The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1878-11-09
Where Did the Fun Come In ?

90, Adrian is first-rate hand to take O
joke, I am just in fun, you knowP OF cotrse
would not do such a thing in earnest for
the world"
IT may make trouble, nevertheless"
"Gracc and are going there this evening
so if there should be any urpleasantness we
can explain. You can't peach on me, for
you've promised secrecy"
"Have you told Grace ?"
"No," answered the younger man of the
two, he who answered to the name of Dex-
terj a. will do so. l shall be home by five
o'clock"
Well, suppose it's all right, only am
such prosaic old fellow that l never can
appreciate practical Jokes. Goodbye, I
must be Off"
Farewell, Farrant; a prosperous and q
happy voyage to you! Write to me when
you reach Paris"
Farrant took the evening train for New
York, and at noon the next day was on an
ocean steamer en- route for the paradise of
good Americans.
Joseph Dexter, a cheerful, kind-hearted
fellow, almost as fond of joke as he was of
his six months wife, Grace land that is say
ing great deal, assure you), left his office
about four o'clock; his partner Adrian Ry-
lance, remaining on duty couple of hours
longer, Dexter lived few miles from the
city, and went in and out on the steam cars.
lie left his Office whstling merrily and
thinking Of Grace, an hour later he was car
ried slowly into his bright home, q helpless,
half-dead creature. Only an accident, no.
body to blame, misplaced switch" And
two or three souls hurled into eternity,while
score more, Dexter among them, hovered
on the borders of the Silent Land for weeks
before they were thoroughly secured to this
troublous sphere.
DeXter's partner, Rylance, met with no
casualty on his way home; fortunately he
was dependent on nothing more dangerous
or tricky than the spirited steeds which
draw the horse cars. His wife, Gertrude,
met him with kiss; an apetizlng odor
greeted his nostrils when he opened the
dining room door, which was not belied
by the reality, and when he sat down bv
the drop-light after dinner to read the
evening paper he was at peace with him
self and all the world
go, Gerty, there's letter from your
sister in my pocket, I almost forgot it,"
Rylance suddenly exclaimed, feeling in
one pocket after another. 81 must have
left it in my overcoat. I'll get it,"
No, you are tired, shall get it,"
Nonsense! Sit STILL" persisted Rylance,
starting quickly towards the door.
But Gertrude was too quick for him and
ran into the hall before he had got to the
door. She was absent some minutes, and
when she returned her face was pale and
stern; her husband hardly recognized her
voice, it was so cold and harsh, as she said,
holding out rose-colored note:
"Adrion Rylance, what does this
mean?"
81 don't kuOw-why Gerty, what's
the matter? Any of your family ill?"
"No. I refer to this" pointing to the
note.
What is it2'
Something which accounts for your
anxiety to prevent my going to your over
coat pocket.,'
"Whot do you mean2 Do speak
plainly {"
/" I mean that I demand an explanation
of this note from Maggie Calder"
l have no note from her."
GLOW can you say so? Here it is, with
the envelope plainly addressed to you, and |
torn OPEN"
AS Gertrude in her righteous wrath, laid |
the offending sheet of pink ote-paper under
her husbands eyes he started and turned
crimson as he read it.
"This is outrageous. +" he exclaimed.
al agree with you. / knew that you had
walked and talked a good deal with the
girl. Only last Monday Grace Dexter said
that she wondered that permitted it-one
of your shop girls-but did not think mat
ters had gone so far"
Good Heavens, Gerty You don't be.
lieve-"
" Am a fool Let me read it aloud.
Perhaps l have omitted an explanatory
phrase" said Gertrude. The cpistlo was as
"DEAR ADRIAN:-I did not see you last
evening as | expected. Pray where were
you? How could you neglect us so? Lit
lie Maggie is pale, and seems ILL.,. You must
come and see her tomorrow. Make the
usual excuse to your wife. What lucky
hing women know so little about Masonic
Don't forget that we are to 90
lut of town on Sunday. When will Mrs,
R go away again? Can she be suspic-
Gus? Your loved and loving
MAGGIE"
~ never saw that note before, l swear"
Hushl Don't peJure yourself! I
would not believe you with thousand
,aths"
But, Gerty, do listen"
won't listen to another word Brother
'harlie shall listen for me Can You deny
I,v l.. ! |