Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-26
A Profound Secret,

FROM the chicago tribune.
II had not intended to tell you, Billiger,"
said the young wife of Mr.. McSwat "but 1
can't keep it a secret any longer"
us it possible, Lobelia," exclaimed Billiger,
incredulously, THAT you have been able to
keep secret at alp"
1T is. And you would never guess it,
either"
Been making me dress-gown or an en-
broidered night-cap?'
No"
"lou haven't been running up bill at
Spotcash Il Co.'s?" he inquired with sus-
picious look and cold feeling in the region of
his spine.
Guess again."
Been taking lessons at cooking school?''
he asked, paling visibly.
mo. Guess again"
A clammy perspiration broke out all over
HIM and he leaned against the mantel for sup
'Lobelia, is Aunt Jubilee coming to spend
the summer with us?"
The young wife laughed gleefully.
No she answered. You'll have to try
again, Billiger."
Tell me what it is" he said. with returning
self-command. Il feel as if could stand any
disclosure now"
~ think you're real mean, Billiger but will
tell you. little poem of mine is going to be
published IN the next Century Magazine"
(This is the time-honored wav in which q
long, low whistle of astonishment has always
been represented in print by the most success
frl wrestlers with the language. from the old
masters down to H. Rider Haggard. The
reader, therefore, will kindly understand that
low whistler
I'm the days of our courtship, Lobelia," he
continued, staring hard at the ceiling, .'you
never told me you wrote poetry. didn't know
you were addicted to it. Or
''Or what?" she demanded, with some as
perity.
'Nothing-nothirg" he exclaimed, hastily.
"And SO you are to have a contribution in the
next Century! How much Is the editor to
pay you for it, Lobelia?'
Il don't know. haven't heard from him
yet"
Then how do you know he is going to
How do know? Because he hasn't re-
turned 1t. l sent it to him nearly two weeks
ago."
''Oh! You did. You inclosed stamps for re.
turn postage, of course?'
why. no. Billiger. never thought of that.
Is 1t customary"
Emo! That is, not always" replied the
young husband, mastering his emotion by a
desperate effort 1T probably wasn't neces-
sary In the case OF your poem, Lobelia. And
you have saved at least two centsr'
Mrs. McSwat was not exactly sure whether
he was in earnest or not She looked at him
with some suspicion. but his countenance wore
that look of unearthly gravity and innocence
that may sometimes be seen on the face of a boy
at school, just after he had rolled double
handful OF bird shot over the floor.
"Lobelia. he said after pause, ''you haven't
spoken of this-this poem of yours that is-er-
ah-golng to be printed next month, to any,
body else besides me, have you?"
No"
''Then don't do it, Lobelia." he said. "Ifyou
can manage to hold in till the poem is printed.
which Billiger held his handkerchief to
his face and coughed convulsively in 1t for a
few moments-'which will be only two weeks
longer. you know it will be all the greater sur
prise to everybody. And when that poem is
printed in the magazine, my dear I'll make YOU
present of pair of diamond earrings"
The trusting young wife pillowed her head
on his bosom IN an ecstacy of gratitude and as
Billiger McSwat smoothed her golden hair and
murmured in her soft assurances OF his
willingness to bankrupt himself if necessary.
in order to give her costly presents as a token
of his pride and admiration-as soon as the
poem appearcd-he could feel himself growing
meaner, and smaller, and more despicable every
moment.
Oh, young wives. Be warned in time. When
temptations to write poetry for the magazines
assail your soul, do not yield. Resist them. it
is a terrible thing to do anything that causes
young husbands to feel themselves growing
smaller than they are already.-Ertydct from,
.FiiJhtfuL Warnings of History" from the
French Of Dennis Muicdhy.