The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-06-10

Wright's name, so decided to imagine
that Fene was there in person. and so
we started on the week. Monday night
came. That was the night of the
| Bachelor German, but | staid at
home and talked to mother. Then
played eucher with her for a
while, and we managed to have a very
| enjoyable evening. Next morning
mother met me at the table with smiles.
| and about the best breakfast l had
eaten in long while.
You must imagine that your wife
saw to this breakfast" she whispered.
Going up on the street-car that
morning, who should get on but Miss
Beaufort. l bowed to her gracefully,
deposited her fare in the nickel box,
and was about to sit down by her when
[ happened to think of my imitation
wife at home, and walked to the rear
of the car.
Married men have no business
talking to young ladies'" said l to my
self.
Miss Beaufort looked at me rather
queerly, but said nothing, and | thought
the car never would get up town.
Thursday was my evening to call on
Vene, and forgot to send her an eX-
cuse. Friday, came a note from her,
which mother took the liberty
of opening, as she thought
| would not care. and she
felt like representing my wife in the
desk. 1t was tender missive. and
somewhat surprised me when | saw it.
But what could | do. Married men
have no business getting tender notes
from young ladies. Inasmuch as l had
contracted to carry out mothers plan
for two weeks, | left the note for
mother to answer. She is a very
truthful woman. but in answering the
note she prevaricated. She said that
was very sick, and as a natural conse-
quence Fene called that afternoon 10
see me, but | was up town and mother
had to invent another story. Then
mother had to come all the way up town
so as to keep me from coming down
town my usual way for fear Vene
might catch us. l laughed good deal
at mother, and Eene did not find us
out, but the society reporter of the
paper met her, she told him | was sick, |
and the next day all of my society |
friends came around, among them Miss |
Beaufors.
Mother met her rather coldly, but
invited her to stay awhile.
Il suppose Mr.. Silver is almost worn
out with so much going out, - said the
young lady.
He is much better said mother,
"but | do not think he will 90 ont for
several weeks. L think shall keep him
at home"
II am so glad" said Miss Beaufort. !
mot that You are going to keep him at
home, but that he is not going out so
much. | am getting 50 | fairly detest
society"
Here was woman who had my
views, and they both, there
upon, had confidential talk, and
pleased each other nightly.
Then she asked mother to call on her
and this mother did. Mean
while | was staying home every even
ing and was getting pretty tired of it
as the two weeks were drawing to
close.
Don't you think a man ought to take
his wife out once in awhile?' said to
mother.
why not?" said she.
Then I'll take her to the theater to-
night" So bought couple of re-
served seats in the parquct for Satur-
lay night, and mother, who repre-
'ented my wife. went with me.
We had hardly taken Our seats before
noticed that they were adjoining those
L.. | ,
mother was highly pleased when we
changed seats so that sat by Miss Beau
ort and my mother sat by her We went
nome together that night and laughed
md talked a good deal. | think
mother told Mrs. Beaufort what we
lad been doing, but did not hear it.
knew that several days later, after my
wo weeks of married life were over,
vent to call on Miss Beaufort. We had
/ pleasant time together. and just as
vas about to leave, the old lady came in.
Il forgot to ask you, Mr.. Silver,
What you thought of married life?' said
he.
Miss Beaufort looked Mortified. but l {
aughed.
Mother has been telling on me, has ;
hep" said l.
.'She has" said she.
We'll" said l, during the two {
weeks [ was married. l read three good
looks, gained four pounds in weight .
nd saved eighteen dollars and forty c
ents, besides paying my wife'S board
nd ticket to the theater." t
And who were you married TOP" /
sked Mrs. Beaufort.
Il forgot to look" said 1. l hurried
ome to see who my wife had been.
he envelope was just as placed it in
ny desk drawer.
tore it open and there was the name
f Miss Beaufort.
WELL" said |, mother made her L
II imitation wife, now l viii try to !;
make her real one.
And so 1 did Thomas Il. Stark, in !
HicGgo CiErG,A.