DYING GAME.

Western Star, Issue 1077, 30 October 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

DYING GAME.

There is no sadder spectacle than that vouchsafed by the mother of a largo family of marriageable and uamarriageable daughters, as she takes up her post of vigilance night after night of the season. From morn till dewy eve hers is a life of incessant toil, and it is too often repaid by the back ingratitude of man. At best, the chaperone can only hope to become that slighted and ridiculed creature a mother-in-law; yet she unselfishly toils ou, without hope of reward. Imagine the feelings of such a mother when she observes that G-ertrudo’s complexion is fading, and Maria’s cheeks are getting hollow. These are not the only difficulties which she has to contend with. As Gertrude’s colour deteriorates, her search of a £ mission ’ becomes more frantic.

Unfortunately, husband-hunting and a mission are not compatible. Maria does not improve the contour of her face by going into a course of study, and when goloshes, waterproofs and spectacles come id at the door, love flies out, of the window. Lady Matchmaker tries to the last to do the best for the girls. A scientific widower and a rshort sighted curate are caught and invited to dinner. Balls are given up, but there is still some hope. Maria like the solicitor’s daughter in “ Trial by Jury,” will “very well pass for forty three in the dark, with the light behind her.” Gretrude can be renovated to look almost equal to new, with jjan artificial touch of rouge and careful dressing. Iu the midst of these preparation? for contest, Lady Matchmaker is attacked by a mortal disease.

Nevertheless, the heroic woman conceals her sufferings like a Spartan. The jwidower is shy, aud inclined to .break away. It is necessary to pursue him to a country house where he has taken refuge; Lady Matchmaker and Maria accordingly follow him as soon as possible. They are not exposed to the rivalry of other* mothers and daughters, who are perfectly aware of their game, and equally determined to put a spoke in the wheel if a favourable opportunity arises. Lady Matchmaker struggles on. “ Hear Maria, i’m sure that strong light is affecting your eyes. Change places with me, love/’ she exclaims at breakfast, observing that the cruel light of the morning sun is searching out the weakpiaces in Maria’s armour to an alarming extent. “ The dear child will read so late at night,” shemurraursinan aside to the scientific widower. He makes no answer, being absorbed in the contemplation of a young Hebe sitting opposite to him. Maria talks to him in vain of protoplasm, evolution, and heredity. He turns a deaf ear to the jargon which once his soul loved, but when breakfast is over ho sidles up to Hebe, and expresses a wish to learn to play at lawn tennis. Hebe good natnreuly offers to teach him, and Lady Matchmaker turns green with apprehension. Her fears are only too well founded. A week passes away, and the widower is becoming a capital player at tennis. Yet another week and Hebe is betrothed. Maria’s last chance is gone for ever, and there is nothing to be done but to pack up and go home again.