The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-31
1T WAS SIMPLY A CASE OF
TRIAL BY PEPPERMINT
AND SHE DO WIN.

1
ly called themselves, had done very
well that season, and they had de-
served their success by hard work
and by their exceptionally high
standard both in music and morals.
But now their prestige was threat
ened by the strange claim of Isabel
Jackson.
Isabel, she done demanded imme-
jate attention. For Miss Jackson
had abandoned her profession, that
of domestic servant, and she was
now living in lodgings on her scan
ty savings and the hope of dividing
the home and the career of Mr..
John Pride, the youngest and most
drawing" member of the troupe.
The time was fast approaching
when the Ministries would migrate
TO some other popular resort.
Isabel had just carried into effect
her oft-repeated threat to appeal to
Mr.. Hooker. This gentleman, who
presided over the financial arrange
ments of the troupe, to say nothing
of his skill in manipulating the har-
monium, was respected equally be-
fore and behind the scenes.
Mr.. Hooker's first step towards a
solution of the problem was to form
a committee of the whole house
during the first lunch interval after
Miss Jackson had spoken to him.
At this meeting he wrestled mildly
and paternally with Mr.. John Pride,
pointing out to him the error of his
ways from the practical and finan-
cial point of view. Mr. Pride's only
answer was a single sentence in
which he catalogued Miss Jackson's
failings with creditable terseness
and published his intention of max
| ing a fortune on the music hall
stage. Now Mr. Pride was a dancer
of exceptional merit, his "gagging"
was fair for so young an artist, and
he handled the bones as if he had
| been born with them between his
fingers; but as a musician he played
the flue, and he did not play it well.
| The two other Ministries boosted
a lifelong acquaintance with the vio-
lin. They were, moreover, middle
aged, and they took lively interest
in the business side of their pro-
fession. They were therefore in
| clined to be little hard upon their
youthful associate and had speedily
made up their minds to cut off that
unruly member.
| Mr.. Hooker himself was of the
same opinion, but he preferred to
unite the knot rather than to cut
it; therefore he took notice neither
Of his Supporters frowns nor of
John Pride's reckless challenge, but
| simply beckoned to Miss Jackson,
who, as was her deplorable habit,
was lowering tearfully on their hor-
lion. The young lady assumed a
| defiant bearing for the occasion
and with much dignity in her not
unpleasing person, entered the
meeting, and after returning the
salutes of her judges, leaned grace
fully against the harmonium. Mr..
Pride flung himself On the sand
and footed ostentatiously on his de-
lspised flute, while Mr.. Hooker pro-
ceeded with the business in hand.
| "Were sorry about this, Miss
Jackson" began the leader. There
il no doubt, l suppose, about the
promise?"
Not much, there warmth" replied
the plalntiH. why, what more can
a gentleman-as is a gentleman
say? Will you marry me?' 1t said
as plain as can be, in pink and
white"
''In writing?"
Better than writing!" remarked
Isabel, triumphantly. at was in
print, it was-pink on white!"
Have you got it? You know
'aven't, Jack. How could / when
you put it in my mouth yourself.
you did. Don't you remember me
sayin' It's peppermint, Jack? and
you said it was warm like yer feel.
ings?"
well, MISS" went on Mr.. Hook
er, calmly, lit said, will you marry
me-? and you ate it, and it was
peppermint. Now what did you an
swer?"
Il don't remember" said Isabel,
looking down. Something suit
1 u