The morning call., 1890-06-26
TURNING THE TABLES.

NENnOW what a pleasant evening we can
M b have here ali aIone said little Mrs.
HSS Grey, dropping the crimson curtains
A'A in the cosy sittiDg-rOom and turning
10 her husband as she spoke. But | should
like to 20 to the 0pera! she added, her
dimpled face lengthening little. You
half promised, you know, Fred, but sup
pose you are tired"
ayes" yawned her drowsy spouse from
his post upon the sofa.
But never mind,' finished Rosa, con-
solingly; I'VE can go another time, and
will read to you" And she drew nearer
the shaded light on the center table and
picked up a book. "Hark! there is the
door-bell." And she rose to her feet.
"Stay, 1 will answer it." said Fred, sud
denly forgetting his WEAKNESS; and spring
ing up he went burriedly into the hall.
Rosa" he said, presently reappearing at
the door, its Davis. l have promised to
go with him to b street, to. see sick
friend Of his. You won't be lonely, pet,
with so much to entertain you"
And with q kiss he was gone, with her
'Don't stay longv ringing after him.
Rosa sat listening till the sound Of their
footsteps died away.
Now I shall have to spend the evening
all alone. On, dear" she sighed, discon-
At that moment she spied a bit of paper
lying on the carpet, and STOPPING, picked it
up. 1t ran thus:
Opera at haf.past eight. VIII call DAVIS.
"AhP said Rosa, her brows contracting
as she spoke. That's itp' and she tossed
the note into the fire. THAT detestable
Davis-and Fred, too" she finished. the
tears springing to her eyes quickly.
"Why didn't he say so if he did not want
"0hF' she finished. 'n I could only go
tonight
And with little sigh she sat down again,
and looked into the fire.
Soon the dOOr-bell rang again.
"Show him in," was her reply to the
wished to see her. - 1 wonder who he is ?"
she murmured, passing her hand over her
fair hair. "Why, GeorgeW an instant later
was her delighted exclamation. When
did you comeW
Further EXPLANATIONS were lost in fond
kisses from the lips Of. the tall, bearded
young man.
"My darling little slsteri So you are
glad to see the wanderer?" was the first af-
fectionate query.
Indeed, Pm dellghtedp' warmly re-
sponded Rosa. I" How handsome you have
grown, Georgep
Flatterefl' smiled her brother. "But
where is Fred9" he asked, suddenly. Il
am anxious to make the acquaintance of
that happy brother whom L have never
seem. How much l wanted to come to the
wedding. dear, you cannot know. l was in
J
what's the matter?" he asked, pausing
quickly and glancing at Rosa's grieved
face. -" There" seeing tears in the bright
eyes, tell me all about it."
Rosa poured the tale ntO his sympathiZ-
ing ears and ended with:
'.0h, Georgel if we could only COP"
"And go we will!' said George, rising
and looking at his watch. How soon can
you be ready?"
I'm fifteen minutes" laughed Rosa, glee-
frn1iT nd uHn III tl,,l,. i
Grey" said Davis, giving his friend
nudge, ''whO Is that last party that is max
ing such sensation?"
Grey turned carelessly, and looked; the
look deepened to stare, and be gazed
blankly at the. lady, who fluttered her
gestion Of smile, as she turned to her
companion with remark which he bent
his handsome head low to hear.
Fred turned scarlet, then pale, and
clutched Davis fercely by the arm.
Why" he gasped, tits R0Sal And who
on earth has she with her?"
Il don't know" returned Davis. indffer-
emily. Some friend, probably. Sit down,
Grey; don't make stupid Of yourself"
Il wont sit down." retOrted Fred, iras-
cibly;.. Friend! My wife here with another
mani And he strobe from the house.
IN go home" he muttered, angrily, land
see what 1t all means. Serves me right for
leaving her! How lovely she wasl l
Qlunt know she was half so beautiful!
But my. proud darling at the opera with
anotherl l cannot understand itl'
A few minutes rapid walking brought
him to his home.
Mr.. Grey made his way Into the little
room he had left an hour before with such
different feelings. The light was burning
brightly, the papers scattered about, the
open book, even the little lace-trimmed
handkerchief that in her haste she had
dropped upon the floor, all spoke eloQueDtly
OF the dear little wife; and Fred groaned
as he picked up, with nervous fingers,
card from the table, on which was written:
Gone with handsomer man." and ON the
other side, George Curtiss."
Fred laid it down as quickly as though
- the innocent pasteboard scorched his fugers.
not noticing in his haste that the name was
the maiden one of his Rosa, ana, falling
upon the sofa, buried his face in the pillow,
and moaned:
My little love gone-given to another
lost TO mel"
Soon the sound OF carriage wheels reached
him. There was a soft rustic across the
carpet, and two hands touched him, while
q sweet, familiar voice cried:
Poor Fred are you sick2 Brother
George has cOme." she completed, BREATH
less. as be sat up, looking pale and bag
gard. !" He took me to the opera; | was SO
lonely"
And seeing the outstretched hand and
twinkling eyes, Fred extended his own, say
ing: