Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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I X< * >'f * ?:? * 4c # ***>;< * * * * PAUL AND PAULINA OR * * WHICH WAS WHICH. * * * * By Ethel Thomas. * * * ** #******** "Twins! Great Scott! Exactly \ alike, too!" groaned John Dalton as iA he stood by his wife's bed and gazed in awe at the two little bundles of pink and white, nestling in the cradle. | No father was ever more agreeably surprised and his assumed look of gravity and dismay was comical to say the least. Mary saw the twinkle in her husband's eyes and smiled. The good doctor laughed. "Ha, ha! Well, two babies are not so many for a couple who have been married five years. Now, there's Sam Brown and wife been married six years and have six!" "Sam Brown to the dickens! Doctor don't mention that drunken brute's babies in the same breath with mine!" "Poor Sam!" mused the doctor, "lie was only a moderate drinker at first, John, just, like other and better men have been. I remember so well when the first baby came to his house. A few nights before, he had gone home beastly drunk for the first time. He was a noble young man and thoroughly ashamed of himself, and when he looked on his blue-eyed baby boy, a perfect miniature of himself, the tears flowed freely down his checks and kneeling to kiss the little one, he whispered to his wife that he would never get drunk again. For a long time, Sam kept his word, but his domestic life was such that he was driven to (he wine cup again and seemed to be in a desperate hurry to drink himself to death. Now, he is a miserable wreck beyond all hope of redemption. And, John, 1 am more * sorry for Sam Brown than T could be for a man who had always had peace and happiness around his fireside and had deliberately chosen an intemperate life and indulged in habits that brought desolation, misery and despair. '' A guilty flush suffused John Dalton 's face as he glanced at. the doctor. wondering if "that sermon" was I meant for him. He had never been drunk?never expected to be?and if he chose to take an occasional drink it was no one's business. There was nothing in the doctor's face to wai> rant the suspicion and with a sigh of relief John exclaimed: "Geewilikins! doctor, of course Sam has mv profound sympathy?but I'll be perfectly honest and confess that at present I'm more interested in these?these? here" pointing to the babies. "How are we ever to tell 'im apart 1 Zounds man! there aint a particle of difference?they're precisely alike!" stammered John in confusion. The doctor was enjoying poor John's ehbarassment and always on the lookout for an opportunity to tease, would have had some fun at John's expense, had not Mary caught her husband's hand, drew him toward her and whispered: "Thore's a difference in the sex, dear!" "Thank the Lord! I never thought of that," fervently ejaculated the father, wiping imaginary drops of perspiration from his brow. "And I'll bet a quarter there's not an ounce of difference in their weight, which is almost seven j>ounds each," said tho doctor. "Which is the boy doctor?" asked John, a quizical expression in his blue eyes. The old fellow came and looked down on the little darlings and frowned, "Blessed if know, man! Aunt Dilsic?" "Yas sir?dis un am de boy?I dressed him fust yo' know to keep 'em frnm git tin mixed up, 'se gwine ter keep day boy chile at one end ov de cradle, an de gal at de 'udder end. I ain't nebber had no 'sperunse wid twins, an' de' Lawd only knows how T'se gwine ter man- i age 'em. Jake?he out in de kitchen dis minit cuttin de pigeon wing kase dar's two twins, savin' he gwine to take dat bov chile clean out ten Miss Mary's ban's an' 'lieve her ov all de trubble soon as hit kin sot up. Keckin it's a good think dar am one apiece fur me an' Jake to spile?kase if dar wus only one we'd shortly have it mint teetotle," said the black nurse, who with her husband, Unkle Jake lived in a cozy log-cabin a short dis" tance from the Dalton's, and on the same "place." They were old "slave niggers," honest and true, and refused to leave the old plantation when freedom was declared. "The old home" was not what it used to be. > The old folks?"Marse an' old Miss" were dead, and only 200 acres of land were left for John, the only child, the balance having been sold to pay debts contracted during the war. We will jump over the space of five years. The mother and babies did well, and still exactly alike, the little i i ones went by the names of Paul and jj Pauline. There had been no change I as yet, in the way they were dressed, 1 but now it became necessary to put i Paul in knickerbockers. Tho blue- i eged curley-headed tots had learned I to play many jokes on thoir parents 4 by swapping identity, Pauline wore ' a tiny gold chain around her neck as ' a mark of distinction, but these mis- i chievous imps rose equal to the occa- c sion and often on dressing them, tho mother found with consternation that I Paul was wearing the chain, and had 11 for perhaps a whole day, answered i to the name of Paulina. \ "But now," laughed John when c he brought home some pretty knick- i erbocker suits "now, young man, I < guess you can't be a girl any more! j No, siree! the chain wont' be needed I now to tell which fronTtother! Come Paul?now isn't this a pretty suit?? t all blue and white; and here's a prct- t ty white dress and blue sasli for your j sister." i "Oh! John!" exclaimed his wife, i "how sweet they will look. But I do ^ hate to put Paul in pants. I almost wish they had both been girls?or ( both boys. They are so exactly alike j and so devoted to each other, it seems ^ a pity that such a severe line of distinction must be drawn between j them." 1 "Nonsense Mary. I'm glad of it. -] T'tn tired being puzzled to death try- < ing to tell them apart." j "John, can't you?" laughed Mary. t "No. Can you?" "Yes. certainly. A ^ mother isn't easily fooled." "Well, ; try some of these things on the boy, ^ my dear, and see if they are nil right," said John. Mary looked at j the twins, took one and led it to the next room and proceeded to dress him. The other crawled on John's ^ knee and whispered: "Mania's fooled now, any how, 'cause she's got Paulina! T has wore Ihe chain all day and been Paulina!" kissing him. ( "Papa, if T wuz you T wouldn't chew that old 'hacco?il stinks." Hastily rising and with flushed faco, John r threw nn imaginary chew of tobacco from the window. "My son, T will try to quit it, for your sake," lie said humbly. "So you have been Paulina all day. Ila! ha! ha! Mary?" he called. "Yes, John," she answered, "I'll admit it " ?T was fooled. Send that naughty boy to me at once. I'll dress him in pants gladly. Oh! dear, did any one ever have such a time, I do wonder?" "Mary," he laughed. "I'll bet no one else ever had such a wonder!" The little rogues were never punished for their jokes?in fact they were rather encouraged by seeing their father and mother laugh so heartily over them. But now the curly heads were puzzled. Those awful pants would spoil all their fun. "Papa, I don't want to wear breeches, if Paulina can't," pleaded Paul. "Papa, can't T have breeches too" teased Paulina, as she skipped back into the room. Paul's eyes danced and he whispered something in his little sister's ear which made the smiles play over her dimpled face. Then he went to his mother and soon came out arrayed in tho new blue and white knickerbockers. John caught him up in delight, throw him high in the air then round and round the room with Paul astride his neck, ho trotted, galloped and romped till hot and tired. Then noticing Paulina who stood looking on, her blue eyes swimming in tears, one prettj7 finger poked between pouting lips, her little face a curious study of jealousy, defiance and grief, he caught her up and treated her to the same rough ' handling, thereby causing a speedy return of the smiles and dimples, i Mary looked on with just a little anxiety, wondering if John really 1 could be so boisterously happy naturally, and if the unusual flush on his 1 face was due entirely to the romping exercise. "Now, little girlie, put on your white dress and new sash and we'll take mama to ride in tho new carriage. You can go can't you, Mary?" "Yes, dear, of course. I'll enjoy il too," was the smiling answer. "And John, I'd like to go to town to see the doctor's wife if you don't mind the three miles drive. Would like to carry her basket of our nice ( strawberries." "All right," he answered, "T have some business in town and will leave you and the twins at the doctor's still I see after it." Tlfr doctor and wife had several small children, all boys, with whom the twins were great favorites. It was a happy two hours spent in romping on the lawn and playing in the nursery which contained loads of toys and picture books, the delight of tho country twins, who could boast of but few such coveted treasuries. Paulina was growing to be a terrible "tomboy" and her mother had already begun to teach her it was very I i improper and unlady-likc for little! % ;irls to ride astride sticks aiul play oap-froug. When John returned for lis wife and ehildron Paulina was deuurely seated on tho door-step rueully watching Paul and tho doctor's loys play leapfrog on the lawn. 'Why, hello, Puss!" ho called, 'Why aren't you playing too?" 'Mama says girls musn't play leap-l'og, an' as I'm a girl, 'course I an't,'' resignedly. "Oh! botheration, baby, that's too >ad," he said, looking down in pity md love on tho one who must he punshod so by tho "proprieties," and vondering that Paul could bs indueid to play a game from which 'die was lebarred. On arriving homo and unlrossing the children imagine I lie )oor mother's dismay on finding the inicknrbockors on PauPna! "Oil! John," she groaned, "wiiativor shall we do? Paulina is wearing he breeches and Paul the dress! This 'oolishness must stop right hero and iow, Oil, dear! you naughty children. iVhen did you change and how did on do it?" John laughed till ho cried. "Mary, Ion't scold 'cm." ho pleaded. "Now labics, toll us all about it," ho coninued, between bursts of laughter. "Well, Mama," commenced Paulna, "you said little girls musn't play eap-f'og an' course I couldn't 'loss I wu/. a boy." Then Paul chimed in, 'An' I wuz sorry' cause she couldn't lave any fun. You know, Mama, hero wu/, no girls for her to pla> virii, an' lioys can't play with dolls in' wear brooches too,' I rold her to akc my place an' play awhile. We ilaved hide an' seek an' mo an' Paulna hid together in I lie nnrsey and hanged clothes; an' we got 'em fix'd up before the others found us 1 oo," proudly. ( "Well, by George! Paul, was it you J sitting on the door stop?'' "Yes, pa-, >a. I. wu/., a girl, you know." "Mary Ion t you soo what :i sweet unselfish latino our boy has? Now wasn't that rood of him?" "John, T don't like it ?they have both boon very, very laughty and really should ho punish'd.' "Now Mama, Paulina wasn't > lad a bit, she wouldn't take near half ime; an' don't scold her?blame it ill to mo," pleaded Paul with one YOUR B. THE NEWBERRY Capital $50,000 No Matter How Small, The Newberry vvill give it careful att ipplies to the men ana J AS. McINTOSH. President Ladies' MadeWomen's High Gi Made-to-Measure Suits, . Fall and Winter With pleasure I announce to our unci vicinity that the new Fall an< Chas. . Ste CHIC fire NOW READY and as their I,oc you the large fashion plates and High Class Suits, vSkirls and Sillc according to your individual ineasui materials and a perfect fit and satisl The great variety of models illu of materials admits of every woiua best suited to her taste without fear to render you every possible assistai skirt or dress and I am sure you wi Mrs. Claudia < The Fashlonab REPRRg Chas. A. Stevens The greatest exclusive establishing Ladies' Ready arm thrown protecting around his lit- I tie sister. Dear little innocents!? they were irresistible. There was a ternler note in the mother's voice when she spoke again: "Well, children, this won't do. If Paulina must grow to be a tom-boy sho certainly must wear her own clothes. I guess it is rather early to be so careful, anyway! Perhaps when she gets older she will he less rude and boisterous." Paul's arms were around her neck. "An' can she ride sticks an' play leap frog an' climb trees an'?" "Oh! yes, anything I guess, just so yon don't change clothes again," helplessly. And the children ran out in