Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1886-06-03
MY IMITATION WIFE.

AA L AAsA4 \ 4A 4LOAs " AA 41s
l had just adjusted my tie and was
preparing to leave, when mother came in.
"Going out, are you, Tom9' said she.
| eyes, ma'am.
"Where, to another partyW
eyes, ma'am."
'.That makes three this week, doesn't
it. Tom?n
Eyes, ma'am. We're hurrying to get
through. Coin to take Miss Beaufort
tonight. and then I'm done with the
Jolly Clubs parties"
Mother, somehow or other, did NOT
seem to think very much Of what said.
tom, I wish you would get married, 2
she said, with a troubled face. 81 be-
lieve you would stay at home some"
"Well, lam awful tired, mother, and
completely WON out.
'Then why don't you quit it2'
t'Best reason in the world, mother. ]
am neither.engaged nor in love, but I'm
willing to be-
1t was getting late, so l started after
this, but the look on mothers face set me
to thinking.
Ny 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 reception,
next time ball, then theatre party and
so on. OF course could afford it, for
my salary as cashier at Hart's was lib
eral one.
But
wasn't saving a cent, aud my own
home folks never saw me except at 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 baseball with fellow, go rowing,
skating, anything for fun.
Then Vene had money. That was an
important item.
Why shouldn't tackle Miss vene on
the subject Of matrimony.
Thomas, old son, said 1 to myself,
tVene is the one"
But Vene, somehow or other, did not
exactly suit the case, and my mind re-
verted to Miss Beaufort Miss Beaufort
was smart, pretty, stylish and suited
better, but I knew nothing about her
financial standing. This was an import
ant 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
q very unpretentions house.
/ confess was disappointed. l ex-
pected to drive up to an elegant man
sion, be ushered into a fine reception
room with servants in livery, and there
await the coming Of Miss Beaufort.
Then ] expected to make bold dash
for Miss Beaufort's heart propose, and
possibly 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, so we
walked out to the coupe
Mr.. Silver, said she, "don't you
think there is great amount of snobbery
in society, and lots of downright fool
ishness9n
'sWell, yes, I" said I.
sFor instance, said she, s'here is an
elegant coupe that you have brought for
me, and yet the party is only two blocks
away
This certainly was very refreshing. 1
had actually squandered five dollars to
have the coupe for the evening, and she
did not even 50 much as notice it. +
know Vene would have enjoyed ride
in it.
Mr.. Silver" said She to me again,
this is the last party am going to this
winter"
ssWell, whya" said /. aAren't you
going to take in the German Club ball
and the othersl'
No, said she. Mamma hasn't the
money; she can't afford it,
ssMr. Silver, she continued, sscan you
afford to spend so much money on So
ciety2n
looked at her. There was honesty
fairly shining out Of her pretty black
eyes, even II she wasn't very polite. So
! answered her honestly.
mo, Miss Beaufort, cannotl +
haven't saved d cent this winter, and /
get big salary, too.
ssWell, 7 said she, I have met you out
80 frequently, I feel quite well acquainted
with you, and I:expect have been a
little impolite. Z
"No, said r Il am glad that you
take that much interest in me.
Then we changed the subject / had
splendid time at the party, and enjoyed