Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-10-29


nook. By the malignity of that per
verse fate who misregulates to inoppor-
tunity these crucial moments, it was
novel treating of The domestic advent
ures of young journalist and the pa
thetic small economies of his wife.
Both had read the tale; inevitably their
comments must parteke of sentimental
coloring.
"Is it the manlier way" said Mr..
Lamb, with fine air of unconcern and
indifference, t'to offer woman such a
life as that ?-or would one better pro-
tect her from self-sacrifce by keeping
siIence?" a. W 81 a
That man is most fatuous who fancies
that woman will not make instant per-
sonal application of such q speech. An
exasperating smile of discernment bent
Miss Soulsby's hip.
"Men have the prerogative of commit
ting any madness" she said; with wom-
an rests the veto power of self protec-
ton against such insanity" nm
care you so worldly?"k "a, N =
ST may well be-" answered the girl,
bitterly; 81 have known privation all
nay life long : that teaches the true value
| of this worlds goods" ~ ~
Involuntarily his gaze fell straight up
on her garb- soft. rich, gray, its outlines
defined here and there By. broad bands
of gay Roman stripe IN some velvety-
looking WOODEN fabric. @
81 cannot conceive your having known
the need of money" he said; few wom-
en- are dressed like that" He stopped,
becoming conscious how pointed was
| his speech.
"Few are," she asserted, laughing,
'happily for themselves and peace of
their households. [ see. You like my
| frock-men are so short-sighted- blind
bats! You like it, and why? Because
it is nicely prcportioned, and it is true
to its purpose. Do you see? She held
her drapery forward naively. "This is a
frock for the house-not the sort of
costume one would wear on the street.
Harmony, adaptability, that is it, not
elegance. The whole thing cost me
three dollars.
"What!"
"It is quite true. Ipaid that for the
gray flannel. The bright stripe was the
best portion of wornout shawl, and L
had the buttons" with an air of trium-
plant conclusion.
Mr.. Lamb found something very brave
and very pathetic in the simplicity and
detail of this confession. This endur-
ance of vanity's modification appeared
heroic as contrasted with the lavish ex-
penditure of other women far less lovely
and worthy. But then, men usually are
willing to concede great virtue to the
practically THAT achieves slightly re-
suits. If Miss Soulsby's attire had been
unbecoming, or if Miss Soulsby's self
had been less pleasant to the eye, no
doubt her exposition of ways and means
might have seemed sordid in the ex-
treme. Also, some allowance must be
made for the attitude of delightful in
tinaacy implied in confidence on topic
so nearly personal as this of toilet
matters. Altogether, many things go to
modify the triviaIity in value of discus
sions- between woman and man-on
puerile themes.
IT thank you" said Edward Lamb, al
most reverently.
'But this is all in the very worst pos
sible TASTE" said Miss Soulsby briskly;
''sooth to say, am in huge fit of dis
gust, thanks, no doubt, to the weather.
All this might look far more endurable
by a warmer light" with a disdainful
gesture comprehending the whole room
| with it's CHEEKY, make-shift decorations.
DO you know" she went on, and the
man sat speechless before her daring
| or her innocense, as might be-"I have
lately discovered IN my nature vein
| of strong sensuousness, much to my sur
prise, for had fancied myself rather an
ascetic person. But mol / delight in
pleasant sounds, 1 feast on beauteous
| sights, / revel in agreeable odors. Can
| anything thrill the soul like delicious
scents? The touch of grateful texture
charms mel"
She put the gray cat suddenly down
upon the red brick hearth, as If with it
she decisively set aside poverty, econ
omy and all sordid and distasteful things
Leaning forward she stretched her curv-
ing hands towards the leaping fame.
II could never be completely happy
while cold," she said, 'Fnor utterly mis-
cradle with my body clad in warmth.
Oh, do understand how people can
sell love and iberty-yes, and honor
for luxuryT' ere q,
Where was the reserved and maid
emily companion of moment since, with
her chaste cameo face and unrespond-
ing fingers? This was young Lania,
full of sensuous longing, open and I'M
concealed. Edward Lamb sprang to
his feet, and whirling towards the fire,
tore from his bosom letter he had hid
den there, All day it had burned there
in his breast, full of it's own adn1onition.
81 would have put it in her hand" he
told himself between the muffled plunges
of his heart, "but now there is no need.
Her own speech has taught what she
feels" He dropped the letter between
the cedar logs, with very storm of pas
sions and temptations warning with him.
And yet SO speedily, 50 silently are
made the decisions that determine hui
man destinies l-before the curled and
cracking ash few upward, black and
writhing, strange revulsion of feeling
swept over him and he loathed himself
| for the sin he would have done.
| He turned reluctant eyes on Madelon