The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1922-08-17
A FAMILY AFFAIR
BY CORA e. CRAWFORD.


| ROBERT, DO you think that's nicer
demonstrated mother, as Betty's face
took on the deeper flush of temper.
They were at dinner. Betty was
dressed in readiness for that cavalier
who would shortly follow his floral Of
fering. Bob had been silent and no
ticeably downcast during the meal.
just then the phone rang and put
an end to any further chickering's. Bob
arose with alacrity and flushed eager
ness, not unmixed with hope, and
dashed TO answer the call. His vibrant
voice was quite audible in the dining
| room.
"Yes-yes, it's Bob No,
wasn't going ;. You-you mean
lit Oh, say, don't. You needn't
be sorry; 1t wasn't your fault-it was
all minel Well. let's forget 1t !
Forgive you? Course When
will you be ready? !. Be there?
You betcher! Am l glad you
Called Say, I'll tell the world I'm
tickled silly And I'll tell you to-
night" lowering his voice. But the
very intensity Of his whisper burned
its way TO the ears in the dining room.
Rather sheepishly Bob resumed has
seat at the table. The fond sympathy
in his mothers eyes did not make the
hooking raillery in Betty's' any the
easier to bear.
who's the nut. Bobbie? That fluffy
little Kitten that has been purring
round you lately? Imagine girl an
swerng to the name of Kitten You've
rubbed her fur the wrong way, have
YOU? That's why he couldn't eat his
dinner motherm jeered Betty, provok-
ingly
Betty. dear. don't You know Kit
tens very sweet. And she likes Bob,
I'm sure" mother fastened TO soothe
with a fond glance at her son.
Then Betty FASTENED to put on those
few necessary finishing touches. and
Bob dashed upstairs TO dress. Both
were very happy and satisfied with
life A troublous problem had been
solved. Mother sat dreamily on at the
table. She was smiling quietly and
enigmatically TO herself. For she had
a thought all her own!
Three weeks later the grand
masque of the Literary club "came
off" The masque was the unique ell
max of the successful season.
Following announcement, each char
acter made immortal by some famous
author or poet, was obliged to walk
the full length of the hall, the or
chestra playing proper accompanying
strains. Appropriate applause greeted
each presentation. but it was when
Romeo and Juliet were announced that
the "house came down." so to speak.
There was much applause. a great
deal of laughter, and some signs. For
there were six Romeos and six
Julietsl (When will this romantic tale
cease to intrigue the heart of youthO
But bv what tragedy had one Romeo
been Julietless, The signs of relief
went up tn the God of Chance, who
had thus ordered an even number!
It was an absolutely perfect eve
nine-"the best ever" both Romeo and
Juliet thought to themselves.
"You dance divinely" breathed Ro-
neo. once, emerging from his assumed
character.
"And you :" she murmured. giving
his hand responsive pressure.
Again. just before unmasking time,
"Who ARE you?" demanded Romeo,
Intensely. He was quite sure she was
no one he had ever known.
"Why. Juliet. TO be sure-tIll II
o'clock demurely.
"And then?" leaning closer. II shall
always be-Romeo, hut who will YOU
be?' His voice trembled little.
'Maybe-Julietl =" She sklllfully
eyaded his embrace and he followed
her into the hall again, for we'll he
knew that there were five other Ro-
meos that had cast covetous eyes up
on his Juliet, and many other youths
who evidently forgot that only Remeos
should be eligible to Juliets. AS for
Juliet, she was not averse to her
cavaliers insistence.
Almost before .they knew 1t. un-
masking time was upon them. They
were thrilled through and through !
masks were removed and
Eager eyes sought eager eyes. Then,
across their faces. there chased In
.apid succession many many emotions.
gave place TO blank astonish-
nent swift and startling, not unmixed
With wonder and incredulityl Then
lnbelief Wild denial. cold horror, a
-reat deal of sheepishness and embar-
assment.
But a Keen. sense of humor finally
sserted itself and there came a twin
lie of amusement, followed by burst |
( healthy, hearty, appreciative laugh
er. Admiration was the final express
ion in the eyes of both.
"Some Juliet !" whole-heartedly con- |
eded Bob
F"Some Romeo echoed Betty.
Then. as both caught mothers merry |
nd satisfied eye in the balcony, "Some
chemeri ~ they murmured.
a aad Reninninn