The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1890-08-13
SAVED BY A COACHMAN.
Mr. Smiths Narrow Escape From a
Mother -in-Law's Vengeance.

MOIHPf-n-LaW'S NenSeance.
Mr.. Smith, recently-married man,
observed with foreboding of evil that
his mother-in-law, Mrs. DuZenbury,
had in her eye an ominous glare. When
she looked at him there was a glitter
in her eye that filled him with appre.
tensions of the most dismal character.
His worst fears were realized when
she invited him into the parlor for the
purpose of having a confidential talk
with him.
eyes, Mr.. Smith," she began, in a
solemn voice, quite inadvertently, l
assure you, happened to-to-examine
your dress coat, and what do you sup
pose found on it?"
| One evening not long before this con-
versation, Mr.. Smith, under the pretext
of attending an important meeting at the
lodge, had participated in stag party
at which there were oysters and cham
payne, songs, hilarity, ETC., so thinking
that his mother-in-law in some mystic
rious manner had got wind of the af-
fair, with guilty look on his face he
averted his eyes from her basilisk gaze.
''On that coat" continued Mrs. Duz-
enbury, in tone of voice that would
have done credit to a Judge on the bench
sentencing prisoner to death-"on
that coat, Mr.. Smith, l discovered two
long, dark-red hair"
Feeling sure that the old lady was on
the wrong track, with wild outburst
of virtuous Indignation Smith replied,
scornfully:
"Well, Madame, what of it? Do you
mean to institute that L"
II do not mean to insinuate at all, !"
replied Mrs. Duzenbury; 81 have other
and more convincing proofs of your du'
plicity. Perhaps you know something
about this letter." and she shook a
greasy looking document under his
nose.
"Where-where did you get that let.
ter?" stammered Smith.
"In removing the hairs from your
coat, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS accidentally,
assure you'll felt this letter in the
breast pocket. | hope you don't sup
pose that / would stoop so low as to
pry into other peoples affairs"
'Of course not; but l don't know any
thing about that letter."
"Then / will read it to you. While
read please examine this garnet ring
which was in the pocket with the letter.
DEAREST HENRY-Wait for me on the
corner this evenin'. My husband is orful
jealous and keeps his eye on NEE. Thanks
for them tlours. Yours tell detl,
LOwISA."
81 swear know nothing"
"Silence, ter-raitor!" and she raised
her hand impressively. Tomorrow
Clara, poor, wronged child, will return
with me to her proper home, from which
she has been wrenched by villain"
Just at this crisis the coachmen en-
tered and broad grin of pleasure
spread over his face as he saw the
letter.
Excuse me, boss, but l have beer
hunting everywhere. | couldn't think
where put it" he said, very much con
fused.
''Then suppose this ring belongs tc
you, too" said Smith, holding up thu
: cheap piece of jewelry.
"That's mine, too" grinned the coach
man.
I. SIS your Christian name Henry9'
= asked Mrs. Duzenbury, with a piercing
q glance.
Eyes, num-
y GLOW did these evidences of guilt &c
:, :. into my son-in-law's pocket"
- 81 ought not to have done it, mum
y but / borrowed Mr.. Smiths coat withou
asking him, to attend a little party givel
by the Hired Coachmen's Social Clu1
,, and a lady"
u ''Silence, base man!' and she Taught
. lily swept out of the room.
Smith AYERS that even after this com
) plete vindication she still regarded hin
. with suspicion, and prolonged her visi
=, three weeks in order to watch him.
= Alex. E. Sweet in Texas Siftings.