The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-07-21
MADAME h0QUETTE."

cozier room in any house in New York than
the breakfast room in John Wheatleigh's
house. II was somewhere in the thrties, just
Off Fifth avenue. Of which glimpse could I've
caught through the east windows, which nd
mitted a food of sunlight on the glass and
plate and fine damask of the table, and
brought out the golden light 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
were happy pair, too, as happiness goes,
and no heavier cloud darkened their matri-
monial sky than the one which was now hoy
ering over the breakfast table. For that
there was a cloud this morning there could
be no possible doubt. The fullneSs about
Mrs Wheatleighs lips, the droop of her lids
and the elevation Of her eyebrows formed an
undeniable pout, while her husbands face
expressed doubt, anxiety and annoyance IN
turn. Though tho atmosphere was clear
when the meal began the doubt had been
lurking in John Wheatleighs eyes ever since
he took his seat Mt the table. In his heart it
expressed itself in the hesitation between II
will tell her" and,'I 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 under
stand it, which would he very awkward.
Then he considered the affirmative side OF
the question; Nettie was thoroughly sensi-
BILE woman; she had never shown the least
trace Of jealousy; anything that no 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, humming
little tune meanwhile She seemed to feel
his gaze, and CHANGING up at him smiled.
Johns heart smote him. How could he think
Of keeping anything from his sweet little
wife! OF course he would tell her he was
half sorry he had promised to so; if She OBJ
jected he wouldn't. "Just M soon as finish
this egg" thought he "In the meantime III
think of the best way TO tell her"
That was fatal egg for John He was
some time in disposlng of it, When he had
finished he cleared his throat and had
wife's name when Mrs Wheateigh cried,
"Oh John, they're going TO play Gym
beline' tonight won't you take me"
That question was the deathknell of John
Wheatleigh's confession. He could never
tell his wife, in excuse for not taking her TO
the theatre, that he was going himself with
another lady, or Mt least "A party in which
here were other Indies.
"To-night did you say, Nettei don't be-
ieve | can go tonight"
"Oh, John, why not"
"Won't tomorrow night do"
"No," said Mrs. Wheatleigh, looking at the
paper, this Is the only performance Of
Cymbeline
81 am going to be out tonight, Nettic;
don't think | can take you very well; but
any other night will be glad to-"
"You are going to the club, suppose.
wish you did not spend 50 much time there. Is
this something 50 important that 1t can't be
put Off! | do want 10 sec 'Cymbline' SO
much"
''See here Nettie, it's like this" said John:
"Ed. Wilson, a friend of mine from out of
town, is going to he here tonight, and l
want to show him around 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. Wheatleighs
brow entirely. II will be reasonable, John;
of course if you are engaged with your
friend, shan't interfere. III tell you what
| might do. If you will get the tickets, I'll
send over TO Cynthia Odds to go with mo; she
will be glad of the chance. Wen take a cab
and drive TO theatre, and it will be perfectly
safe"
John was glad to have the matter settled
30 easily, but his wife's sharp speech still
ranked a little, and he felt that he ought not
to give in ali at once,
81 don't like you going out night without
an escort, aud | don't like you going with
Cynthia Odds, anyhow. What you see in her
to make you want to continue the intimacy,
! cant imagine. She is "A silly, simpering old
girl, without an idea that she hasn't got
from some yellow backed novel, and wo-
man whose tongue runs az hers does Is sure
to be n dangerous companion.
Cynthia lis not SO bad rs you make her
out. John, she is foolish about some things,
know, and exaggerates good deal but
never heard her say anything i'll natured
about anybody. 1t Is pleasure to take her
out she enjoys everything so much. But as
you evidently 40 not wish me TO 30 the thea
tire, shall say no more about 1t"
There, my dear. you may do as you like"
said John. Ask Cynthia to go with you
and will bring the tickets tonight" And
30 all was serene
When John Wheatleigh took his seat in the
elevated train he drew letter from his
pocket-tho letter which caused the little jar
in his home that had SO quickly subsidized. He
read it hastily:
NEWARK, N j., April 10.
DEAR WHEATLEiGH: | am coming over to
New York on Thursday with my wife and
her sister--you remember Ethel, of course
We want 20 go somewhere III the evening,
and would be delighted TO have you join US
at the Hoffman house at for dinner, and
make a partie carree. i hear the operetta Of
MADAME Roquette' il very good; may |
commission you To secure four places for our
party, and don't fail 10 meet usi My wife
Wishes ~ be remembered. Yours truly,
f. Ii. WILSON.
"Confound it," be muttered, Il don't like
it; / wish | hadn't been in such hurry to
accept his invitation"
He remembered Miss Ethel very well; o
handsome girl she was, too but not hand
soner than her sister, Mrs. Wilson. "Of
course, they couldn't have asked Nettie; they
don't know her. I'm hanged, though, if l