The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1884-12-25

ISu Ups OF a very expressive mouth
Her dark eyes of great depth and
tenderness, shaded by long lashes,
were fastened on the page of small
volume resting in her lap, but we're
frequently raised and directed toward
the door as If in anticipation of an
arrival. Mrs Lanier, for it was she.
wore an exquisite evening toilet-one
she knew to be particularly in accord
ance with her husbands taste. The
musical ring of dainty French clock
told the hour of six, and just at that
moment a latch key clicked in the hall
door lock, a moment later a tall, hand
some man had bounded up stairs, two
steps at a leap, and stood in his wife's
presenre to be greeted with a loving
Kiss.
" Just on the minute, as usual,
dear" cried Mrs. Lanier.
"Well, the tree is all arranged in the
back parlor, the children have had
their dinner and Marie has both of
them Gagged in the nursery to prevent
their running too near where Santa
Claus has been at work. Do you
know, | was thinking"
"Pardon me for interrupting YOU.
little wife," broke i'll Mr.. Lanier, "but
| am thinking we should dine, for l
am as hungry as bear"
"Why, yes, to be sure, had quite
forgotten that you were blessed with
such vulger inheritance as an appe-
tite," laughed Mrs. Lanier, $50, come
along, and the inner man shall be
satisfied"
Soup served, Mrs. Lanier resumed:
"Clifford, | have been thinking quite
seriously of what M. Wadsworth said
to me last Tuesday when | met him
at the bank"
"Well, what was it, dear?" ques
toned Lanier"
"Why, he told me that he thought
the members of cur firm should follow
the example of other business houses
and begin, without delay, to practice
rigid economy in anticipation of a
great financial crash which he thinks is
sure to come; and a few evenings
ago | heard you tell George Loring
that you believed Black Friday to be
close upon US. Now, if such is, indeed,
the state of affairs, oughtn't we to
follow Mr.. Wadsworth's advice? He
said Mrs. Wadsworth would make
nothing Of Christmas this year, neither
would she receive on New Years.
You are SO good and kind, of course,
to provide everything for our enjoy
ment, and yet | should, | assure you,
experience no feeling of deprivation
were we to Curtail a few really unnec-
essary expenses, for the present, at
least. or until there is a brighter out
look for business"
cha! ha! hal" laughed Mr.. La
nier, "what a splendid little speech, to
be sure; but do not be grieved be-
cause of my amusement; indeed from
the bottom Of my heart, | appreciate
what you have said, but do you think
| would permit my little wife to make
a martyr of herself merely on account
of old foggy Wadsworth's gloomy
prognostications? Why, the old gen
tlenian has annually predicted fail
ure of our firm ever since l have been
a member There is really no occa
sion for alarm; SO let us talk about
what you have been hanging on that
tree for the children"
eyes, DEAR" answered the wife, ''but
l think you should not speak so dis !
respectfully of Mr.. Wadsworth, poor
old gentleman, l dare say he may be
growing little childish, but you must
not forget that he it was who was
chiefly instrumental in having you
admitted to the firm as junior partner.
But to change the subject to Christ
mas trees-wait, there is a ring at the |
door bell. James, go into the hall
and tell Andrew to admit no callers
this evening. except Mr.. Loring, and |
if that is he, have him shown into the |
library"
Il wish you had invited Loring to
dinner this evening"" remarked Mr.. I
Lanier, "but there comes James. Who
was it, James?"
at was Mr. Loring, sir, and he
would be glad to see you privately, at
once, on a business matter of great
'Why, whatever can possess Loring
to want to talk business at this un.
earthly hour. However, excuse me,
dear, and will go immediately to the
Ill /