Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1891-05-22
Babv Versus Husband.
EY MATTE DYER BRITTs.

"Hello, Kate"
eyes" answered voice above stairs,
as Charley Grant called from the cosy
little hall below.
"Come down here. I've got some
thing to tell you'
Charleys handsome face was bright
enough to tell anybody that his news
pleased him greatly, as he stood waiting
for his wife to come down. And why
not, since his pretty cousin, Jessie
Kingsbury. had come at one time very
near filling the place which Kate had
nowl
But Kate was as sweet and pretty as
ever Jess had been-rat least, she used to
be, before Baby Johnnie came-and-aud
well, Kate appeared at the instant, and
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.
Charley's friends used to say he was
perfect iieud 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, today
"Yes. Hush, Charley. Don't speak
so 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 sonl"
And Kate'S eyes began to Gil, while
her cheeks Redeemed.
Charley hastened to undo his mischief
by saying, tenderly:
"Now, there, You know was only
Joking, dear He's the finest baby ever
lived. no doubt Isn't supper ready?
I'm as hungry as hunter"
eyes, it is waiting. III ring it up at
once. What was it you wanted to tell
me, Charley"
'There Bless my soul, If hadn't
forgotten, Who do you think is herel"
81 couldn't guess, so I won't try. Tell
mel"
"Cousiu Jessie Kingsbury! She is
over at Brother Johns now. Came to-
day"
"Did she7"
There was no very intense interest in
Kate's tone, for she was not over glad to
hear of the young lady's arrival. Guests
were troublesome, but she felt obliged to
say, as Charley waited:
"Will we have to invite her herel"
"Why, of course, Katel Well do
our part of the entertaining, with Stella
and John. We must call tomorrow and
set time for her to come to lis. She
will stay month or two. jess is so
lively, We can't be dull while she is
here"
Kate was just conscious Of queer
twinge at Charley's words, but she led
the way to the table, and poured the tea
with her usual pleasant manner.
"rherel l forgot something else,
too" cried Charley, suddenly clapping
his hand on his pocket. give got II
treat for Us tonight"
ssWhat is it2" asked Kate.
Charley took two small squares Of
pasteboard from his pocket and held
them up to her.
"wbat are theyl" said she. "Theatre
ticketsl"
"Yes. Faust by a splendid CON-
pany. knew you always wanted to hear
Faust, SO l got 'em on purpose for
you"
Charley looked pleased, but Kate's
fair face clouded, as she answered;
"WelI, l am sorry you spent the
money. l can't 60"
"Can't 60 Why in the world can't
YOU, theul You are so fond Of good
opera. 1 thought this would be a real
treat.
$50 it would, Charley, if l could Iesve
the baby"
"But thought you had a good girlf"
.'WeIl, have perfect treasure.