Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1850-11-21

e1m. Deeply absorbed in business as
he was at that time, he frequently let
things of minor importance pass from
his thoughts altogether.
So it happened on the present occa-
sion. He forgot that it was washing
day, and that he had promised to dine
down town.
Principally at half past one he left his
place of business, as usual, and took his
way homeward. As he walked along
he met an old friend who lived in a neigh
boring town, and who was on visit .tS
our city.
! Why, Mr.. Jones How glad an
TO zee you! When did you arrive ?"
And my husband grasped the hand o
his friend eagerly.
aCame il, last evening"" replied Mr.
Jones. "Hom well you look, Smith !
How is your family W.,
Well-very well. "heh 40 so'
leave ?"
'sBy this afternoons line.
$50 soon? You make no say d
all ?n
| came on business, and must ge,
back again with as little delay as posi-
ble."
"Then you must go and dine with me
Jones. won't take no for an answer.
Want to have long talk with you about
old times.
"Thauk you, Mr.. Smith," replied
Jones. "But, as l don't happen to
know your good lady, hardly feel free
to accept your invitation.
"Don't hesitate for that. She'll be
delighted to see you. Always glad to
meet any of my old friends. So come
along I've dozen things 10 say TO you.'
"I'm really afraid of intruding on
your wife," said Mr.. Jones, still holding
back from the invitation.
Nonsense!" answered my husband.
&C My friends are hers. She will beede-
lighted 10 see you. I've talked of you
TO her hundred times"
At this Mr.. Jones yielded.
81 can't promise you anything extra"
said Mr.. Smith, as they walked along.
F" Nothing more than a good, plain fami-
ly dinner, and warm welcome"
"All / could ask or DESIRE" returned
Mr.. Jones.
II was few minutes to two O'Clock.
The bell had rang for dinner; and ! was
Just rising to go TO the dining-room,
when | heard the street door open, and
the sound of my husbands voice in the
passage. There was man in company
with him, for I distinctly heard the
tread of pair Of feet. What could
this mean? remained seated, listening
with attention.
My husband entered the parlor with
his companion, talking in a cheerful, an
mated strain; and heard him pull up
the blinds and throw open the shutters.
Presently he came tripping lightly up
the stairs TO my sitting room.
give brought friend home to din
ner, Jane" said he, as coolly and conf
denly as if had not told me on going out,
that he would dine at an eating house.
This was little too much for my pa
thence and forbearance.
care you beside yourself, Mr..
Smith !" l replied, my face instantly
becoming flushed, and my eyes CHANGING
out upon him the sudden Indignation |
felt at such treatment.
Why, Jane! Jane! This is not kind
in you," said my husband, with regret
and displeasure in his voice. 1T is ra-
Their hard man can't ask an old friend
home TO dine with him once in five
years, without asking the special per-
mission of his wife"
"Mr. Smith! Are you not aware this
is washing day ?'
There was an instant change in my
husbands countenance. He seemed be-
widered for few moments.
And moreover" | continued, "are
you not aware that was TO have pick
ed-up dinner at home, and that you
were TO dine at an eating house?"
az declare!'' Mr.. Smith struck his
hands together, and turned around once
upon his heel "a entirely forgot about
that"
What's TO be done ?" said !, almost
crying with vexation. ave nothing
for dinner but some fried ham and
eggs"
"The best we can do is the BEST" re-
turned Mr.. Smith. "You can give Mr..
Jones a hearty welcome, and that will
compensate for any defects in the dinner.
forewarned him that we should not en-
terrain him very sumptuously."
"You'd better tell the whole truth at
once" said /, in answer TO this, "and
then take him TO an eating house."
But my good husband would hear to
nothing of this. He had invited his old
friend to dine with him; and dine he
must, if it was only on piece of dry
bread.
Pick up something. Do the best
you cam" he returned. awe can wait