The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1888-10-27
ALL A MISTAKE.

ALL A MISTAKE.
But II Nearly Wrecked the Hap
piness Of Two Lives.
There probably was not brighter or a
cozier room in any house In New York than
the breakfast room In John Wheatleigh's
house. II was somewhere in the 3O's, lust
on Of Fifth avenue, Of which q glimpse
could be caught through the east windows.
which admitted food Of sunlight on the
glass and fne danask Of the table, and
brought ont the golden lights in Mrs. Wheat
leigh's brown hair.
There could not have been . more agree
able couple to look upon, either-he, tall
athletic with IN open, manly countenance--
she, pretty, elegant and womanly. They
were happy pair. too, a. happiness goes,
and NO heavier cloud darkened their matri-
mcnial sky than tho ono 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 IA undeniable pout, while her hus-
band's face expressed doubt, anxiety and
annoyance In turn. Though the atmosphere
was clear whom the meal began, the doubt
had been lurking In John Whoatieigh's eyes
ever since he took his seat ct the table In
his heart IL expressed itself I'm the hesitation
between II win tell her'' and II won't tell
h6f." The won'ts had the best Of II at first;
It seemed unnecessary; there was no reason
why he should. and perhaps Nettie would
mot understand II, which would be very
awkward. Then he considered the affirm
ative side Of the question; Nettie was a
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 II she
did not she would tell him 90 gently and
without any fuss
He looked at her - she bent her pretty
head over the morning paper, humminR .
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 wifet OF course he would tell her
he was half sorry he had promised to 60; II
she objected he wouldn't sJust a. soon a.
I finish this egg, !" thought be; 'in the mean
time I'll think Of tho best way to tell herr
That was fatal egg for John. He was
come 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 ere going TO play 'CymbelIne'
tonight; won't you take mei'
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 theatsr, that he was going himself
with another lady, or ct least q party In
which there were other ladies.
Tonight did you say, Nettiei Idon't be-
heve that can 80 tonight"
20, John, why mott"
"Won't tomorrow night dor,
mo-" said Mrs. Whoatleigh, looking at
me paper, this Is the only performance Of
Al am going to be out tonight. Nett,e: I
don't think can take you very well: but
any other night will be glad TO-"
You are going to the club, suppose. I
wish you did not spend 20 much time there
IL this something 20 important that IL can't
De put ONT lido want to see .Cymbeline' 30
'eee here, Nettie, IT'S like this, " ssid John:
20 Wilson, friend Of mine from out of
town, 10 going to be here TONIGHT and I
want 70 show him around little and-and
take him 70 the club, perhaps; in fact. I'VE
written to him promising to meet him
Now do b reasonable, Nettic.n
The cloud lifted from Mrs. Wheatleirh,s
brow entirely. ~ will be reasonable. John.
Of course II you are engaged with your
friend, shan't interfere. ri tell Won What
! might do. II You WIN get the tickcts. IN
send over to Cynthia Olds to 70 with me:
she win be glad Of the chance. Wen take
2 cab and drive TO the thcater, and it win
be perfectly safe"
John was GLAD to have the matter settled
% easily, but his wife's sharp speech still
nnkled little. and he felt that he oueht
not TO give IN all ct once
Il don't like your going out ut night with
out N escort and don't like your going
win Cynthia Olds. anyhow. What you $50
IN ner 70 mako You want to continue the in
umacy, cant imagina She Ii silly, SIM
perin9 old girl, without IN idea that she
hasn't got from some yellow-backed novel
and woman whose tongue runs a. hers
ooes ~ sure TO b . dangerous companion"
Cynthia IL not 20 bad - you mako her
out John; abe b foolish about some things,
j know, and exAGgerates good deal, but /
rover hard hsr say any thing ill-natursd
about anybody. II u pleasure to take her
cut she enjoys every thing 20 much. But
- You svidently do not wish me to 60 70 the
eheator, shan say no moro about IL"
sThsrA my dear, you may do - you like"
naid John. Ask Cynthia to 80 With you
md wiIl bring H. ticksts tonight" And
- IN Wns serone
Wnss jeha Whsaaasieh teok his ssas IN !