The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1906-04-27
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III I/J/l
Copyright, 1904, by w. r. Hearst.)
ooh, Patsy, I'm so glad you've come"
cried Ellen.
II don't doubt it, my DEAR" said Patri-
cha, settling her small self in the big chair
and giving her hat an audacious tilt, under
the guidance of the mirror opposite.
Whats the trouble now? / can see with
half an eye that you're dying to tell me
about it."
1T isn't mine. It's Lena Webster's, and
It's a horrid story"
Then l don't believe a word of it." said
Patricia aggressively.
ooh, but it's true" said Ellen, earnestly
II had it from George Bixby, who had 1t
from Brayton Williams, who had 1t from
oh, i forgot who, but 1t was quite direct"
We'll, if it's true it's very un-Christian
to spread it, said Patricia. argumenta-
lively, but fire away"
IF you take that tone, Patsy, 1 shan't
tell you a word"
"Oh," said Patricia. sit would be still
more un-Christian to leave me in the
dark"
PATSY, you're a little heather, and 1t
would serve you right if l shouldn't tell
you another word. But never mind I'm
In a forgiving mood this afternoon. Now
you know Lena Webster's aunt?"
1@>S eAAS IA ooAAAs
"Oh, Patsy, how stupid you are today.
I mean the aunt that died"
oh" said Patricia, scornfully, your
lenses are dreafully mixed, if that's what
you meant. But I forgive you. OF course
l knew the rich aunt hat the Websters
cossetted and passed about on a silver
platter and worshipped as the mountain
knew about her,
We'll, what do you think? They've
found out that she didn't leave a cent"
ID you mean that she cut Lena out OF
her will and gave her money to a home for
friendless cats?"
NO. indeed. I mean just hat I say.
She didn't leave a cent"
Mercy! You don't mean 1t! What had
she been making all thai show on?"
Wen, you remember, nobody ever knew
Just property she had. Some said city
buildings and some said government bonds.
but all they knew was that she had a good
income. "a Webster was hunting about to
ind out about 1t, but he never could.'
IF L had wanted to know 1t wouldn't
have taken me long to find OUT said Pa
tricia.
Il don't doubt 1t. Patsy dear; but they
never thought OF applying to you. So the
FAMILY had a fit when they found out that
the rich aunt had put everything into an
annuity that died with her."
Poor Lena" sighed Patricia. but still
she'll be very comfortable when she mar
ries Charley Merrill"
"Oh, but that's the worst OF it," cried
Ellen. When Charley Merrill heard of it
he broke off the engagement"
WHAT'S that?' cried Patricia, iouncing
out of her chair. you don't mean II. DO
you know what I'd do If a man treated me
that way she cried at the tale OF mas
culine perfidy.
ono r don't b,+ r l,ao-
V with him somehow, Patsy"
SO 1 would" said Patricia, doubling her
small fists angrily. but / won't tell YOU
how, for 1 don't know"
III think It's Shocking" sighed Ellen.
with the comfortable sorrow that one feels
for the misfortunes Of others"
Patricia sat down with a mcdi.atiye air
Then she gave herself a shake.
II don't believe Charley Merrill fnous
a thlng about It," she said with decision.
L saw him at the Bigelows YESTERDAY. and
he talked about lfe's SORROWS. and said he
was going to the Philippines"
Speak OF the angels" said Ellen. Hes
ao"isealIs now. oh, Patsy, please go
down and entertain him while chance
my dress"
"A minute later, Patricia, chic, smiling
ana electric with energy, sailed into The
reception room with inward auakings ana
utwa signs Of a supreme self.cone-
dence.
It's very rude to look so SURPRISED ;.
was her attack on the young man who
rose at her entrance. I'm 81 s,,hsti,n+o r
know. but i nave feelings. Ellen viii he
down directly"
II accept the substitute with a thankful
heart" said Mr.. Merrill, rising gallantlv
to the occasion.
Very well done, Charley" said Patricia.
with an approving nod.
rive come to say good-by,' he said rne.
fully. II suppose you'll take this for a
call on you. too"
'oh, very well. if you're anxious to save
time" said Patricia thornily.
But / didn't mean that" said the
young man. Don't get offended, PATSY.
I'm in such a state of mind that Pm not
more than half responsible for what I'm
saying"
Well" said Patricia primly. "1f YOU
want to beforgiven. you'll nave to make
a sister of me"
IF you'd like to refuse me, consider 1t
DONE" said the young man with a melan-
choly smile.
Don't be n~onsensical. Charley" said
Patricia, and I'll tell you a story"
Fire away" said the young man. with q
resigned but. myst.hed air.
Once upon a time there was a GIRL
began Patricia slowly.
That was delightful" sighed the young
man
Re she was" said Patricia: but ;,cu're