and night in the Ores,
cent City, full of novel experiences,
Shey took the early morning train
for Gnlfport. Then came succession
of delights. The shining river Of
pearls, Lake Catherine and the wild
ducks. marshes glowing with flowers