The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-12-10

Will d DOullu. Ills SlSlcI-lIl-lSth >
conclusions had not been wide of the mark.
No woman had ever been to him what this
woman with the sunny hair and fair face
had been, but he was shy man, and had
simply lost his chance He went to battle
with only request for one golden lock
from the fair head, and she was too proud
a woman to give more than was asked.
Then they drifted far apart, as lives often
do that have touched each other with strong
points of contact. . $40
He was soon in the parlor, and by Reby s
side.
Tell Mrs. Macane we would like her
decision as soon as possible" said Mrs.
Ellis, somewhat sharply. To herself she
was saying, THE man might have married
Reby once, but he shall not firt with her
now.
Il am glad to find Reby unchanged" "
said Henry Maclane in response.
Mrs Ellis replied, brusquely :-'.She is
wonderfully changed to me. The years
have brought great strength and goodness
nonsense of any kind"
She justified her brusque speech with
the mental comment "A man with a
wife and five children has nobus mess to
stand there with undisguised admiration
on his face, and congratulate himself on
finding Reby unchanged. It's a trying or
deal to her, and | would shorten it if |
could"
Her remark brought the color to Reby 5
face, and Henry Maclane looked annoyed.
Il don't understand" he began.
Mrs. Ellis interrupted him. You will
bring Mrs Maclane when you come again?
''Possibly her husband will be free to
come with her," was the quiet response.
Husband Are you not Mrs. Mac
lanes husband p asked Mrs. Ellis, Won
deringly.
Me? Oh. no My brother Joshua is
Mrs. Maclane's husband replied Henry
Maclane, with a smile.
And father of the five children p con-
tinued Mrs Ellis.
Father of the five children, echoed
Henry Maclane.
And haven't you any wife p asked
Mrs. Ellis, curiously.
The Bible says, "A good wife is from
the Lord" replied Henry Maclane, grave
ly. ''He has never given me such a bless
inc"
Mrs. Ellis eyes twinkled.
Il could give you Bible quotation that
might help you" she said, demurely but
a warning glance from Reby stopped her,
Just as a visitor was announced
You will come to see us soon 2 SAID
Mrs Ellis. as Henry Maclane arose to
leave.
Can | come this EVENING"" he asked.
Certainly" replied Mrs. Ellis. ut is
we'll to get gaslight view of things you
are interested in buying"
When the door shut, Mrs Ellis turned
to Reby, apparently much interested in the
visitors card. DO you know what [ was
about to quote? Ask. and it shall be
given you.
.Oh. Sue y demonstrated the shrinking
woman. Don't toss me to any man, as If
were a ball to be picked up, or let alone,
as suits his pleasure.
At the dinner table Mrs. Maclane turned
eagerly to her brother-in-law with the
question :-"How do you like house-hunt-
ing =
.Immensely," was the hearty response.
Il think l never enjoyed anything so much
in my life.
Mrs. Maclane looked searchingly at the
man. 1t sounded like sarcasm, but there
was genuine pleasure in the face she scru-
tinized.
at must have been a satisfactory house,
she said, complacently. "Now tell me all
about it.
1T is pleasant-looking mouse; brown
stone front, high stoOp, and three rooms
Deep" answered Henry Maclane, gllbly.
Mrs. Maclane looked gratifed. "What
was the condition of the paper and paint :?
she asked
THE hall paper was dark, and the wood
dark, and in good order" replied Henry
Maclane, positively.
"Well, the rest of the house? pursued
Mrs Maclane:
Henry Maclane passed from positive
to a negative condition as he answered, In
puzzled way 4 hardly know. l
couldn't exactly tell. think the hall was
an index of the rest.
Mrs. Maclane smiled Closets y she
suggested.
.:The hall had closets, said Henry Mac
lane, in much the way schoOlbOy begins
recitation of which he knows only the
first paragraph. Il guess they are all
right
Mrs. Maclane laughed heartily as she
remarked, II never take closets on trust.
Sewer gas"
'No," responded Henry Maclane "there
was sweet odor of yiolets as | entered the
parlor.
"Good p exclaimed Mrs Maclane at
sounds like Araby the blest.
1T was, responded Henry Maclane, in
an undertone. m
'Well, about the rest of the house p
continued Mrs. Maclane Did the violet
odor pervade the whole of the mansion ?
Il don't know" answered Henry Mac
lane. She didn't come.
She? who 2" answered Mrs Maclane,
in puzzled way.
'.The sister, was the brief reply.
"Who's sister," said Mrs. Maclane, in
perplexity Brother Hal, do you know
you are talking incoherently? [ can't
seem to follow you. Are We talking about
house or a woman
'Both," answered Henry Maclane, with
smile .....
'What was the woman like ?" asked
| Mrs. Maclane.
Light wavy hair, not a bit fluffy nor
plastered stifHy, but just falling over her
forehead in pretty ripping waves and coiled
in knot at the back, clear eyes that de-
mand the truth and tell the truth, good
nose, an expressive mouth, delicate hands
and shapely fgure-that's the woman, .
answered Henry Maclane, enthusiastically.
"You can give better inventory of the
woman than you can of the house" said