The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-11-13
HER. HUSBANDS LETTER.

It is best on. the whole not to read
your husbands letters until he hands
them to you. and it is much the best
not to examine his pockets. except for
holes. and-thea set aside whatever you
find there without examination.
believe that Mrs. Elliott would give
any Young wife that advice today; but
there was time-we are all fallible,
being mortal-when she had beenInar-
ried about two years, that she made
herself an amateur detective so, far
as her frank went. and had found holes
that she could not cxplain-one that
had something in it about Clara par
ticularly. 1t was only half q lettcr,but
it was suspicious.
Naturally Jealous, she was too proud
to betray the fact Intentionally; but
there is no keeping secret of i1fat sort
from the servants. They knew it, other
people guessed at it.
Her fancies about. Clara-oh. who
was Clara?-made her heart ache. but
rumaging and prying did not help her.
When her husband was away-as he
often was--she suffered toftures. He
might, for all she knew, be leading a
double life, and so she steamed all his
letters open before she forwarded
them, and now. and then found some
thing that might mean more than it
said; and so We come to an afternoon
when she-Mrs. Elliott-came down
stairs dressed for dinner, for which, she
always made careful toilet. and met
the waitress ascending to the upper
floor. The girls place at that moment
was in the dining-roOm, and Mrs.
Elliott knew that nothing was needed
or forgotten that pertained to the din
ner; moreover, the girl had an air of
secrecy about her. and seemed to- be
hiding something under her apron.
Whats that YOU have there, RosaP"
Mrs. Elliott asked, little sharply
The girl stopped, looked down, and
answered.:
''Only letter ma'am."
For vourself?" asked Mrs. Elliott.
No, ma'am, for master" said the
girl.
We'll, give. it to- me-, - said. Mrs.
/ Elliott
| The girl hesitated.
Indeed, ma,am. the lady said, to
give it to. himself, " said Rosa. -
"A ladsP "A beggar with u petition,
suppose, - said Mrs. Elliott.
"A lady, ma'an. aAd she's gone, :"
said the girl she wore blue veil;
but never saw her before, I'm sure. ="
.'Oh, very we'll" replied her mis-
tress. Give me the note. Mr.. hott
is shaving and would not wish soI be
i disturbed
The girl gave little impairment
toss to her head as she obeyed and
tiounced downstairs in way that made
her mistress resolve to give her warn
ing.
The trouble was that the lady in the
blue veil had given Rose some money;
had whispered. Mr.. Elliott. ard. no
one else,'' and had hurried awas,sin
suspicious manner.
Mrs. Elliott meanwhile stood turn
ing the envelope over. The address
was merely her husbands name--Mr.
Frank Elliott-and the edge of the dap
was still damp, as il sealed at the door.
1t would open at the teaeh-she could
read it and know its contents If tshe
chose.
II do choose she said the next
moment, and the edge of the enveiope
rolled back and slip of paper fell put
On it was written these words:
DEAR FaANk: Meet me at the ussai /. Rla.c'
A moment. more and the letter wai
resealed, and Mrs. Elliott, trembling
with anger, stood leaning against thu
window frame. She felt that the dreat
that had been upon her had taket
shape ut last.
However, she would not be hasty
She would wait uptil she was sure tha
he desired to receive the letter. IL h
did not obey the summons it weuit
: prove to her that be was true to her
Then she would tell him what she knew
and ask his confidence.
. She carried the letter down-stair
with her and placed it at his plate, ant
as he opened it she watched him close
ly.
1t certainly did not seem to pleas
b him. He frOwned, changed color, ah'
thrust it into his pocket; but he wen
/ on with his dinner without any remark
Mrs. Elliott, however, could not re
ma1n silent.
You look as though you had receives
q plumbers BILL" she said.
He laughed.
..It's not BILL" he said; sits a note
and it vexes me because l. shall hav
to change my plans for tonight. l IN
ltended to take you to the the ter; no'
eau not do it, | shall nave to leay
YOU, and what is more, shall NOT I
back until tomorrow mig hit. III sen
a messenger to Uncle James. He wi
escort YOU to the theater and
Il will not go with your uncl
James," said Mrs. Elliot, -isharpl!
s.Yoa must take me; / will not be use
Y in this way; you must 20 with me.
My dear, / can not tell you how
veXes ME to have to leave, you, sal
Mr.. Elliot.
Frank" she answered, L have a
WAYS said that there are some thing
when Il vile sno -.ii not endure.
. Lizzie. my dear, listen. | will tai
YOU to tie theater tomorrow niEnt
the night after; we will euJoy oGrse,v'
quite as well. / think it Will ram
night, anyhow"
@Do you suppose l am baby to IT
= about not seeing Il play?" said MI
- = Elliott. No, Frank, only you mu
~ tell me why You break the engageme
and where you are going.
Business, my dear, business, ,sa
J. MI. Elliott, in an artificial manne
.Tn explain some day. Business
business. Now, be quiet and comfel
able. like good girl. Goodnight; :,
He tried to kiss her, but she push
q him away. Then he took his hat a.
q oyercoat and left the house with lit
~ laugh not like his OWn,
I Hardy Aaa he paaeea "a aAEssAS