Milford chronicle. [volume] (Milford, Del.) 1878-1974, 1885-05-29
ROBINSON'S WIFE.
A CUSTOM HOUSE SKETCH BY MAN OF
EXPERIENCE.


Twas going to write story without
a moral to it, but my wife says the thing
can't be done, and so, to please her, L
am going to commence this by re-
marking that "Honesty is the best
policy" My wife says that the fellow
who wrote that had tried the other
thing first. and that was exactly the
case with the man whose story l am
going to tell you just as he told 1t to
me.
We had made friends, after the fashion
of ocean travellers, on a recent voyage
across the Atlantic; had smoked more
than one cigar together pacing the deck
of the steamer, and had condoled with
each other over the shortcomings OF
our respective roommates-though had
we roomed together we should probably
have found even more fault with each
other. And now we were approaching
the stage in which mutual condolences
and the comparison Of experiences were
the order of the day.
( As we neared the American shore the
conversation, not unnaturally, turned
upon that topic so familiar to ocean
travelers-the contents of our various
i81Dedinaenta and the steps we respect
ivelv proposed to take in reference to
the approaching visit of the Custom
House officials.
t'Weu." said I, "Honesty is the best
policy, after all. 1t certainly gives the
least trouble. Besides, 1 have a con
scientious objection to swearing falsely
ANYHOW. and 1 confess that it seems to
me that YOU cannot avoid either lying
or declaring what you have. ana IN
deed I never have any trouble. L de
clare. and once in a while have to pay
NV conscience is clear, and l believe !
I were TO reckon up my outgolngs Il
duties they would not equal what many
OF my friends who cross less often spen'
in fees to the officials.
Mr.. Robinson-tha wasn't his name
and my wife says surely might thin
of something better to call him ina
tbat-Mr. Robinson, say, locke
rather distressed at the turn the CONVEX
sation was taking.
He addressed me next in tone OF al
most pathetic solemnity:
"Brown, my dear fellow"-Browl
isn't nv name either, but let it pass
''Brown, my dear fellow, take my ad
vice and let the Custom House peopl
alone" 80,
/ looked at Robinson a little curious
". Had the notion affected his reason
or was that last cocktail which tha
hospitable fellow Jones insisted o
pressing upon US a while ago little toe
too?
"I'm sure I am agreeable" at last
remarked; "but it's hardly question
choice. It's rather in their optic
whether they'll let us alone, isn't 1t 2
Robinson looked nervOusly around
though afraid of being overheard, an
) then whispered in tones of awe-thrillin
HFor heavens sake, Brown, don't Il
her know that told you r
I was about to remark in tone
thouehtless levity that, considering
: had not so far confided anything to nj
should hardly be in a position TO q
: vuloe his secret, even Il so inclined
Rut I restrained myself, from an Il
stinctive feeling that there was som
e thing more behind, and only remarke
s'By her, I presume you mean M
Robinson ?"
tsJust sol ne repneu, one Mou
"A never forgive me if she knew that l b
told you.
postulated.
!. 'Light fresh cigar, )" was the a
! ! swer Hand let's sit down here under Il
shelter Of the cabin, and l will tell y
u why never see certain brave ono
without a cold shudder.
II eve were on our wedding trip, M
!, Robinson and I, in the spring OF 10
we'll. Mrs. Robinson doesn't like me
say how long we have been married, b
it is several years ago. At that til
travelling in Europe was hedged abo
with many difficulties from which now
is. thank Heaven, comparatively tr'
Passports were to be provided, O.
what not; and in short, it was the e
and object Of every petty prinelpa1ty