Griggs courier., 1888-09-07
ALL A MISTAKE.
But 1t Nearly Wrecked tho Hap
piness Of Two Lives

SoLlCl IUUHl III iii.S IlOuSG III New \ Ork than
the breakfast room in John Whcatleigh's
house. 1t was somewhere in the 3o's, lust
off of Fifth avenue, of which IL glimpse
could be caught through the cast windows,
which admitted flood of sunlight on the
glass and fine damasll 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, eithcr-he, tall,
alhlellc, 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 fullncss about
Mrs Wheatlcigh's lips, the droop of her
lids, and the elevation of her eyebrows
formed an undenable 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 ewes
ever since he took his seat at the table. In
his heart it expressed itself in the hesitation
between 81 will tell her" and 81 won't tell
her." The won'ts had the best of it at first: :
1t 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
atlve side OF the questions; Nettic 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 if she
did not she would tell him so gently and
without any fuss.
He looked at her as she bent her pretty
head over the morning paper, humming 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 go: if
she objected he wouldn't Just as soon as
] finish this egg thought he: s.:n the mean
time I'll think OF the best way to tell her."
That was "A 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 of his wife's
name when Mrs Whcatlcigh cried: so
John, they are going to play 'Cymbeline'
tonight; won't you take me.n
That question was the death kncll of John
Nheatlcigh's confession. He could never
tell his wife, in excuse for not taking her
to the thcater, that he was going himself
with another lady, or at least a party in
which there We're other ladies.
''To-night did YOU say, Nettic? Idon't be-
licve that can go tonight"
40, John, why not." "N\' .
'Won't tomorrow night dog"
"No," said Mrs, Wheatlcigh, looking at
the paper, this is the only performance of
'Cymbelne.'"
81 am going to be cut tonight, Nettie: I
don't think can take YOU very we'll; but
any other night will be glad to-"
"Y on arc going to the club | suppose. 7
wish you did not spend so much time there,
Is this something so important that it can't
be put otfs l do want to see 'Cy,nbeline' so
much"
See here, Ne,tie, It's like this said John: ::
Ed Wilson, a 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, Ncttic''
The cloud lifted from Mrs Wheatlcirh's s
brow entirely. 81 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 Olds to 90 with me {:
She will be glad of the chance. Well take
q cab and drive to the thcatcr, and it will
be perfectly safe"
John was glad to have the matter settled
so easily, but his wifes sharp speech still
rankled a little, and he felt that he ought
not to give in all at once.
~ 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
pcring 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 companions -
"Cynthia is not so bad as YOU make her
out, john she is foolish about some things,
know, and eXaggerates good deal, but l
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."
'rhere, my dear, you may do as you like ~
said John. ASK Cynthia to so with you
and will bring the tickets tonight" And
80 all was serene.
When John Wheatlcigh took his seat in