The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-01-22
My Wife and Tom Whitbys'.

grew up. somehow, in the old fash
toned belief that the night was made for
sleep. and not for conversation upon
matters past. present and to come. But
from ever since the time when | led
Minerva to the altar. have been gradu-
ally becoming convinced of the error of
this early training. An error it must
be. since Minerva. who belongs to one
of the "lirst families" recognizes no
truth in the doctrine, and wakes me up
at all times of night to tell me something
of a worldly nature which she had for
gotten (and which is generally not worth
remembering or else to remind me Of
something that she wishes me to he sure
and not forget. and which. if told to me
Mt any reasonable time should be very
likely to recollect, but under these half
conscious circumstances never think of
again. and thereby render myself pro-
per subject for reprimand.
Any unusual exhibition in the shop
windows, or any stir in the dry goods or
millinery emporiums. such as Open
ings." and "Fresh lmportations." are
deemed lawful excuse for breaking in
upon my slumbcrs.
One night latcy-it was one o'clock.
and had been sound asleep for three
hours was aroused 10y the customary
boring of Minerals elbow among my
ribs. and she said. eNcitedly:
"Oh. Phineas, there's one thing /
want. forgot to tell YOU
"Only onc.," said |. heavily. well,
I'll get it the frs, thing i'll the morn
ing.
"No. it isn't anything you are to get;
it is something | want You to do.
Yes: we'll. I'll do il then the first
thing in the morning." | answered, as
distinctly as could, for WAS fast drift
ing into uncon>ciousness.
mo, no" said She. sharply. and with
a nudge that brought me back to sense
of earthly things. THAT will he too
carly. don't want Won to go before
eleven o'clock, because not only want
Won to see the garments. but the people
too; and the ladies will not get there in
any decent numbers before that time.
And he sure. Phin. and see if Mrs.
Whitby is there. | know she will be
and see if she buys anything or looks as
if she MomgM of it. and take particular
notice how it is made. what color it is,
and -"
For gracious sake what are You talk
ing about said, turning over quickly,
and beginning to realize that ! had made
some sort of a rash promise.
I'm talking about Achmaa's Opening
which takes place tomorrow. 1t seems
as if nothing could have been more I'M
fortunate than this sprained ankle of
mine, for of course | can't go; but then
Won can tell me good deal about it,
especially if name over the particular
things. in the morning. that l want you
to take notice of. And when said there
was something wanted You to do, and
not to get, why didn't e.racfiy mean it.
OF course you wouldn't come away from
such place without buying me some
thing. 1t will be splendid opening l
know, and all the ladies in the city will
be there
"Undoubtedly they will; but all the
men in the city won't be there; they have
got more sen--"
1t was discreet not to finish that SEN
tence, and switched off into this: mo,
You know very we'll, Minerva, that men
are not expected to go to such places.
/ never knew of any going, and don't
choose to be the one to inaugurate the
fashion. am surprised that you should