The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-04-26
AQUlETHOyE COMEDY
Illustrating the PeTersity of Nan and
Sagaciiy of Woman.

partner IN the well known firm OF Murrabie,
Racket * Co., walked quickly up sheltered
carTiage-lFive which led 10 a charming little
house lying within a mile OF tordham, NEST
chester county, New York.
Murrable Racket & Co.. as probably every
one is aware. are Oriental merchants; and Mr..
Racket was returning home after years abb
senee in India whittier he had been suddenly
summoned IN consequence OF the death OF hls
uncle and partner, Mr. AlgerDon Racket. This
uncle had for nearly generation been the
Calcutta representative OF the firm; and after
having fer more than a quarter Of a century
done his best to ruin his constitution by the
reckless consumption Of curries and Bass s ale,
lie had finally succumbed to a wholly uniore-
seen attack Of apoplexy.
The news OF his death arrived rather mop
portunciv in New York. After few weeks
acquaintance, Thomas Racket had married
Dora, the only daughter of Mr.. Cyrus Dun
cOmbe, uf Wall street, and he had barely begun
to taste the Joys OF welded life when his uncle
inconsiderately quilted the world without hav-
ing FIRST settled his affairs, and Tom was
obliged 10 leave for India at days notice
MIR Duacombe lived at Fordham, and as the
duration of her husbands absence was quite
uncertain Il was arranged that the young wife
should take up her abode near her fathers
house, aad thus ENJOY the advantages OF lnde-
pendence without entirely suTrenderlng MI
Duaconlbe's paterl.al protection.
Her cCttage-for Ii was but little more
was model of picturesque comfort; and Tom,
as he approached il. felt no little pleasure IN
the relisction that during his enforced separa-
1ion from her has wife had had so lovely home.
One thought, however worried him little.
He was returning Unexpectedly, aud he won
dered whether. under the circumstances, she
who had known him for SO short a time as
lover and husband woRld know him again.
When he left her he had worn only his mus
tache. Now he grew full beard, and he was
so Drowned and tanned TO boot, that he scarcely
recognized himself.
He was speculating upon this question when
a turn IN the roadway brought him in sight of
the house, and, looking up, he saw at a window
above the yeranaa no less person than Dora
herself. Fair and fresh as a rose at dawn she
seemed as dressed all in white, she carefully
trimmed too luxuriant ereeper which chung
around the half-Opened jal0usies. The echo of
his step upon the crisp gravel attracted her at
tentiOn Tor an instant, and she glanced down at
him: bat there was no sparkle OF recognition
in her eyes, and SIS he approached the door she
quietly Withdrew.
Sire actually does not know me, said Tom
TO himself She takes me for stranger. i
viii surprise her
Then sudden idea struck him 81 viii
pretend TO be some one else" be thought-"a
friend Of her husbands from India She thinks
i am still at Calcutta. When / last wrote to
her had not the least idea that / should be
able to get home before Christmas. Yes, | viii
pretend 10 be some one else"
And suitiRg the action 10 the word, he rang
the bell and upon a seryent appearing, told the
girl, without, however, giving his name, that
3 gentleman from India desired TO see Mrs.
Racket.
BE was shown into a cool, delightful draw
ing-r0om, which contained a thousand evil
dences Of the taste and culture Of its fair
mistress. Opposite the open window stood a
huge vase filed with flowers, and close to this
Mr. Racket took up his position, turning his
back 10 the door
Within two minutes he heard the rustling of
his wife's dress outside, and with nervous
apprehension of what might result from his
discrimination be began to cough violently.
Hrs Racket entered behind him, but he did
not face her.
q ain afraid, sir, that You end the open
window toe much for you" she said, hesitat-
ingly.
'oh no. thank you," gasped Tom. facing her
Tor an instant and then gazing more intently
than ever al the flowers. Not at all Not in
the least
Let ne shut the window"
Oh no. thank you. Not for worldsi" re-
turned Tom, who was already beginning to
regret MS determination. he felt obliged to
turn round, but when he faced her fully he was
relieved to find that he was still unrecognized,
and he continued. The fact Is Mrs-Mrs.-''
Mrs. Racket" said Dora, softly.
"Ah, tsIank you, yes. The fact is, Mrs Rack
ett,' declared the deceitiul husband. THAT |
am not yet reconciled to this disagreeable cli-
mate OF yours. I-ah-th2t Is TO say-a man
who has existed IN groves of mango. and has
lived on chutnee and carry-I dare say you
uDderst md"
"Quite SO. Mill"
Bracket" answered Tom, deliberately.
Ny name is Bracket"
What curious similarityiD commented
Dora, unsuspiciously.- 6 Do you spell it with
two t'sz"
With two fs," asserted Tom.
Bow strange! Yes, / can readily believe
that people coming here from India find our
ciimate very trying at first even IN this hot
weather. Ny husband writes that the heat
has been excessive. Please take a chair. Mr.
Brac1ett. Possibly you may have brought me
news OF hing / hope So l thought AIS last
letter was not written IN very good S9iEitsu
Tom regretted more tEan ever that he had
not at once disclosed his identity, but he felt i
pleasant TO be thus ingenuoasuiy informed by
MS vile that she took SO great an interest il
his welfare.
"Ees,g he said, al can give you some new.
OF HIN, FOR two months ago [ was 81 Calcutta
lndeedi" exclaimed hrs. Racket. with
uneonceaicd JOY How delightful! 1t is S,
nice 70 meet any one who has seen him out il
fAat horrible country How was he?g
various ideas coBrsed rapidly through Tom
BRAIN Should lac go on, or should lie dcclar
hInscifZ lie decided 70 20 on.
Re was" he said, I.lystcriouslv. 4" as well g
could be expected"
As well as could be expected!p cried Dora
IN alarm. do you mean that he has becI
ill.,"
Wen, not exactly III, you know" respondet
Ion, VINO was getting deeper and deeper int
the slough.
But ] do not understand you. Tell me
please, at once What has happened to him? p
Mr. Racket wondered what the end would be
He wished she would recognize him. and throw
her white arms around his neck; bat he had no
courage to confess himself
Nothing very Serious" he said, after
pause dare say you know that since il
has been in India he has shot good many Ii
gers?"
A strange expression fitted across Mrs. Rack
ctts face. Tigers she exclaimed. in horror
Tel me, Ar. ackctt-teli ne"
We'll, ne went up the country To ,Jubbal
pore, and started On shooting expedition H
was accompanied only by native servant
They entered the jungle. Suddenly. and with
out warning, a huge female tiger sprang uro
me moan, OF course, up0a your husband
and bore aim TO the earth. The servant fle
for assistance, help arrived, and Ir Racke,
was found, faint from loss Of blood. with hi
right arm torn cut by the socket, his left ey
destroyed, and the calf Of his left log deepI
scored by the cruel claws Of the ferocious .nor
steT"
The narration OF fl,is ra,,,s,1-.,,lo &C.,. 49,.