The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1884-06-12


From two to three hours, said Miss
Vincent. yesterday morning she
stayed two hours and thirty five min.
utes by our clock"
Mr.. Fenton was getting decidedly
jealous, or he might have wondered
at the accuracy with which his wife's
call had been timed.
"At what time does she 90 there ?" he
asked quickly.
AT about nine o'clock"
"Do you think she is there now?"
"Yes, saw her 60 there just before
came away" said Miss Vincent.
'But really, I thought you knew all
about it. cts mystery of your wife's
probably" and she simpered and
marked with pleasure the mental dis
turbance upon the face of the shop
keeper. "But really, have stayed
longer than intended. must he TO-
ing"
He'll 60 over to the doctor's,'
thought Miss Vincent. "Ill see if he
don't. l wonder if they'll fight. I
shouldn't wonder, for he looked as mad
as hornet. Well, it's none of my
business, that's a comfort. What a
sight of troubles. married life brings
with it, to be sure.".
Miss Vincent might congratulate her.
self such being the fact, that she was
never likely to experience any of the
trouble incident to that state in life, for
it is very much to be doubted whether
there was any one having once seen her
vinegar visage who would have ventured
to form matrimonial plans, having her
for their object.
Miss Vincent was right. She soon
had the satisfaction Of seeing Mr.. Fen
ton pass her house hurriedly on his way
to the house of DR.. Tompkins.
II wish I could see them meet,
thought Miss Vincent. II wonder
whether she'll faint, or what he'll say"
Miss Vincent could not crafty her
priseworthy curiosity, but we fortunate-
ly can do so. Before Mr.. Fenton's ar
rival, we will examine the interior of a
room ON the second floor of the doctors
! house.
A woman, neatly dressed, stood before
an easel on which rested a picture OF
large size, now nearly complete. 1t
was, evidently, even to IN unartistic eye
a painting of rare merits, and the artists
eye glowed with interest, as she gave
few skillful touches, and then drew back
10 witness the effect.
When Mr.. Fenton reached the door
he rang tho bell hastily. He thought
the servant looked oddly. when her eve
rested on him:
as Mrs. Fenton here?" he asked
hastily.
eyes, believe So" she said; hesitat.
ingly:
! Lead me to her at once. he demand.
| ed
| The woman hes;tated moment.
"Do you hear me?" he exclaimed
stamping his foot. II demanded to be
led at once to the presence of Mrs.
Fenton."
"Of course, if you wish it,
II do wish it,"
"Then follow me-"
She led the way up stairs, and Mr..
Fenton followed, deeply agitated.
Isis the doctor here?" he asked.
mo, he hasn't been at home since
breakfast" said the servant.
That seemed strange. There was
something Mr.. Fenton didn't under
stand
"She is in that room," said the serv.
ant indicating door.
| THANK you, that will do
He moved softly to the door, opened
it gently, and gazed at his wife:
She was standing in the centre of the
apartment, her back turned towards
him, a palette and brushes in her hand:
He moved forward so stealthily that
she did not hear his step, and grasped
her arm with unconscious force, SO that
with start she dislodged the easel
from its position, and it fell fiat upon
the floor:
"O!" she exclaimed rcgretfully.
Turning she met the stern gaze of
her husband
$50 you have found me out" she
said in some surprise.
Eyes, ma,lam," he answered sternly.
II have found You out"
! "But You needn't look SO angry about
it, surely Ihave done no harm"
"You have disgraced me-" said Fen
ton huskily.
"Disgraced you," repeated his wife
wondering.
"How can my painting pictures dis
grace you?"
1T isn't that. Have you not been in
the habit of coming to visit DR.. Tomp-
kins?"
She smiled.
IF so, I have been unfortunate in nv
calls, for I never find him at home"
us this true2"
"Certainly: The doctor has kindly
placed one of his rooms at my disposal,
for painting-roo I didn't paint al
home, because didn't want to have
you know it at present"
"How long have you been an artist?
asked her husband bewildered.
Long enough to earn this" and
from the pocket of her dress she drew
bank book showing deposits to the
amount of three thousand dollars.
"Three thousand dollars, and all
earned by painting pictures?"
Yes: Now my secret is out. Take
the book, and take care of it for me.
You will forgive me for acting without
your knowledge, won't you?"
Freely, my dear wife, and now
have favor to ask. have large paw.
ment to meet in three days. Have You
any objection to my using this money?
l will return it within three months
probably"
II shall be glad to have you use it
David. Don'treturn it till you can con-
veniently."
But, Clara, you mustn't come here
any more, I will have a painting room
fitted up for you in our own house, and
you shall paint as much rs you will"
THAT will suit me better, David"
Miss Vincent who had kept her post
at the window wss deeply disappointed
on seeing the husband and wife return
evidently on a friendly footing, and
shook her head CONTINUOUSLY. It need
hardly be added that his wife's money
enabled Mr.. Fenton to meet his nav.
mcnt, and that in three months he wae