The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-08-09

| trifle, in short, not worth mentioning"
"But insist upon hearing it, said the
shopkeeper impatiently.
Really, Mr.. Fenton"-
'Will you oblige me by telling me at
| once7" said Mr.. Fenton decidedly.
Then if you positively insist" said Miss
Vincent, 81 must tell you, though you will
probably laugh at me. 1 thought Mrs.
| Fenton might be indisposed on account Of
her going every morning to the residence
| of DR.. Tompkins."
"Going every morning to the residence
| of Dr. TompkinsW repeated Mr.. FentOn.
81 don't know what you mean"
'You don't, really?" said Miss Vincent
her eyes sparkling little in anticipation
! of the effect her news was likely to pro-
| duce
mo, I think you must be mistaken"
''But am not. Mr.. FaDton. see Mrs.
| Fenton pass our house every morning, and
past our side window have-quite by ac-
cident, assure you-seen her, for several
mornings running, enter the house Of DR..
! Tompkins"
Did you notice how long she stayed?"
asked Mr.. Fenton, beginning to feel de-
cidedly queer.
| From two to three hours" said Miss
Vincent Yesterday morning she stayed
two hours and thirty-five minutes by our
clock"
Mr. Fenton was getting decidedly jeal-
Gus, or he might have wondered at the
accuracy with which his wife's call had
been timed.
"At what time does she go there" he
asked quickly.
"At about 9 o'clock"
"Do you think she is there now"
eyes, / saw her go there just before
came away" said Miss Vincent. But
really I thought you knew all about it.
| It's little mystery of your wife's prob
ably" and she simpered and marked with
| pleasure the mental disturbance upon the
face of the shopkeePer. But really l
have stayed longer than I intended.
must be going"
He'll go over to the doctor's," thought
Miss Vincens ''I'll see if lie don't.
wonder if they'll fight? I shouldn't won
der, for he looked as mad as hornet.
Well, it's none of my business, that's a
comfort. What sight of troubles mar
ried life brings with it, to be sureP'
Miss Vincent might congratulate herself,
such being the fact, that she was never
/ likely to experience any of the troubles in
cident to that state in life, for 1t is very
much to be doubted whether there was
any one, having once seen her vinegar
visage, who would have ventured to form
matrimonial plans having her for their
object.
Miss Vincent was right. She soon had
the satisfaction OF seeing Mr.. Fenton pass
her house hurriedly on his way to the
house of DR.. Tompkins.
Il wish | could see them meet" thought
! Miss Vincent. Il wonder whether she'll
faint, or what he'll say"
Miss Vincent could not crafty hel
praiseworthy curiosity, but we fortunate
ly can do so. Before Mr.. Fenton's arrival
we will examine the interior of a room on
the second floor of the doctors house.
A woman neatly but plainly dressed
stood before an easel, on which rested g
picture of large size, now nearly completed
1t was evidently, even TO an unartlstlC
. eye painting of rare merit, and the art
ist' eye glowed with interest as she gave &
few skillfuI touches and then drew back t.
witness the effect.
When Mr.. Fenton reached the door ht
rang the bell hastily. He thought the ser
want looked oddly when her eye rested
upon him.
'Is Mrs. Fenton here?" he asked hastily
eyes, believe So" she said hesitatingly
Lead me to her st once" he demanded
The woman hesitated a moment.
''Do YOU hear me?" he exclaimed, stamp
ing his foot. Il demand to be led at ono
to the presence of Mrs. Fenton."
''Of course, if you wish it."
az do wish it."
''Then follow me-"
She led the way upstairs, and Mr.. Fentoz
followed, deeply agitated.
''Is-is the doctor at homer" he asked.
"No, he hasn't been at home since break
fast, said the servant.
That seemed strange. There was some
thing Mr.. Fenton didn't understand.
she is in that ROOM" said the servant
indicating door.
Thank you, that will do"
He moved softly TO the door, opened 4
gently and gazed at his wife.
She was standing in the center of tn
apartment, her back turned toward him
a palette and brushes in her hand.
He moved forward so stealthily that sh
did not hear his step and grasped her arm
with unconscious force, so that with star
she dislodged the easel from its position
and it fell fat upon the floor.
"Ohr' she exclaimed regretfully.
Turning she met the stern gaze Of he
husband.
80 you have found me out, she said, il
some surprise.
Eyes. madam, - he answered sternlH :"
have found you out"
But you needn't look so angry about 1t
surely have done no harm"
You have disgraced me, said Fentol
huskily.
"Disgraced your" repeated his wife, won
deringly. How can my painting pictu re
disgrace your"
1T isn't that. Have you not been in tn
habit of coming to visit Dr. Tomphnsf"
She smiled.
IF so / have been very unfortunate i
nv calls, for never find him at home"
is this true?''
Certainly. The doctor has kindly place.
one of his rooms at my disposal for paint
ing room. l didn't paint at home becaus
didn't want to have you know 1t at pres
emit"
How long have you been an artisti
asked her husband, beWildered.
Long enough to earn this, and from
the pocket Of her dress she drew banl
book showing deposits to the amount o
5000.
Three thousand dollars, and all earne'
by painting pictures"
Yes. Now my secret is out Take tn
book and take care of my money for me
You will forgive me for acting withou
| your KNOWLEDGE. won't you?'