The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1874-08-20
A Sunday Story

g i really don't see any reason why
| mightn't co." said Mrs. Courtenay.
The fire blazed its blue-green spires
of anthracite flame behind the poll
ished CRATE; the satin damask curtains
were closely drawn, and the shaded
drop-light made tiny circlet OF
moony brightness above the center
table. Mrs. Courtenay had a bit of
zephyr-wool work in her hand, and
her husband was comfortably reading
with his slippered feet on an opposite
chair.
'3Go where ?" demanded Mr. Courte-
nay, locking up from his book with
something of bewildered air.
"What places were we talking about
just now?" said Mrs. Courtenay,
Struggling her shoulders, 'f declare
it's enough TO try the patience ofJob!"
Mr.. Courtenay made an effort OF
memory.
"Let me see-oh, yes, I remember
now-WashingtoD."
''The Hales are going, and Julia Ev-
erett, and Mrs. Ponsonby." added Mrs.
Courtenay.
"Hale is a member of the House
this year, and consequently Obliged 10
60" returned her husband. miss
Everett and Miss Ponsonby are-at
least so suppose-upon the important
business of husband huntingl"
stYou men are so uncharitable y
"WelI, isn't it so2 While you have
a home to look AFTER"
"That's nonsense" said Mrs. Court
enay.
"Is it?"
"And am sure" went on Mrs.
Courtenay, feeling for her pocket
handkerchief, ''if had supposed that
marriage meant a perpetual state of
drudgery and endless slavery, never
would have let the wedding ring be
placed upon my finger"
Mr.. Courtenay looked with real dis
iress at his pretty little wife.
"Rosa," said he, l am sure | have no
wish to be unreasonabIe-bu when a
man marries he naturally expects his
wife 10 be with him and if you carry
out this darling scheme of yours about
a winter in Washington. pray what is
to become of me? You know per-
fectly we'll that l cannot go to Wash
ington with you.,'
"You could board at hotel" sug-
gested Mrs. Courtenay.
THAT would be very delightful,
would it not" said Mr.. Courtenay, a
little bitterly.
80, of course did not expect you
to CONSENT" donted Mrs. Courtenay,
eclipsing her bright blue eyes behind
the lace bondered handkerchief. "You
don't care how miserable am, if
"Are you really so bent upon going,
Rosa ?" interrupted her husband.
"I've always longed to see little of
Washington life," Mrs. Courtenay
made answer, between her sobs, '.aDd
now that the IIales have invited me
TO go with them. and Julia and Horu-
tia, my own school mates, arc 10 be
of the party"
"Well, well, go, if you're so set upon
it" said Mr.. Courtenay. dare say
shall do very well during your abb
sence, although, of course, it will be
very lonely"
"Oh, you dear, darling Harry /"
cried Mrs. Courtenay, Frightening up
like foweret after a shower. d" Are
you actually in earnest? May l really
go2 I'm the happiest wife in the
world, and you are the best husband"
MIR. Courienay lighted his cigar in
silence. Even the Establishments of
his wife could not quite fill the aching
void in his heart. 1t was all right
and natural enough he had no doubt
but were their relative positions to be
reversed, he felt that he could scarce
ly have rejoiced in long separation
from his wife while their marriage
was yet but few months old. But,
of course, women were different! No
body could pretend to understand the
ins and outs of woman's nature.
So Mrs, Courtenay went to Wash
ington with wardrobe and jewels
that quite satisfied her ideal aud Mr..
Harrison Courtenay went to board at
the Alexandria Hotel.
my dear, are you sure you are do
ing wise thing ?" asked her mother.
"Why not, mamma? One can't live
mewed up between four walls all ones
life" retorted Rosa.
"Your husband will be exposed to
a great many temptations during your
absence"
''NOnsense, mamma! what's the use
of preaching in that sort of way ?
1t isn't as if Harry was mere school
boy"
OF course l can trust him -
Mrs. Harper sighed and made no
answer. Rosa the wife was as head
strong as had been Rosa the maiden.
"Courtenay, will You come to an
oyster supper Tonight p
Mr.. CourtenRy shook his head. He