The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-03-15

NOW, OF all men on tne clergy llSt, Mr.
Orricle was the least likely man to OBJ
tain this post, and he did not even think
of applying for it. He could take an
extra curate to look after the parish, and
if the school threw hard work upon him,
so much the better, he would find the
less time and inclination for talking with
women like Mrs. Doucer and Miss Lam
guish.
1t was on fine winter morning. The
Rev. Peter had just breakfasted solnmnly
yet heartily, after his wont; Ignatia bad
said little during that meal. AS her hus-
band was about to leave the room, how
ever, she stopped him, aud there was II
look on her face which he had never
seen there before.
Peter. want to say few words to
you" she began. II object to your re-
ceiving Mrs. Doucer and Miss Languish
into this house any more. They
are immodest and improper women, and
shall tell them SO if they come here
again"
"What do you mean?" asked the Rev.
Peter, scarcely believing his ears.
II mean what I say, dear. l cannot
any longer permit the Objectionable, the
nonsensical conversations which go on
between you and all the bad women Of
our parish in that confessional. 1 mean
te have it removed, and the oratory de-
voted to other uses"
care you mad?" asked Mr.. Orricle.
"No, dear; only resolved not to be
any longer sighted in my own house. |
will show you telephone, by which l
nave heard every word you and those
woman have been saying for the last six
months"
The Rev. Peter Orricle felt bad.
When he saw the telephone and dis
cerned how by her cool ingenuity his
wife had entrapped him and held him at
her mercy he looked very sorry per-
son. He turned red, then pale, and if
anybody had offered him little weak
brandy and water at that minute he
would have imbibed it. He tuned
his nose for a protest, but Ignatia stopped
him:
you need not try to excuse yourself,
Peter. have heard everything, mind
so prevaricstion would be of no use. l
can only hope that you will be more
sensible man and q better husband in the
| future, and in that trust l forgive you.
| But now listen to me. Mr.. Doucer can
get you the head mastership of the gram
mar school; he is the most influential
among the governors. Go to Mrs.
Doucer at once, and tell her you want
the place. Ii she does not get it for
you, let her beware of me. Don't for
get to tell her of the telephone"
Good gracious, Ignatia, you would
not surely"
"Do as tell, you, DEAR" said Mrs.
Orricle calmly. 'If Mrs. Doucer does
not obey you she will know what to ex-
pect. AS to other women, l will use the
power possess over them in my own
way, at my own time, and for your in
terests and mine. have not the slight
est objection that all the world should
know about the telephone. The laughers
| will be on my side"
Good gracious!' was all Mr.. Orricle
could say; but he took up his Gloucester
hat. and went forth feeling much the
same sensations that donkey must ex-
| perience when he is saddled and bridled
| for the first time.
Mr.. Orricle became very good head.
master, and the ritual of his church
| underwent considerable alteration. Mrs.
Orricle took that department into her
own hands. AS to the confessional in
carved oak, it was transformed into a
commodious linen cupboard.