The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1882-09-07
A SLIGHT MISTAKE.

Mr.. Simpson came down to breakfast
looking as happyas any reasonable man
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, slice OF
broiled salmon-his favorite breakfast
dish-greeted his gratitied gaze.
$50 the salmon's in already is itP''
said Mr.. Simpson, with a glance at the
dish.
Eyes, indeed" responded Mrs. Simp-
son, as she smilingly poured out the
coffee; and then, with a pensive look,
she continued: 'Iwas at Madame Rob-
inette's yesterday, looking at the Spring
bonnets''-a slight shadow passed over
Simpsons face-''the loveliest things
that ever beheld, and so cheap!'
''Ahr' said Simpson,, absently.
Il tried on one," continued Mrs. S.,
"a most exquisite hat. 1t made me
look ten years younger"
YOUR young enough" said her
husband, little abruptly.
''And then 1 just stepped into Fos-
ter's" resumed Mrs. Simpson. land
really it was a 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. 1 thought |
would 60 over to-day and get it before
it is snapped up by some one else. 1t
| is only seven and elevenpence a yard. "
Simpson WINGED. He began to un-
derstand the meaning of the broiled sal
mon.
GEM1y door ao,,11nft 10 0
l have just at this time pressing use
for every pound that / can command.
Next week.
But Mrs. Simpson had set down her
coffee cup, and was drawing forth her
pocket handkerchief.
Il know you'd refuser' she said hus-
kily.
but, Maggie, a 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-bell 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
directed to ''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,
colored little, and Slipped it under the
papers beside his plate.
'Who is that perfumed envelope
from?" enquired his wife.
"Why, sort of business note," he
answered, indifferently.
'From a lady?' said Mrs. Simpson,
suspiciously.
"Yes-from lady," he admitted, re-
luctantly.
What business can lady have with
you?'
.'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. 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 OPP
portunity to pass unimproved. 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
eveningP l 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
remember what you said to me on Tues,
day? Well, have thought it all over,
and have decided that it will be the best,
after all. Come this evening, early,
and we will make arrangements. Tod
| dy gone away-nobody at home but
land /. Yours only, K"
Mr.. Simpson was heard coming down.
stairs; his wife hastily slipped the not,
under the letters and disappeared by
another door. He put the papers in his
pocket and went away.
Then Mrs. Simpson went upstairs
Her face was rosy red, and her eye:
shone with an unnatural brilliancy
She peremptorily dismissed the maid
and gave expression to her secret emo
tions in brief and emphatic sentences.
$50 that's what it was which tool
him out on Tuesday evening! Went tt
that ball, when he told me he was goins
to his club. Oh, yes! and expected t.
90 to the theatre last night-only some
thing prevented, and he stayed at home
Looking out for him all the evening
wae sheP The wretch! Romeo ant
Juliet indeed! A pretty Romeo, fort.
years old, getting bald, and the fathe
of family! And he sends her lilies
Wonder how much they cost? That
his pressing necessity for money just a
this time. Keeps another woman il
most expensive boquets, and refuses hi
wife necessary clothing. And he is t.
see her this evening! Oh, yes, indeed
Wants him to come early. Well, h
will, no doubt; and so will 1. I'll lfollov
him, and find out who she is; and II
expose her, if l live. Only he musn'
suspect. Oh, the deceitful, false, un
grateful Ooh, Robert!'
Hero she broke down, and burst int,
an agony of tears and sobbing.
When Simpson came home that even
ing, he found his wife looking very ner
Vous and excited.
A. Al. ia