The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1891-10-02

WORTH KEEPING.
Uann- kuiniN

Yes answered voice above
stairs. rs Charley Grant called from
the COSY little hall below.
Come down here; I've got some
thing to tell YOU
Charley's handsome face was bright
enough 10 tell anybody that his news
pleased him greatly, as he stood wait
inc for bis wife 10 come down. And
why not. since his pretty cousin. Jessie
Kingsbury, had come at one time very
near filling the place which Kate had
now?
But Kate was as sweet and pretty as
ever jess had hepn-at least. she used
to be. before Baby Johnnie came-and
-and-well, Kate appeared at the in
slant, aud even Charley could not call
her pretty now.
Her golden hair was all punched up
and tucked back with an ugly comb.
her wrapper Unbelted, no collar on,
and her small feet thrust into clumsy
old slippers.
Charlev's friends used to say he was
perfect fiend on the subject of untidy
women. and he couldn't help a shade
crossing his face as he remembered
how trim and nice Kate was when
they were first married.
But the shade passed as swiftly as it
came, and he stopped to give her the
usual kiss. as he said:
Busy to-day?"
Yes. Hush. Charleyi Don't speak
go loud, You'll wake the baby"
"Oh. bother the baby! He's always
going to sleep or waking up or doing
something to make life miserable for
other folks"
why, Charles Grant! Aren't you
ashamed to say that of your own
blessed little son?"
And Hates eyes began to fill. while
her cheeks redeemed.
Charley FASTENED to undo his mis-
chief by saying, tenderly:
Now, there! You know | was only
Joking, dear. He's the finest baby
that ever lived, no doubt. Isn't sup
per ready? Tn as hungry as
hunter"
Yes, it is waiting. I'll ring it up
let once. What was it you wanted to
tell me, Charley?"
"Therei Bless my soul. if hadn't
forgotten. Who do you think is
Ihere?"
Il couldn't guess. so 1 won't try.
Tell me?"
Cousin Jessie Kingsbury. She is
over at Brother Johns now. Came
to-day"
| 'Did sheP"
There was no very intense interest
In Kate's tone, for she was not over
glad to hear of the young lady's ar
rival. Guests were troublesome, but
she felt obliged to say. as Charley
waited:
will we have to invite her here7"
''Why, of course, Kate. Well do
our part of the entertaining with Stella
and John. We must call tomorrow
and set a time for her to come to US.
She will stay month or two. Jess is
so lively, we can't be dull while she is
here"
Kate was Just conscious of a queer
twinge at Charley's words. but she led
the way to the table, and poured the
tea with her usual pleasant manner.
There! l forgot something else,
too" cried Charley. suddenly clapping
his hand on his pocket. I've got
treat for US tonight"
What is il?" asked Kate.
Charley took two small squares of
pasteboard from his pocket and held
them up to her.
What are they?" said she. The
alter tickets?"
Yes. Faust by splendid COM
pany. knew you always wanted to
hear Faust so got ;em on purpose
for you"
Charley looked pleased, but Kate's
fair face clouded. as she answered:
We'll, I'm sorry you spent the
money. I can't 60"
Can't 60! Why in the world can't
you, then? You are so fond of good
opera. thought this would be real
treat"
SO it would, Charley, if could
leave the baby"
But 1 thought you had a good
girlp"
We'll, have; a perfect treasure"
"Well, don't you think she might
manage to rock the baby for two hours
on one occssion?" asked Charley, seri-
ously.
oh. but, Charley. he might be
taken sick or something"
Yes, the house might burn down;
but don't think it will" returned
Charley, more shortly than he often
spoke to Kate. I'm very sorry you
won't 60" be added. as be rose from
the table, his appetite quite spoiled.
cit is disappointment to me-"
why. you can 60. I'm sure, Charley.
shall not care at all"
No; I'll stay with you. and we can
have our own music. have not
heard you sing for month"
Kate hesitated . moment, then she
said:
But, Charley. / must stay up in the
nursery. never trust johnnie to
Sarah of evenings"
Charley frowned. stood irresolute an
instant and said:
'Oh, well, then, don't see why I
shouldn't get some pleasure. if can.
I'll just drop over to Johns and see If
they are going. As l have two tickets,
If Jeas cares to 60 we might all make
party of it.n
Yes. certainly; 90. Charley. 1
don't want you to stay at home be-
cause have TO-"
"feu know I had rather be with