The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1882-10-07
FOR Mr.. JoHs Taonrsos.o


f.
Mr.. John Thompton CAME down to
breakfast rosy and fessy, 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 ;Iwhile, to crown the
measure of bis content, broiled spring
chicken and water cAesses-his favorite
breakfast dish grested his gratified
gaze.
so spring has cotle already, has it?''
said Thompson, with glance at the
vernal fowl and itssverdant accompani-
ment.
YES, indeed, responded Mrs. Thomp-
son. as she smilingIx poured out the
coffee: and then, with q pensive look,
she continued: 81 was at Madame
RobiEettes yesterday. looking at the
spring bonnets"-a slight shadow passed
over Thomson's face-"the loveliest
things that I ever beheld and SO cheap"
''Ahr' said Thompson, absently munich
ng ciess.
"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. 'tYou wouldn't
want to look like school grip"
''And then just stepped into Field d.
Fosters" resumed Mrs. Thompson,
land really it was as good as museum
to see the exquisite dress goods. There
was one brocaded spring silk-rose bnds
on dark ground-whieh so exactly
suited my taste and complexion that ii
really seemed to have been made for me.
I thought I would go right over to-day
and get it before it is snapped up by
some cne else. It's only thirty five 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?
have just at this time pressing use foi
every dollar that can command. Mex
week"
But Mrs. Thompson had set down hel
coffee-cup and was drawing forth hel
pocket handkerchief.
81 knew you'd refuse!" she said
huskily.
ssBut, Maggie, woman cannot always
understand what pressing need her hus
band may sometimes have for money II
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 it.
Its your letters and papers, papa,
| she cried, holding them up; IAN | one o.
them smells so nice, just like mamma's
pretty bottles on her bureaul"
Thompson looked at the missive il
question. SO did his wife; and she no.
ticed that it was in lady's handwriting
| and directed to s'Mr. John Thompson.
She watched him as he glanced ovel
the first few lines. Then he looked a
the signature, smiled-a constrained and
furtive smile--and folding the note with
out finishing it, glanced at his wife, col
ored 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 a lady?" continued Mrs. T.
suspiciously.
''Yes-from lady," he admitted, re
| luctantly.
"What business can lacy have will
you?"
"Only little private business matter
will tell you in day or two. Why,
| glancing up at the clock, and then at hi
watch, .sit's later than ! thought by tel
| minutes. I must hurry"
And he did hurry; and in his haste h
went up stairs for something he had for
| gotten, leaving the letters laying on tn
| 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, hurriedl.
| opened it and read as follows:
DEAR j.: Where nere you last even
ing? / looked for you all the time, bu
in vain. Romeo and Juliet was lovely
Romeo reminded me of you. Thank
for your loy ely lilies. Do You remembe
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 thi
evening. early, and we will make ar
rangements. Toddy gone away. No
body at home but L. and I.
| Your only K"
Thompson was heard coming dow
stairs. His wife hastily slipped the not
| under the letters and disappeared b,
another door. He put the papers in hi
pocket and went away.
1 Then Mrs Thompson went up stair
to dress the baby. Her face was ros,
red and her eyes shone with unnatura
brilliancy. She peremptorily dismisse,
the maid, boxed the poodle's ears fo
affectionately licking her hand, and pro
ceeded to soap, and scrub, and speng
! the infant heir of the house of Thomp
son with an energy which considerably
astonishe that young gentleman.
| And as she performed this interesting
maternal duty she gave expression to he
secret emotions in brief and emphati
sentences:
$50 that it was which took him out OF
Tuesday evening! Went to that bal
when be told me he was going to hi
club supper. Oh, yes! and expected t,
go to the theater last night-only some
| thing prevented, and he stayed at home
| Looking out for him all the evening, wa
she9 The wretch, Romeo and Julie
indeed! A pretty Romeo, forty year
old, getting bald, and the father of
| family! And he sends her lilies. Won
der how much they cost? that's his press
ing necessity for money just at this time
| Keeps another woman in expensive bou
quets, and refuses his wife necessar
clothing. And he is to see her this even
| ingi Oh, yes, indeed. Be quiet. 70;