The Somerset reporter., 1905-06-01

I Copyright, 1905, by Fannie Heaslip Leo
With a final squeal from the first
violin, that apparently tuned hard, the
orchestra broke into ripping over
on the painted one beneath.
An usher slammed down the seat
beside Elizabeth and laid programme
on it; then he handed the seat check
to its owner and slid away.
When you have broken your en-
gagement with man the night be-
fore, after Il stormy discussion, it is
not the happiest surprise in the world
to find him seated beside you at the
matinee, where you have gone to kill
time and forget yourself.
Elizabeth bowed stitlly
The man responded with equal
frigidity.
She read her programme with alb
sorbng interest. 1t was continuous
vaudeville
Il had no idea" said the man at
last, that you would be here or =
MY movements need not interfere
with yours, Mr.. Gayden,' said Eliza
beth Jelly.
She grew still more absorbed in her
programme.
A dear old lady, with water waves
and gold trimmed glasses, sat down
with thud in the seat ON Elizabeth's
left and turned a delighted smile on
the girl
well. | declare" she cried. III it
amt Bessie Mcintyre, Law me-the
very last person on earth l was think
in of seem. How are you, dear?
And hows your mother? My son
brought me up to town yesterday for
little visit. He got seats for the
show here today, and he's comm for
me soon's his Office hours are over.
Amt that Nick Gayden beside you?
Howdy, Nick? You haven't changed a
mite since you left Girton. I'm real
glad to see YOU
She stretched a black gloved hand
across Elizabeth, and Nick was forced
to shake it smlingly.
"Well-wel-w we'll" said the old
lady, ito think of my meetin you all
here. And we were just talkin' about
she chuckled to Nick, as the quick
crimson spread over Elizabeth's face.
Il hear yo-l're to be married. Yes
indeed we hear things in country. too.
and. of course. since You ais families
used 10 live in Girton, cverybodX'S in
tercSted in YOU Well. we'll. | wish
you all the happiness in the world. my
dear and you'll need it. Marriage is
Il mighty risky thing And the weddin'
is to he in the spring. | hear. That's
good June and brides and roses sOrter
belong together" She stopped for
breath.
we are not began Elizabeth. She
bit her lips and began again I'VE
have
We have decided nothing definite
~" Nick interrupted easily.
That right" the old lady agreed;
hold on to your Sweetheartin as long
as you can. It's mighty nice playin.
and it only comes once in a lifetime
Elizabeth smiled in spite of herself.
.Some girls are engaged three or four
times, Mrs Barton" she suggested.
"Oh. jus y-up-the-crecks. said Mrs.
Barton comfortably. mot nice, sincere,
honest girls like you that know the
right man and stick to him when they
find him. | said the minute | heard of
your engagement; Now, there's "A prop
er match. Both of 'em young both Of
'em handsome, we'll off, good tempered.
sensible and steady. Show me II bet
ter, Josiah, says l."
Il ought to tell you, Mrs. Barton
said Elizabeth, with a rush. You're
mistaken. I'm not
The curtain went up noiSily. "Shucks
honey" Mrs. Barton whispered, you're
too modest-now don't talk to me. |
haven't seen show in three years
Elizabeth turned to Nick with a furi
Gus whisper.
This cant go on
"What are you going to do?" he ask
ed stiffly
Tell her.
Il won't"
ITS perfectly absurd"
Nick shrugged his shoulders.
"S-s-s-hw Mrs Barton cried in jocu
lar whisper. you'll have time enough
to talk to each other all your lives
Keep quiet now"
After an unhappy half hour the white
curtain of the vitograph rolled down.
and Mrs. Barton turned to the girl
again.
81 can't look at those things" she
said; 'hurts my eyes. Now tell me
some more about yourselves-makes nue.
feel right old to think of your two chill
dren goln' to get married. Law mel
remember the time you want no high
er than my knee. You were the worst
youngster in the county. Nick. and
Bessie want far behind you. And
law, how you used to hate each other
Many's the time I've seen her pull that !
tow hair of yours"
1T Isn't began Elizabeth lmpetu-
Ously