The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-10-19
"sOR MR.. JOHN THOMPSON

Mr.. Jonn thompson came GOWN 20
breakfast rosy and fiossy, and looking as
happy as any reasonable man might de-
sire. His wife sat smiling at the head of
the table, and his daughter, Maude
Amelia, on one side; while, to crown the
measure of bis content, broiled spring
chicken and water cresses-his favorite
breakfast dish greeted his gratified
gaze.
$50 spring has come already, has it?''
said Thompson, with glance at the
yernal, fowl and it's verdant accompani-
ment.
.'Yes, indeed, responded Mrs. Thomp-
son, d she smilipgly poured out the
coffee; and then, with a pensive look
she continued II was at Madame
Robirette's yesterday, looking at the
spring bonnets"-a slight shadow passed
over Thomson's face-"the loveliest
things that ever beheld and so cheap"
''Ahr' said Thompson, absently MUNICH
ng clsss.
IT tried ON one," continued Mrs. t.
"a most exquisite white hat, with seven
pink ostrich tips. 1t really made me
look ten years younger"
You re young enough" said her hus-
band little abruptly. "You wouldn't
want to look like school girl?" :
"And then just stepped into Field Il
Fosters resumed Mrs. Thompson,
land really it was as good as muss UNI
to see the exquisite dress goods. There
was one brocaded spring silk-rose buds
on dark ground-which so exactly
suited nv taste and complexion that 1t
really seemed to have been made for me.
/ thought would go right over to-day
and get it before it is snapped up by
some enc else. It's only thirty-6ve dol
lars
Thompson WINGED He began to un-
derstand about the true inwardwardness
OF the early spring chicken and crosses.
"My dear, couldn't you wait awhile? I
have Just at this time pressing use for
every dollar that Can command. Next
week"
But Mrs. Thompson had set down her
eoffee-cup and was drawing forth her
pocket handkerchief.
.I knew you'd refuser' she said,
huskily.
"But, Maggie, woman cannot always
understand what pressing need her hus-
band may sometimes have for money In
his business affairs. If you will only
wait"
'And let that hateful Mrs. Murchie
get the silk"
And Just here the door-bell rang, and
Miss Maude Amelia jumped down from
her high chair and ran to answer 1t.
Its your letters and papers, papa,
she cried, holding them up; IAN l one of
them smells so nice. just like mamma 8
pretty bottles on her bureau
Thompson looked at the missive in
question. 80 did his wife; and she no
ticed that it was in a lady's handwriting
and directed to Mr.. John Thompson. y
She watched him as he glanced over
the first few lines. Then he looked at
the signature, smiled-a constrained and
furtive smile-and folding the note with
cut finishing it, glanced at his wife, col
cred little slipped it under the papers
beside his plate.
'.Who is that perfumed envelope from?"
inquired his wife.
why, sort of business note" he an
swered, indifferently.
"From lady?" continued Mrs. T..
suspiciously.
'sYes-from lady," he admitted, re-
luctantly.
What business can lady have with
you?"
''Only a little private business matter.
will tell you in day or two. Why,
CHANGING up at the clock, and then at his
watch, tits later than / thought by ten
minutes. l must hurry"
And he did hurry; and in his haste he
vent up stairs for something he had for
gotten, leaving the letters laying on the
table.
Mrs. Thompson did not allow the op
portunity to be unimproved. She list
tened till she heard her husbands foot
steps on the stairs; and then, drawing
forth the perfumed note, hurriedly
opened it and read as follows:
DEAR j.: Where we're you last even
ing? / looked for you all the time, bu
In vain. Romeo and Juliet was lovely
Romeo reminded me of you. Thanks
for your 10, ely lilies. Do you remember
what you said to me Tuesday, while eat
ing ice cream on the balcony? Well,
have thought it all over and concluded
that it will be best, after all. Come thii
evening. early, and we will make ar
rAngements. Teddy gone away. No
body at home but L. and /.
Your only K
Thompson was heard coming dow
stairs. His wife hastily slipped the not
1nder the letters and disappeared b.
another door. He put the papers in hi
pocket and went away.
49,