The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1886-07-08
MY IMITATION WIFE.

4
MY IMITATION WIFE.
A Story, With a Moral, for Soci-
ETY. Young Men.
had just adjusted my tie, and was
preparing to leave, when mother came
in.
"Going out, are you, Tomp" said she.
"Yes, ma am.
"Where, to another partyr"
ssYes, ma am.
"That makes three this week, doesn't t
It, TomP''
..Yes, ma a'am. We're hurrying to
get through. Coin to take Miss Beau
fort tonight. and then I'm done with
the Jolly Clubs parties.
Mother, somehow or other, did not
seem to think very much of what Isaid.
"Tom, / wish you would get mar
ried,' she said, with troubled face.
Il believe you would stay at home
some."
..Well, l am awful tired, mother,
and completely worn out"
ssThen why don't you quit it?"
"Best reason in the world, mother.
lam neither engaged nor in love, but
I'm willing to be.
1t was getting late, so started after
this, but the look on mothers face set
me to thinking. My mother is the best
woman in the world, even if do say
1t myself, and I felt worried about her.
She was right. was out nearly every
evening. This evening at a reception,
next time ball, then a theater party
and so on. OF course I could afford it,
for my salary as cashier at Hart's was
liberal one. But wasn't saving
cent, and my own home folks never
saw me except at the table. Even poor,
DID, patient mother was complaining.
But was having lots of fun. There
was that Beaufort girl. She was fine
one. Could dance any kind, talk about
any thing you wanted and make you
have the finest time in the world. Then
there was Vene Wright. Shes would
rowing, skating, any thing fer fun.
Then Vene had money. That was an
important item.
Why shouldn't tackle Miss Vene
on the subject of nlatrimony.
Thomas, old son." said to myself,
'.Vene is the one"
But Vene, somehow or other, did not
exactly suit the case. and my mind re-
verted to Miss Beaufort. Miss Beau
tort was smart, pretty, stylish and
suited better, but knew nothing about
her financial standing. This was an
important matter to me in those days.
Meanwhile the coupe had neared Miss
Beaufort's. | had never been there be.
fore, and to my surprise found it to be
avery unpretentious. house. / confess
! was disappointed. / expected to
drive up to an elegant mansion, be
ushered into a fine reception-room with
servants in livery, and there await the
coming of Miss Beaufort. Then / ex.
peeted to make bold dash for Miss
Beaufort 8 heart-propose, and posi-
oly be accepted or declined by the time
the party was over But not so.
a little lady with gray hair opened
the door, and she was introduced to me
by Miss Beaufort as mamma. Miss
beaufort was ready and waiting, 50 we
walked out to the coupe.
Mr.. Silver" said she, ''don't you
mink there is a great amount of snob
oery IN society, and lots of downright
toolshness?'
Well, yes,' said I.
For instance" said she, ''here is an
elegant coupe thatyou have brought fol
me, and yet the party is only two blocks
his certainly was very refreshing
nad actually squandered FIVE dollars
y nave this coupe for the evening, and
sae ald not even SO much as notice it
Know Vene would have enjoyed aridt
Mr.. Silver" said she to me again
g; sn's IS the last party I am going tc
We'll, ,twhyPn said I. Aren't yor
sNng to take in the German Club bal
and the others?''
= o. said she. Mamma hasn'
Me money; she can't afford it,
Mr. Silver she continued, scar
aoeietys''
! looked at her. There was honesty
.s'fly shining out Of her pretty blaol
W even If she wasn't very polite,
y answered her honestly.
NO, Miss Beaufort, l can not.
vent saved cent this winter, and
~ IA olg salary, too.n
e. Ne!l.' said she, 81 have met yor
Gus; 8. % frequently, l feel quite we'll &C
sssihted with you, and expect I hav,
yen e, little impolite.''
81. 3 said !. 81 am glad that yor
1s s. that much interest in me-
ssasa saen we changed the subject. ] Iha'
p.snud time at the party and en-
sl Miss Beaufort's company yer,
found her level-headed an