The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-06-12
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, Tom?'' said she.
eyes, ma am.
"Where, to another partyP"
'Yes, ma am.
THAT makes three this week, doesn't
it, Tom?'
Eyes, 1naam. We're hurrying to
get through Coin to take Miss Beau
fort tonight, and then I'm done with
the jolly Clubs parties.n
Mother, somehow OF other, did not
seem to think very much of What said.
tom, wish you would get mar
ried," she said, with troubled face.
81 believe you would stay at home
some"
We'll, | am awful tired, mother,
and completely worn out"
''rhen why don't you quit it?'
BEST reason in the world, mother.
I am neither engaged nor in love, but
I'm willing to be.
1t was getting late, so / started after
this, but the look on mother 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 reception,
next time ball, then a theater party
and so on. Of course could afford it,
for my salary as cashier at Harris was
a liberal one. But | wasn't saving
cent, and 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
any thing you wanted and make you
have the finest time in the world. Then
there was Vene Wright. She would
take in the baseball with a fellow, go
rowing, skating, any thing 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 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
fort 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
very unpretentious house. | confess
i was disappointed. | expected to
drive up to an elegant mansion, be
ushered into fine eception-roomwith
servants in livery, and there await the
coming of Miss Beaufort. Then l ex-
pected to make a bold dash for Miss
Beaufort's heart-propose, and posi-
bly, 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 snob.
berry in society, and lots of downright
fooiishnessp"
'Well, yes" said /.
''For instance said she, "here is an
elegant coupe thatyou have brought for
me, and yet the party is only two blocks
away. :"
This certainly was very refreshing.
l had actually squandered five dollars
to have this coupe for the evening, and
she did not even so much us notice it,
/ know Vene would have enjoyed ride
in it.
"Mr Silver" said she to me again
''this is the last party | am going tc
this winter"
"Well, why?" said l. aren't you
going to take in the German Club bal
and the othersP"
"No." said she. mamma hasn't
themoney; she can't afford it."
"Mr. Silver" she continued, scar
you afford to spend SO much money or
socety?"
looked at her. There was honesty
fairly shining out of her pretty black
eyes, even if she wasn't very polite.
So answered her honestly.
"No, Miss Beaufort, | can not
haven't saved a cent this winter, and
get big salary, too"
"Well, said she, 81 have met you
out so frequently, reel quite well &C
quainted with you, and / expect have
been little impolite."
NO said l. 81 am glad that you
take that much interest in me-.
Then we changed the subject. IhaC
a splendid time at the party and en-
joyed Miss Beaufort's company very
much. ! found her level-headed anC
bright if she was too frank. Next day
told mother about it. She said tina
she admired Miss Beaufort for he
common-sense, if she hadn't seen her
Then she referred to my getting mar
ried again.
Suppose" said she, "you pretenc
for q week or so that you are married
and soc how it goes
iAn imitation wife, said |.
"W1y notp' said she, al will writ