Daily Republican., 1886-07-12
MY IMITATION Wife.


was preparing TO leave, when mother
came in.
Going out, are you, Tom?" said
she.
Eyes, ma'am."
"Where, to another party?"
eyes, ma am"
THAT makes three this week doesn't
it, Tomy'
"Yes, ma'am. We're hurrying to '
get through. Goin'to take Miss Beau-
fort tonight, and then Pm done with !
the Jolly Clubs parties"
Mother, somehow or other, did not
seem to think very much of what
said.
"Tom, l wish you would get mar
RED" she said, with a troubled face.
81 believe you would stay at home
some"
"Well, I am awful tired, mother, and
completely worn Quit
"Then why don't you quit it2"
''Best reason in the world, mother
am 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 it myself, and
| felt worried about her.
She was right. | was out nearly
every evening. This evening at II re-
ception, next time ball then theatre
party and so on. OF course l could
afford it, for my salary as cashier at
Harris was liberal one.
/ wasn't saving d cent, and my own
home folks never saw me except ct the
table. Even poor, old, 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 anything you wanted, and make
YOU have the finest time in the world.
Then there was Vene Wright. She
would take in the base ball with fell
low, go rowing, skating, anything for
! fun.
/ Then Vene had money. That was
an important item.
Why shouldn't l tackle Miss Vene
on the subject of matrimony.
"Thomas, old son, "said | TO myself,
"N enc is the one.
| But Nene, somehow or other, die
| not exactly suit the case, and my mind
reverted to Miss Beaufort. Miss Beau
tort was smart, pretty, stylish and
suited better, but | knew nothing
about her financial standing. This
| a. a tn m n thnlf
days.
Meanwhile the coupe had nearet
Miss Beaufort's. | had never beer
there before, and to my surprise founc
it to be q very unpretentious house.
! confess | was disappointed. l e1
pec,ed to drive up TO an elegant man
sion. be ushered into fine reception
room with servants in livery, ant
there await the coming OF Miss Beau
fort.
Then | expected to make bold dasl
for Miss Beauiort's heart-propose, ant
possibly be accepted or declined by thu
lime the party was over. But not so.
A little ludy with gray hair opened
the door, and she Was introduced t.
me BY Miss Beaufort as mamma. Mis-
Beaufort was ready and waiting, so w
walked out to the coupe.
"Mr. Silver" said she, "don't you
think there is great amount OF snob
berry in society, and lots of downright
foolishness?"
"Why, yes" said |.
"For instance" said she, "here i
an elegant coupe that you have brough
for me, and yet the party is only tw'
blocks away
This certainly was very refreshing
| had actually squandered five dollar
to have the coupe for an evening, an
she did not even as much as notice ii
/ know Vene would have enjoyed
ride in 1t
"Mr. Silver" said she tome again
"this is the last party am going t
this winter"
well, whys" said l. AREN'T yo1
going to take in the German Club bal
and the others?"
NO." said she. mamma hasn'
the money; she can't afford it,"
"Mr. Silver" she continued, zeal
you afford to spend so much money Of
society"
looked at her. There was honest.
i fairly shining out of her pretty blac
eyes, even if she wasn't very polite
So | answered her honestly.
mo, Miss Beaufort, cannot!
: haven't saved cent this winter, and
get big salary, too"
We'll" said she, 81 have met yo
out SO frequently l feel quite well az
quainted with you, and | expect
have been little impolite."
mo" said l. 81 am glad that yo
/, take that much interest in me-"
/. Then we changed the subject.
Z had splendid time at the party, an
y /, enjoyed Miss Beauforrs company ver
IS much. | found her level headed an
bright. if she was too frank.
a Next day l told mother about
r She said that she admired Miss Beal
:. fort for her common sense, if she ha
+ not seen her Then she referred to IN
{ getting married again.
2 "Suppose," said she, "you preten
: for week or so that you are marie
4 and see how it goesY'
IAN imitation wife," said l.
"Why not1" said she. 81 will wri
the name of young lady on a car
seal it In an envelope, and you ca
> lock it in your desk. Then let us SUI
pose that you are married to her SO
for two weeks. During that time
j want you to act just as iflthe lad
I were here in person, and your Jaw
fully-wedded wife,"