The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-02-20
..BIeeting Gertrude"

lowing capital story, as genuine and
authentic: h
Among the most entc--:,-;ss:::.g entc--s:,-;ss:.g cid s:s.
Industrious merchants of Selma, is
one whom we will call Smith, princi-
pally because it isn't his name, who
is blessed with most exemplary wife
in all respects save one-she is of
rather a jealous disposition. Mr..
Smith has been OF late very much
engrossed in his business, and has
often codsumed 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 al
ways say that he was employed in his
business. She did not understand
how business could take up so much
of his time, and her suspicious were
aroused that it 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 this resolu-
tion, a telegram arrived for her hus-
band and IVES sent to his Office,
which was closed, as he had gone to
his supper. The carrier went to his
house and delivered it to the servant
at the door. The gentleman not hay
ing arrived, it was handed to his wife,
who, with true feminine curiosity,
read it. 1t was plain and short:
MONTGOMERY, Dec. =, 1867.
"MH. SMITH: Meet Gertrude to-
night"
Here was horrible confirmation
of her worst fears Controlling her.
self rs best she could, she laid the
despatch by his plate. He came in,
read it, and said he would have to
go to town after supper, and might
not be back till late; she need not7s
up for him." He hurried through
his meal, took his hat, and walked
hurriedly down the street. Before
he had turned the corner, his wife
was following him swiftly and noise
lessly. He went straight on, she
close behind, until he reached the
wharf. After an apparent inspection
of the surroundings, he stepped
down the hill and took seat in the
Office of the Magnolia.
His wife took position where she
could see him through the glass door,
and waited for the fnale-which was
expected in the shape of n Gertrude,
whom her faithless spouse was to
meet. Time dragged on YEARLY, and
the lady became drowsy and at last
fell intoia doze, from which she was
aroused by the shrill whistle of an
approaching steamer. Nearer and
nearer she came, and as she rounded
to, the name Gertrude" in large,
brightly painted letters, met the view
of the jealous wife, and stentorian
voice inquiring if Smith was on
hand, completed her awakening.
AT a glance, the position was real
lied, and the poor woman could have
cried for veXntion rs she saw her hus-
band and another gentleman hurried
ly transacting some business within a
few feet of her. At that moment, q
tipsy negro came stumbling along,
and seeing n woman's dress half bid
den among the bales and boxes of
merchandise, seized her, exclaiming,
Come out oh dar, ole gall" Her
scream of terror brought her hus-
band to the scene, whose astonish-
ment may be imagined. She fell into
his arms with hysterical burst of
sobs, and explanations ensued.
The party returned home in hack,
and somebody's head was on some
body's bosom all the way. Since
that time, all that Smith has to do to
avert scolding is to insinuate that
he will "meet Gertrude.
At New Paris, Ohio, the other day,
G number of ladies determined 20
avail themselves of their "leap year"
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