Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 June 1906 — A BIT OF GOSSIP [ARTICLE]

A BIT OF GOSSIP

“Don’t lock your door, Bab. I’m coming In to brush my bah- and hav® a chat" Bab nodded, yawned and went into her room. “There, now; I’ve hardly had a glimpse of you tonight. I’m dead beat, fairly dead b jat. Don’t mention the word ‘dance’ for”— “A week?” “Oh, months, months! It haa been * lovely suceetes, though.” ' “You look washed out,” said Bab. “What a horrid expression!” Bab lifted the handglass lying on her»knee and scrutinized her own fae® closely. • * * ‘ts'ow I look as fresh as I did when that evening commenced. Thank heaven, I don’t show either my physical or bodily feelings in my face.. You’ll wear out before your time, Sallle.” "Thank yon, Bab. I think I’ll wear as well as most people. But perhaps If you had had my responsibilities on your shoulders and the weight of receiving and looking after the comfort of over 300 guests instead of mooning about the conservatory with Major Hardy you would have looked washed out!” Bab laughed lazily and nestled pretty dark head more cozily among the silken cushions. “You pay the penalty, Sal, of being hostess and heiress. Now, an insignificant person like myself has nothing to worry about. Yes, nobodles have advantages after all!” “You don’t consider yourself a nobody, so you needn’t say it, Bab. And Major Hardy doesn’t think you are a nobody either!” “Did he tell you so? How condescending!” “Don’t be ridiculous. Haven’t I ears and eyes”— “Speaking of ears, did you notice the earrings Lady Martin was wearing?” “Bab, I’m not going to let you change the subject in that mean way.” “Coral down to her shoulders! I never saw such abominable looking things, I wouldn't give a tig for your country folks, Sallle!” “We are wnuderlng away from Major Hardy.” “How you ‘Major Hardy’ me! If I am not mistaken, the very first words you said to me this morning were, ‘Major Hardy Is coming tonight.’ ” “Don’t get nasty, Bab. You know that we—er”— “What?” “Oh, I thought we—l thought you said once—don’t glare at me—l thought you liked him.” “I like a whole heap of men.” “He is a splendid match, Bab. The rectory girls would give anything to have your chance.” “H’m! Why not take him yourself? You needn't fly into a passion. I apologize. I forgot for an instant that what ! would be-a good match for me would be most unsuitable for a great heiress.” “You are so bitter, Bab. Can I help my position?” said Sallle plaintively. “I never said you could.” “You dauced half a dozen times with j him.” “With whom ?” ! “Oh, you know! Major Hardy.” “Well?” “And I saw you go Into the conservatory, and I thought he would surely ; say something.” “He said plenty. He was quite gari rulous for him. He had quite au argument with your father about some monstrosity of a plant” “Father!" “I was quite in the cold, I assure you.” “How stupid of father! I will scold the old darling for his blindness.” “You must do nothing of the kind, j His state of perfect serenity must be j left uudlsturbed.” “Dear old father! He did look happy tonight lie was so pleased with me. When I was talking to you once 1 saw him watching me with such proud eyes.” “Yes?” “I don’t think a girl ever had a more devoted father. He Is bound up In me, aud I would die without his love.” “Lots of girls think that till—their fathers marry again.” “Brutes! We settled long ago that men were brutes, didn’t we, dear? But my father 1b a noble exception.” “And Major Hardy?” “Oh, of course!” “Two exceptions, then. . What a bright lookout for womankind!” "Don’t sneer, Bab!” "I don’t remember my father,” said Bab thoughtfully. “I believe he went In for horse racing aud occasionally 111 used my mother.” “Pity her If you like, Sal, but don’t waste your pity on me. lam perfectly contented—and Just now very comfortably sleepy.” “Sleepy? Oh, then, I had better say good night!” “Do, dear.” Bab yawned drowsily. “Don’t expect to see me at a very early hour. Going? Well, good night. Walt an Instant, Sallle. Major Hardy”— “Oh, darling, then be did”— “Proposed to me In the conservatory tonight. But I was compelled to refuse him.” , “Oh, Bab!” “I had already promised to marry your father. What do you say? Ob. good night!”