Morning journal and courier., 1889-11-14
J. A MODEL OF A FUSSY HUSBAND.
a Case of Refined Domestic Tyranny
Which Interested q New Orleans


| A comic little incident occurred In the
parquet of the Grand Opera House last
week. 1t was funny enough for outsiders,
but at one time threatened to develop some
! rather distressing features for one of the per-
sons involved. Jus, as the orchestra began
tuning up for the overture a couple ap-
peared. The lady came first, young, pretty
| and in every line of her we'll bred face be-
traying resentment of her escorts manner
He, big, smooth faced, cholerio looking
fellow, wore an intensely cocky air, coupled
with the aggravating way some men have of
steering women about as though they were
half witted. In two minutes and half the
spectators nearest discovered that their
neighbors were husband and wife. The note
the name "Fanny" clearly indicated pres-
| sure of the matrimonial yoke.
The man began "fussing" at once. Pass.
ing into the row fringe from her gown
caught in the seat, and while jerking 1t loose
TRADE was delivered in an undertone on
the sinfernal folly" of wemen's clothes.
Then she was forced to rise while he adjust
ed her wrap across the back of the chair,
and stand a running comment at the same
time on her utter lack of judgment In bring
ing such frivolous style of shawl on q
sharp evening.
After nagging and growing till his wife
looked altogether disheartened, this comfort
able individual turned his attention to the
programme. He said the theater was a
ssblasted bore" and he wished to heaven he
had not allowed himself to be deluded away
from the club.
"But, Fred, DEAR" the long suffering Yo-
man demonstrated, with slight suspicion of
sarcasm in her soft voice, "don't you remem-
Der how very many times you came last win
MORE"
"What arrant nonsense you talk" her
companion rejoined. "Of course I came.
Had 1t to do. Men in my line of business in
town every other day, and if hadn't treated
them to the play would have lost money
right along" She added something about
the necessity of supper afterward in an in
terrogating tone, but he was staring round
through the glasses and pretended not to
hear.
Quiet settled on the scene until minute
or more before the curtain rose, when in a
suppressed but terrible voice he demanded:
Fanny! what in the name of thunder Is
that spot you've go. on your faces"
"ssotr' returned persecuted Fanny: II
Why. nothing" All the while her cheeks
! were ahame with mingled shame and indig-
nation, even to the tiny bit of court plaster
placed ooquettishly near her red under lip.
"You dol" said the tyrant; f'that hideous
black patch disfguring your chin. Didn't I
of such vulgarityi 1t makes you look like
monkey. Take the end of your handker-
chief and wipe it off,"
81 sha'n't SO there!" returned the worm,
who turned at last. 'tYou have no right to
order me that way about something that
doesn't in the least concern you. Suppose"
waxing warmer, tI dared to abuse you about
the way you carry your cane, or trim your
moustaehe. You are always worrying me
over some such trifle." A break indicating
the dangerous proximity of tears.
The despot looked his property over from
head to foot with withering stare. and then
in unmistakable accents announced quietly
but firmly that if she didn't do as he told
her he would get right mp and leave the the
ater. "Oh, no, you WON'T" said hopeful
Fanny; now, Fred, don't cut up 80. just
let me do as 1 like and sha'n't trouble you."
care you going to take that internal
abomination Off your facet Yes or no." was
his only answer.
"Well, If you want to know, I WON'T"
The husband continued, while the men be-
hind forgot all about audience, stage, play
and everything else, SO absorbed had they
become in the exciting domestic drama at
hand. "See here, Fanny, did you ever know
me fail when I swore to do thinsa I give
you till count five to get rid of that infa-
nous thing. If You don't warn you will
get up, go straight home. and you can man
age the best you know"
The wretched little woman drew her
breath hard. Her face was deep pink, and
her eyes sparkled as she examined the big
burly fellows countenance to see If he
could be in earnest. Every second seemed
On hour to the participants and spectators,
all recognizing It as the crucial test Of the
wifes future freedom. She evidently un-
derstood the full Importance Of her action.
She wavered, lifted her handkerchief irreso-
lutely, let it fall in her lap, looked again,
and then, with one swift, angry movement,
swept the bit of muslin across her mouth.
He turned to regard his slave with triumph,
| but the glimpse Of crimson cheek and a
| very cold shoulder served him during the re-
mainder of the evening.