Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-03-18

eIerS gravely informed Mr.. Poulett
that though sorry to disoblige a Gus
toner, they could not really resell a
picture which had once been ordered.
1t was contrary to their principles.
Come" said Poulett, chats all talk!
If | give you $40 for it"
quite out of the question:" said the
clerk, who had been offered the same
sum by Ezra Eliassen.
Fifty, then. Its more than it's
worth, but my friend rather fancies
it."
The clerk stroked his chin again
"Well-if its a possible thing to i'm
port another in time for old EliasSen."
How soon does he want it,"
BY the Sd of February, without
fail"
VERY singular" said Mr.. poulette.
My customer named the same day |
say, Jacllington. | must have it at any
price. Come, III give YOU seventy
five down for the picture, possession to
be given at once
And Mr.. Jackington closed the bar
gain. The picture, neatly packed. was
delivered 10 Mr.. POulett. who immo
dioLcIy informed his fair client tina,
the "OpheIia" could not be bought for
less than hundred
"A hundred dollars? Oh mym said
Mrs. Clever. y hundred dollars
for a mere engraving"
But such an engraving, ma'am,"
bowed Mr.. POulett. One Of the finest
specimens Of art in the country. 1t
will be a gem, perfect gem"
We'll" said Mrs. Clever. reckleSsly,
"I'n take it. Not that l should ever
care to look at it twice-but it's Clevers
taste"
OId Ezra Eliassen shook his head and
Mr.. Clever came around the next day
to see if he had purchased the
"OpheIia."
"Mentoni's copy is Sold" said he;
"fOr hundred dollars."
Sold! Oh, hang it," bawled Clever.
But there's one thing, whoever paid
a hundred dollars for that thing was a
full-sized fool"
4 could import one like it for the
same money" said Eliassen, watching
his customers face.
Gould you, though? BY the Sd of
February?"
Il guessh shot"
"Import it, then! I'll not be balked,"
said Mr.. Clever, bringing his clenched
hand down on the rail of old Eliassen's
desk. Its more than I can afford
and three times what the thing is
worth, but Maria likes it, and Maria
shall be suited for once in life. But
mind, it must be on the spot by the Sd
Of February, or not red cent do you
get"
There shall be no mistake, nodded
Ezra Eliassen.
The Sd Of February came; and Mrs.
Clever radiantly awaited her husbands
appearance in the breakfast-ro0m. with
a brown paper package all twined and
sealed on the table Enters Mr.. Clever
with a ditto package under his arm.
"Dearest," said Marias This is the
tenth anniversary of our bridal day.
Accept this mGmcntO Of love-"
And she gave him brown paper parcel
so. /.
Hello" said Mr.. Clever. "And I've
got something for you, Maria" hand
ing her brown paper parcel No. ,.
oh, thousand thanks" sighed
Maria.
Much obliged, I'm sure" said Mr..
Clever. And they both went to work
with scissors and penknife at the
Irvine and paper. And out of both
wrappings emerged-tho same fair,
floating "OpheIia," in the same CLASSY
stream" with the same blue-nags
bIossoming along it's edge.
Mr.. and Mrs. Clever looked at each
and then at the "Ophelias."
u meant to surprise you, love"
gasped Mrs. Clever. And ~yon'yo
Thought Of The very same thing. How
kind of you"
BY Joye, am surprised" SAID Mr..
Clever, bIarkIy. Two of ON, And
each one ugIier than the other"
Mrs. Clever beg III to cry. Mr.. Clever
put his hands IN his pockets and
whistIed. And just then in hustled
Uncle Chipley, who always breakfasts
with them on their anniversary day.
"Hallo." said Uncle Chipley, who was
rather dabster at the fine arts. Dom
navctti's Ophelia, Ell? But you've got
two Of EN-. \ bargain, Ell? Or at
auction?'
Il gave a hundred dollars for mine."
whispered Mrs. Clever.
And | gave a hundred for mine"
exclaimed her husband, dragging
2ayagely at his mustache.
Then YOU were both great FOOLS"
mildly remarked Uncle Chipley. Il
saw half shop full of 'em in Paris,
when | was over there last. for $40
apiece, American money! They're q
regular drug in the market over there"
"Of course, l appreciate the atten-
ton, Maria, and all that sort of thing"
began Mr.. Clever, "but | don't want
this gushy thing on my walls"
And I'm sure it would give me the
nightmare to have that drowning face
IA any room, retorted Maria, crisply
And II any one wants a proof en-
craving of Donnavetti's "Ophclia," he
nay find two of them at the establish
.aent Of Ezra Eliassen, who bought
lam of the CIeyers for s. apiece, and
- prepared to sell them for whatever
an get. 7. Ledgcr.
MUCH CRY AND LITTLE WOOL.