the yard, mount'/l their stickhorses and went in a mad gallop to 'visit Uncle Jake and Aunt Dilsie. Half an hour later they returned, Paul politely helped Paulina to dismount and took charge of her horse while the sett ins: sun glorified their golden curls with a good night caress. Tn the meantime Johu and Mary had a serious talk. "Mary, this is the richest yet," John exclaimed delightedly as soon as the twins left the room. "John, it's awful, they are growing up to be perfect in the art of deception. And, dearest, you do so. unintentionally, T know?but you encourage them in these pranks. You only see the funny side now; but if they should always be so alike and continue to change places it would be dreadful.'' "Mary, T just can't help laughing at them?bless the darlings, how bright they are! Let 'em be babies ns long as possible, dear?childhood is so sweet and innocent," John pleaded earnestly. "Perhaps you are right, dear; but the Bible says, "train a child in the way it should go and when it is old it will not depart from it.' Tsn't it reasonable to suppose that if trained in the wnmg direction it will continue to walk that way?" "Oh, wife, don't worry. When our lit lie Paulina grows older she'll be sure to pattern after her mother and will grow to perfection." (To be continued.) CINCO CIGARS can be bought from 1 to 1,000 at Broaddus & Ruff's. , 4NKING! SAVINGS BANK. Surplus $30,000 Nro Matter How Large, Savings Bank ention. This message the women alike. J. E. NORWOOD, to-Order Suits -ade Man "Tailored Skirts and Si/k Dresses Season 1908-09 lady friends of Newberry, S. C., :1 Winter Styles from vens <? Bros. :mgo :al Agent I shall be pleased to show samples of materials of the Str;ctly Dresses, which are Made to Order rements, from your own selection of :action guaranteed. strated and the immense assortment n selecting the style and material of being duplicated. I will be glad ice in th" selection of your fall suit, 11 enjoy looking through the line. Norris Hunter le Dresamaker ?ENTING & Bros., Chicago nt in the world for women's wear. I -to-Wear Suits ! IJ ran WM9UnfiHNflHHKHSSSMH9BHCRSBHHMD SOME OF OUR POLICIES: | To be conservative. To pay four per cent. To calculate interest semi-annually. To bond every employee. To be progressive and accommodating. To lend our money to our customers. v To treat our patrons courteously. To be liberal and prompt. To secure business from all classes. TO BK THE VERY BEST BANK FOR YOU TO DO BUSINESS WITH. Our institution is under the supervision of uiul regularly examined by the State Bank Examiner. The Bank of Prosperity I Prosperity, S. C. I DR. GEO. Y. HUNTER, DR. J. S. WHEELER, S President. V. President. | J. F. BROWNE, J. A. COUNTS, i Cashier. Assistant Cashier. ; The First Cough of the Season, ; d Jtven though not severe, has a tendency to Irritate the sensi- ^ ^ live JBteinbranes of the throat and delicate bronchial tubes. ^ Coughs then come easy all winter, every time you take the ? lightest cold. Cure the first cough befoi"e it lias a ohance to ^ set up an infiamation in the delicate capillary air tubes of the A m lungs. The best remedy is QUICK RELIEF COUGH X, ^ SYRUP. It at once gets right at the seat of trouble and re- ' ; moves the cause. It is free from Morphine and is as safe for 9 ? a child as far an adult. 25 cents at ^ J MAYES' DRUG STORE. * JONES' GROCERY, S, B. Jones, Proprietor. DBALBR IN STAPLE & FANCY GROCERIES, PRODUCE,, Confectioneries, Fruit, Cigars and Tobaccos. Phone 212. Newberry, S. C.f Jan, 17, I9O8. Dear Madam Housekeeper: We wish to call your attention to our stock of Fancy and Staple groceries and solicit at least a portion of your potronage during this year. We feel safe in saying that our stock is the most complete that is offored here and that we can serve you in a satisfactory manner. We will ever keep in mind th.ee very important points: quality of goods prompt service modorato prices. If you are not already a customer of ours we would be pleased to add you to our long list of satisfied customers. We wish 1908 to be our banner year. Will you join us in making it so? Yours for business, Jones' Grocery.