The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1888-09-01
ALL A MISTAKE.
But It Nearly Wrecked the Hap
piness Of Two Lives.


piness of Two Lives.
There probably was not brighter or
cozer room in any house in New York than
the breakfast room in John Wheatleigh's
house. It was somewhere in the 30s, Just
Off of Fifth avenue, of which glimpse
could be caught through the east windows,
which admitted food 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, either-he, tall,
athletic, with an open manly countenance--
she, pretty, elegant and womanly. They
We're 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
t are 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 Wheatleigh's eyes
ever since he took his seat at the table. In
his heart 1t expressed itself in the hesitation
between ~ will tell her" and II won't tell
her." The won'ts had the best of it at first;
it seemed unnecessary; there was no reason
why he should, and perhaps Nettie would
not understand it, which would be very
awkward. Then he considered the affirm
ative side of the question; Nettie was
thoroughly sensible woman, she had never
shown the least trace of jealousy; any thing
that he would tell her about, honestly and
openly, she would consider right, or If she
did not she would tell him so gently and
without any fuss.
Gle looked at her as she bent her pretty
head over the morning paper, humming
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 go; ii
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 her."
That was fatal egg for John. He was
some time in disposing of it. When he had
finished he cleared his throat, and had act
-ually uttered the initial N of his wife's
name when Mrs Wheatleigh cried 20,
John, they are going to play 'Cymbeline'
tonight; won't you take me!"
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 party in
which there We're other ladies.
"To-night did you say, Nettiel Idon't be-
lieve that / can go tonight"
80, John, why nots"
"Won't tomorrow night do!'
cold Nfrc JVhootla;r, looJr;a. -.
the paper, 'this is the only performance of
'Cymbeline.'"
~ am going to be out tonight, Nettie
don't think can take you very we'll; but
any other night will be glad tor
"You are going to the club, suppose.
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 I;
of course If you are engaged with your
i
might do. II you will get the tickets, I'll
send over to Cynthia Olds to go with me /;
she will be glad Of the chance. Well take
a cab and drive to the theater, and it will
he perfectly safe"
John was glad to have the matter settled
so easily, but his wife's sharp speech still
rankled little, and he felt that he ought
not to give in all at once.
"I don't like your going out at night with
out an escort and 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 a 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 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 il-natured
about anybody. II is pleasure 10 take her
out, she enjoys every thing so much But
as YOU evidently do not wish me TO go to the
fheater, shall say no more about it."
''There. my dear, you may do as you like"
said John. "Ask Cynthia to 20 with you
and will bring the tickets tonight" And
so all was serene.
When John Wheatleigh took his seat in
fthe elevated train he drew letter from his
pocket-the letter which caused the little
jar In his home that had SO quickly su bsided.
lle read II hastily;
"NEwARK, N. j., April lo.-Dear Whestleigh:
am coming over TO New York on Thursday
with nv wife ind her sister-you remember
aitb,. - course. We want to go somewhere In
rshe eveL.lg, ind would DO delighted to have you
,ioin us AT The Hoffman House At six for dinner,
rand make partie carree. hear the operetta
of MrGams Roquette' is very good; may com
miss ~ you 70 secure four places for our party
and don't hAil TO meet usi My wife wishes 70
be rcsneabesod. Yours truly. y. II. WILSON y
"'onfonnd II, {" he muttsred, 81 don't like
II; wish hadn't been In such hurry 70
Ascept his invitation"