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

CnarleE was as loyal ana true-hearted
as a man could be. But, to think of
him sitting beside that dashing, black
eyed Jess all the evening. and showing
her all the little attentions which he
knew so well how to give woman; it
worried her. somehow, and she could
not help it. She was not jealous. Oh.
not She had told him to go, and
really hoped he would enjoy it. But
-but-she did wish she had left
Johnnie to Sarah for one evening, and
made one of that opera party with the
rest.
As for Charley. as he walked rapidly
over to his brothers, he wondered if
he wasn't precious rascal for wishing
that blessed baby had never come into
his house. To be sure. il was bright
little thing. sweet and cute. and he
would have loved il dearly aud been
very proud of II Gas he was. after all,
if he had only known iO, but since it
arrived Kate had beer no companion
at all for him. She was everiasIimgly
up in that nursery. and she neglected
her dress and her hair, and never read
or sang to him or went our with him,
aud he was feeling the change sadly.
''Of course il i right to be Il devoted
mother he said to himself; "but do
wish the mother had not 50 entirely
displaced the wife. It's hard on Il fel,
low. and don't wonder men get tired
OF their wives, if they all do the same
way"
Just then Charley ran against a
passer-hy, and rs he glanced up TO
apologize saw his brother. A
All. john was his greeting. Il M
Just on my way 10 YOUR house"
We'll. I'm on my way to yours. y
replied John laughingly. We want
you and Kate to 20 with us to hear
Faust Tonight
No use to 20 on" returned Charley.
Il have been irving to induce Kate 20
20. but she won't"
She won't! Why note"
''She can't leave that precious
youngster. got her ticket. but it
was no go. So II was coming over to
say If YOU want to hear the opera, my
tickets are at vour service"
Not unless You go>with us, Charley.
OF course you will, though. Aud jess
can Use one OF your tickets
Why, | hardly know about going
myself. John. l don't like to leave
Kate at home alone you know"
Nonsense, 1t is her own fault.
Come, | won't hear word more
Forward, march! It's time to be off. -
Charley submitted, feeling little
reproached. for. though he had set out
with the intention of going to the
play. when he took second thought
he did not care to 90 without Kate.
But Miss Jessie was very willing to be
escorted by her handsome cousin.
Aud Charley did not see the laugh
ing light in her eyes as she whispered
to Stella:
Mrs. Kate had better be careful of
her property while l am here. l might
take him away from her"
For shame, JeSs- answered Stella;
but in her heart she did wish Kate
would give Charley little more of her
time.
She is making a mistake" was her
thought. But people never get any
thanks for interfering, so / won't do
it. If she makes her bed she will have
to lie in it."
There was plainly nothing to be
done or said. And if in the flashes of
Jess's dark ewes aud brilliant wit,
Charley almost forgot Kate sitting at
home with the baby. there was no one
to blame. unless it was Kate herself.
for leaving her rightful place to be
filled by another woman.
Kate had gone to bed before he got
home, and he would not disturb her.
But at breakfast next morning he told
her what grand time they had en-
joyed.
"Ye-es2 1 am very glad, Charley"
said Kate, rather family.
.-Oh. yes. We only missed you.
dear. But jess is so lively one couldn't
help having a gay time with her. By
the way, Kate, she says. as you are so
busy with the baby. she will not stand
on ceremony and wait for You 10 call
on her. She is coming over with
Stella to-day. We must have her stay
here, you know. If you can't spare
time to entertain her. why. | can"
A sudden feeling. which she could
not explain. fired Hates heart, and
made her say with some spirit:
Il shall do my part, of course.
Charley"
That's a good girlw he returned. in
tones of real pleasure. Il knew you
would Tiff that wretched--"
Charles Grant,"
"0h. excuse me-that precious baby
did not absorb all your time. Then
you'll invite her to stay when they
call?"
Yes"
YOU'RE a darling! Wish 1 could
be here, too. But you can make them
stay to dinner. Good-byem
A kiss, aud he was off.
''Oh, vesl She'll stay. fast enough?"
sighed Kate, as she went upstairs.
But what l wish is that people would
just STAY ut home rs do. However,
as Miss jess has no husband and baby
to keep her at home, it is to be ex-
pected that she will go anywhere
where she can find amusement, not to
say anything of nice little Irritation"
And then Mrs. Kate nodded her
head. and her eyes had an unusual
sparkle in them, as if she had suddenly
come to some resolution which she
was determined to carry out.
jess Kingsbury was the very princess
of pretty firts, as Kate well knew. and
Charley had once had fancy for her.
Who knew what she might take it
into her head to do now. especially if
she had the chance which Kate seemed
bent on giving her to work her siren
spells?
Charley is as good as gold" said
Kate; but men are men, and women
are women sometimes! Sometimes
they are little fools. Perhaps l will be
one. perhaps l won't, Miss Jess"