Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-09-19
HOW SHE WENT SUMMERTNG.

right shame to want to keep me at home.
and you off SO constantly Just as if [
would not want q summering us we'll as
yourselfw
Little Mrs. Merle was quite indignant,
SO much SO that her pretty violet eyes
looked nearly black, as they flashed
across the breakfast table at her husband
"a big, handsome fellow, with the love
Hest golden moustache and dark brown
eyes; which at this particular moment
were wearing an expression of serene
amusement, as he looked between the
silver sugar basin and cream pitcher at
the pink rose on his wife's bosom, heav-
ing so irregularly through her decisive
Indignation that the velvety petals fairly
quivered.
Mr.. Merle calmly dipped his spoon
into tiny pyramid of glowing currant
Jelly : Really, Florence, | cannot for
the life of me see what you are finding
fault with. Have not you been out to
your mothers all of June? Did not [
buy you all the new dresses and fixings
you wanted? [ am sure there is moth
ing to complain of-with your pony
phaton whenever you want it. your
ticket to the park concerts. this nice
cool house, the servants and the chill
dren."
Mr.. Merle delivered his remarks in a
very matter-of-fact way, as if his opinion
of the case in question settled it.
But Mrs. Merle, with a little bang Of
her fork as she laid it down, thought
differently, evidently, and resumed the
cudgel in her own defence quite valiant
y.
.sOf course it was perfectly lovely to
go home in June but [ am sure YOU
went as well as [; so we are even there.
As to the home cOnveniences here, Har-
~, that is a settled question, and not
under consideration OF course [ have
q dear delightful home but that is no
reason why | should want to remain
forever in it. Besides. if New York is
for me, why not for you? Then-to
think a woman never gets tired of the
society of her children, if they are such
darlings as oursf'
Her eager, animated face was lifted to
see the effect of her womanly argument;
but the only result as far as she could
observe'Was an increased serenity and
importance IN Harry's manner, patent
IN the cool deliberation with which he
salted and ate his egg.
!" You do not understand, my dear;
that is all. Women seldom do, and [
think 1t hardly necessary that [ should
explain, every time | leave town for a
few days, that 1t Is rarely except on ur-
gent business, not to the pleasure excur-
slons you seem to regard them"
Florence listened attentively, half
doubtful expression on her pretty face:
Business again, Harry? Only last
week you had business at Saratoga; and
noW-Well, It seems singular that you
are obliged to go to Long Branch on the
same GRAND, just III the height of the
fashionable season, too"
A sarcastic smile began to creep
around her lip, but Mr. Merle was per-
fectly equal to this shaft Of satire
!" If, as [ said, women We're capable of
understanding business in all its ms and
outs-you would appreciate the neces-
J sity OF my being at the Branch for Il
few days at least, during the fashionable
season. when the wealthy Southern and
Western people are there, and an oppor-
tunity offered tO1secure their custom. I
am very sure, Florence'-this in quite
an aggrieved tone-'' that it is as much
for you and the babies as for myself that
[ 60"
Mrs Merle stirred her chocolate slow
ly, thoughtfully, then suddenly looked
up.
Well, whatever your Grand, [ Insist
that | might just as well go as not.
May ?"
1t was a point-blank question-the
open attack after the skirmish She
asked it eagerly, her cheeks glowing like
the dainty blossoms of an oleander, but
her eyes full of coaXing sweetness
A charmingly pretty face, the fairest
Of figures-and Harry knew it was SO;
only that self same sweet face had sat
opposite him nearly three years, now,
-Nat table, and although he really loved
her dearly, he was bit of firt very
much lady's rlan-and pining for an
airing all by himself
And this trip to Long Branch was just
the thing. TO be sure, he really did
have business with a gentleman at the
Ocean HOuse--business that would re-
Qulre but fifteen minutes to transact
but of course that was none of Flo's
business; and if he chose to make a
fortnight's or months affair of it he
had no one to ask. Only, somehow, his
Wlte's direct question f1oored him for
one second; then he arose in dignifed
indifference from the elegant little
breakfast table.
" | thought that all was arranged, Flor
ence. OF course you cannot go. Wo-
men are a horrid nuisance when fellow
IS on business, rushing from one thing
to another, and never daring to stop I'M
TIL everything is dOnp'
To his surprise, Florence received his
edict reasonably.
"Oh, well, Harry, of course if your
~s5usiness will urge you SO, and keep you
from having a good time, why that is
different, Poor hoyl do not overwork
yourself, will you?"
Harry glanced at her as he took his
Panama off the hall rack Was she in
fun? Then a second glance at her pla-
cid, demure face treasured him.
Never fear that, dear. And for being
such a sensible little woman, you shall
have the handsomest black silk in York