The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-21
A SLIGHT MISTAKE


might desire. His wife sat smiling at
the head of the table, and his little
daughter on one side; while, to crown
the measure Of his content, a slice of
broiled salmon-his favorite breakfast
dish-greeted his gratiied gaze.
$50 the salmon's in already is itP''
said Mr.. Simpson. with glance at the
dish.
Eyes, indeed" responded Mrs. Simp-
son, as she smilingly poured out the
coffee; and then, with q pensive look,
she continued: sIwas at Madame Rob
inette's yesterday, looking at the Spring
bonnets"-a slight shadow passed over
Simpsons face-s'the loveliest things
that ever beheld, and so cheapr'
'.Ahr' said Simpson, absently.
81 tried ON one," continued Mrs. S.,
''a most exquisite hat. 1t made me
look ten years younger.
You're young enough" said her
husband, little abruptly.
''And then just stepped into Fos-
ter's'' resumed Mrs. Simpson. land
really It was treat to see the Spring
dress goods. There was one brocaded
silk which SO exactly suited my taste
and complexion that it really seemed to
have been made for me. l thought I
would go over to-day and get it before
it is snapped up by some one else. 1t
IL only seven and elevenpence yard"
Simpson WINGED. He began to un-
derstand the meaning of the broiled sal
mon.
my dear, couldn't you wait awhileP
I have just at this time pressing use
for every pound that I can command.
Next week.
But Mrs. Simpson had set down her
coffee cup, and was drawing forth her
pocket handkerchief.
AZ knew you'd refuser' she said hus-
kily.
''But, Maggie, q woman cannot al
ways understand what pressing need
her husband may sometimes have for
money In his business affairs. If you
will only wait"
.'And let that hateful Mrs. Murchie
get the silk"
just here the door-be1l rang, and
Miss Simpson jumped down from her
high chair and ran to answer it
'It's your letters and papers, papar'
she cried, holding them up. land one of
'em smells so nice, just like mammals
pretty bottles on her dressing tabler'
Simpson looked at the missive in ques-
ton. So did his wife, and she noticed
that it was in lady's handwriting, and
to s-R. Simpson, Esq"
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.
without finishing it, glanced at his wife,
little, and slipped it under the
beside his plate.
'.Who is that perfumed envelope
from7" enquired his wife.
''Why. sort of business note" he
indifferently.
From a lady?" said Mrs. Simpson,
suspiciously.
''Yes-from lady," he admitted, re-
What business can lady have with
youP''
''Only little private business matter.
will tell you in a day or two. Why"
glancing up at the clock. and then con-
sulting his watch, '.it's later than I
thought by ten minutes. I must hurry"
And he did hurry; and in his haste
went up stairs for something he had for
gotten, leaving the letters on the table.
Mrs. Simpson did not allow the op-
portunity to pass uuimproved. She lis
tened till she heard her husbands foot
steps on the top-stair, and then, draw
ing forth the perfumed note, hurriedly
opened it, and read as follows
Dear Robert,-Where were you last
EVENING" looked for you all the time,
but in vain. Romeo and Juliet was
lovely; Romeo reminded me of you.
Thanks for your lovely lilies. Do you
what you said to me on Tues
day? Well, / have thought it all over.
and have decided that it viii be the best,
after all. Come this evening, early,
and we will make arrangements. Tod
iy gone away-nobody at home but
land /. Yours only, K"
Mr.. Simpson was heard coming down.
stairs; his wife hastily slipped the note
under the letters and disappeared by
another door. He put the papers in his
pocket and went awav
1Hen Mrs. simpson went upstairs.
Her face was rosy red, and her eyes
,hone with an unnatural brilliancy.
She peremptorily dismissed the maid,
and gave expression to her secret emo
ions in brief and emphatic sentences.
$50 that's what it was which took
him out on Tuesday evening! Went to
hat ball, when he told me he was going
% his club. Oh, yes! and expected to
20 to the theatre last night-only some-
hing prevented, and he stayed at home.
Looking out for him all the evening,
was she? The wretchi Romeo and |
Juliet indeed! A pretty Romeo forty
Tears old, getting bald. and the father
If q family! And he sends her lilies
Wonder how much they costP That's |
lis pressing necessity for money just at |
his time. Keeps another woman in |
most expensive boquets. and refuses his |
wife necessary clothing. And be is to |