Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1868-01-29
ssOTeef Gerfrude.,,

The Selma Messenger tells the fol-
loving capital story as genuine and su-
thentic:
Among the most enterprising and
industrious merchants Of Selma, IS one
whom we call Smith, principally be-
cause it isn't his name, who Is blessed
with a most exemplary wife in all res
poets save one-she was of rather a
jealous disposition. Mr.. Smith had
been of late very much engrossed in
his business, and had often consumed
his evenings over his ledger instead of
in the bosom of his family, as has been
his custom for years. In reply to the
queries Of Mrs. S. on the subject, he
would always say that he was employ
ed in his business, She didnot under
stand how business could take up so
much of his time, and her suspicious
were aroused that all was not right
Visions of hours spent by her husband
in other female society than her own,
haunted her mind, and she made an
inward vow to watch him and see for
herself.
Soon after arriving at the resolution
telegram arrived for her husband and
was sent TO his house, which was clos
ed, as he had gone to his supper. The
carrier went to his house and delivered
it to the servant at the door. The gen.
tleman not having arrived, it was han
ded to his wife, who, with true femi-
nine curiosity, read it. 1t was plain
and short:
Mr.. SMITH:-Meet Gertrude to-
night"
Here was horrible conf rmation of
her worst fears. Controlling: herself as
best she could, she laid the dispatch
by his plate. He came in, II iad it, and
said he "would have to 90 TO town af.
ter supper. and might not be back till
late" He hurried through his meal,
took his hat, and walked hurriedly
down the street. Before he had turn
ed the corner his wife was following
him, swiftly and noiselsssly. He went
straight on, she close behind, until he
reached the wharf.
After apparent inspection of the
surroundings, he stepped down the
hill and took a seat in the office Of the
Magnolia. His wife took a posi- ton
where she could see him through the
glass door, and waited for the finale
which was expected in the shape OF
the Gertrude whom her faithless spous Q
was to meet. The time dragged W earl
ly, and the lady became drowsy and at
last fell into a doze, from which she,
was aroused by the shrilI whistle o an
approaching steamer. Nearer acd
nearer she came, and as she rouI ided
10, the name of Gertrude" in l. urge,
brightly painted letters, met the REV
of the jealous wife, and a stento: riau
voice, inquiring if Smith was on b, md,
completed her awakening.
At glance the position was reali zed.
and the poor woman could have ried
for vexation as she saw her hush and
and another gentleman hurriedly tr ans.
acting some business within few feet
of her. At that moment q tipsy ne.
gro came stumbling along, and Sc eng
a woman's dress half hidden among the
bales and boxes of merchandise, sc ized
her, exclaimiug, Come out OBJ dsr,
ole gal !" Her screamo Of terror bro, aght
her husband to the scene, whose as ton
ishment may be imagined. She fel into
his arms, with hysterical burst OF sobs,
and an explanation ensued.
The party returned 10 their hore in
hack, and somebody's head was on
somebody's bosom all the way. Since
that time all that Smith has to do to
avert a scolding is to insinuste that he
will ''meet Gertrude"