The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-09-01
ALL A MISTAKE.
But 1t Nearly Wrecked the Hap
piness Of Two Lives.

There probably was not a brighter or a
cozier room in any house in New York than
the breakfast room in John Wheatleigh's
house. 1t was somewhere in the 3O's lust
off of Fifth avenue, of which a glimpse
could be caught through the east windows,
which admitted flood of sunlight on the
glass and fine damask of the table, and
brought out the golden lights in Mrs Wheat
leigh's brown hair.
There could not have been a more agree
able couple to look upon, ether-he, tall.
athletic with an OPEN manly countenance-
she, pretty, elegant and womanly. They
were happy pair, too, as happiness goes,
and no heavier cloud darkened their matri-
monial sky than the one which was now
lowering over the breakfast table. For that
there was cloud this morning there could
be no possible doubt. The fullness about
Mrs Wheatleigh's lips, the droop of her
lids, and the elevation of her eyebrows
formed an undeniable pout, while her hus-
bands face expressed doubt, anxiety and
annoyance in turn. Though the atmosphere
was clear when the meal began, the doubt
had been lurking in John Wheatleighs eyes
ever since he took his seat at the table In
his heart it expressed itself in the hesitation
between 81 will tell herr and ~ won't tell
1t seemed unnecessary; there was no reason
why ne should, and perhaps Nettie would
not understand it, which would be very
awkward. Then he considered the affirm
alive side of the question; Nettie was a
thoroughly sensible woman, she had never
shown the least trace of jealousy: anv thing
that he would tell her about, honestly and
openly, she would consider right. or if she
did not she would tell him 50 gently and
without any fuss.
He looked at her as she bent her pretty
head over the morning paper, humminp a
little tune meanwhile. She seemed to feel
his gaze, and glancing up at him, smiled.
Johns heart smote him. How could he
think of keeping any thing from his sweet
little wife! OF course he would tell her
he was half sorry he had promised to 90: if
she objected he wouldn't. "Just as soon as
finish this egg" thought he; Sin the mean
time I'll think of the best way to tell herr
That was fatal egg for John. He was
some time in disposng of it. When he had
finished he cleared his throat. and had act
ually uttered tho initial n of his wife's
name when Mrs Wheatleigh cried: 80,
John, they are going to play 'Cymbeline'
tonight; won't you take me2n
That question was the death knell of John
Wheatleigh's confession. He could never
tell his wife, in excuse for not taking her
to the theater, that he was going himself
with another lady, or at least a party in
which there were other ladies.
Tonight did you say, Nettie9 l don't be-
heve that | can go to-nightn
so, John, why not?n
won't tomorrow night do!"
NO" said Mrs. Wheatleigh, looking at
the paper, this is the only performances of
Cymbeline.'"
81 am going to be out tonight Nettie; l
don't think can take you very well; but
any other night 1 will be glad to-"
You are going to the club, l suppose. I
wish you did not spend so much time there
is this something so important that it can't
be put off, do want to see Cymbeline' so
much"
'See here, Nettie, It's like this, said John:
Ed Wilson, friend of mine from out of
town, is going to be here tonight. and
want to show him around a little and-and
take him to the club, perhaps; in fact, I've
written to him promising to meet him.
Now do be reasonable Nettie"
The cloud lifted from Mrs. Wheatleigh,s
brow entirely. II will be reasonable, John;
OF course if you are engaged with your
friend, | shan't interfere. I'll tell you what
might do. If you will get the tickets, I'll
send over to Cynthia Odds TO go with me:
she will be glad of the chance. Well take
cab and drive to the theater, and it will
be perfectly safe"
John was glad to have the matter settled
so easily, but his wifes sharp speech still
ranked little, and he felt that he ought
not to give in all at once
81 don't like your going out at night with
out an escort and l don't like your going
with Cynthia Olds anyhow. What you see
in her to make you want to continue the in
timacy, | can't imagine. She is silly, sim
pering old girl, without an idea that she
hasn't got from some yellow-backed novel,
and woman whose tongue runs as hers
does is sure to be a dangerous companion"
Cynthia is not so bad as you make her
out john she is foolish about some things,
know, and exaggerates good deal, but
never heard her say any thing ill-natured
about anybody 1t is pleasure TO take her
out she enjoys every thing so much. But
as you evidently do not wish me to go to the
theater, shall say no more about it."
There, my dear, you may do as you like"
said John. ASK Cynthia to go with you
and will bring the tickets tonight" And
20 all was serene.
When John Wheatleigh took his seat in