Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-30

Mrs. Alanson Kirkby sat writing very
fast. her brows puckered, her teeth set hard
upon her lower lip. Alphonsine Carr, her
niece. known Familiarity to Edgewarren as
Seena. said languidly from the sofa: Have
you forgotten what the beauty doctor says.
Aunt Gabrielle? That frowning and biting
the lips are the worst possible things for a
woman of your age?'
Mrs. Kirkby started like chidden child,
smoothed her brows and sat upright with
funny small attempt at dignity. .'Seena,
you will please not refer to my age-eIther
In public or private she said. Then with
almost piteous eagerness: Unless 1t is to
say 1 don't look it. You must say that,
Seena. I'm sure l don't. Admit that l look
as young as L feel"
Seena laughed provokingly. II dare say
you look younger than you feel-when you
have a hard touch of rheumatism" she
said. Then as Mrs. Kirkby's eyes filled
But never mind. aunty; you're prett:er
than you are old. Tell me who you are
writing to. That's the fourth sheet, so you
must be saying mo- in all the moods and
lenses to poor Major Winn. Why don't you
say yes to him, auntie? 1 think he's the
foveliest old dear"
Mrs. Kirkby smiled dimpIing smile that
took twenty years off her handsome head.
The Major! o, he hasn't proposed to me
now for whole fortnight" she SAID. May
be he is growing sensible-Im sure l was
very firm with him the last time. OF course
l Ought to be glad. but do you know Seena,
truly I'm not. Your grandpapa always said
l was coquette in my cradle and he was
sure l should be one to my grave
But the letter. Seena interrupted I'M
dutifully.
Involuntarily Mrs. Kirkby laid her hand
upon the written sheets, but after ffdget-
ftngr nit u tl1Y,, 49,, 1901
society manner: DO you recall what Miss
Primly said in her lecture on Household
Service?-that we must never lose our dig
nifty in dealing with employees and have re-
gard TO their feelings in reproving them
l remember 1t and am writing to-that
wretch Bgg."
You mean you haven't courage to say
anything to her face" Seena said when
she could speak for laughing: Dear me- 1
wish you'd let me do it. The way we eat
or starve at her convenience is something
dreadful"
'.Seena, when you know It is Bigg or no.
body" Mrs kirkby said with a shudder.
20 me, how 1 wish Edgewarren had never
become suburb. 1t was the dearest place
till these country house people came-a real
Eden, where you had no trouble with serv-
ants
But you had heaps-with frocks and tea
fights Seena interrupted. Il remember
how Uncle Kirkby raved if anybody else
was finer than you. He thought his money
demanded that you should always wear
silk. Confess aunty-your morning bonn
bazine was relief 1t was just the same
with Price, the butler, whom uncle made
you. keep I'm spite of all his airs
''Seena for shame! You-you know l
loved to obey my husband" Mrs. Kirkby
protested, but mildly as though discharging
a duty.
Seena laughed lazily and retorted: Then
YOU must love to be bullied. 1 shall tell the
Major you want master, not a slave"
Poor dear Major" Mrs. Kirkby muir
INJURED. putting up a hand still white and
dimpled to pat her well-crimped locks. He
really is a splendid match; but don't you
see. quite too old for me After ones youth
is past one must avoid shocks Miss Prim-
" said so in her talk on Poise. When l
recall what ! went through in losing your
Uncle Kirkby," pausing with her handker-
chief to her eyes. II resolve firmly that my
next husband, if I have one. shall at least
be likely to outlive me-"
At the last word she turned again to the