Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1892-08-26

Of rain were driven sharply against the
pane. The wind howled and shrieked
like wild thing, while the clouds that
had been gathering all day were
merged into vast black pail.
The clock on the mantel chimed
silvery alarm. "Seven o'clock. Charlie
is late tonight" thought uneasly,
again peering out into the heavy dark
ness There was nothing to be seen but
my own reflection, so returning to my
easy chair in front of the open fire /
resumed the book had been reading
The clock licked steadily and distinctly.
The rain beat in gusts against the win
dows, Somehow, the story-before In
teresting-had become stale and I'M
profitable, and l laid it aside.
We had been married but short
time, and housekeeping but three
weeks. Our house was cottage in the
suburbs, far enough removed from
neighbors to make us feel happy in
dependence in the fact that every move
ment was not observed.
Charlie was everything that could be
III nus uhui my
housemaid-was treasure. Our home
was pretty and coy.
had quite lost myself in happy mus
ings, when footstep outside recalled
me to my senses. ! fastened to open
the door, and was confronted not by
my stalwart husband, but by boy,
who, having solemnly delivered into
..,t 10 ,otA Ch.
INTO the blackness of night without a
word having been exchanged. l closed
and bolted the door and resumed my
seat before the CHEEKY fire before read
ing the note, which ran thus;
DEAREST MoLLIE:
81 have been hurriedly and unavoldably
called out of town on business and cannot be
homo tonight. Mr.. Graham was taken sick
this afternoon so l am obliged TO go In his
place. Keep up your spirits, little girl, and
youll see me in the morning. CHARLIE"
forced back the tears that rose to
my eyes, and applying my lips to the
speaking-tube, advised Margaret that
Mr.. Taylor would not be home for sup
per. and IT would better be served at
once. Then returning to the fire l
threw into the flames, with some force,
the note which had held crumpled in
my hand, as il that poor, unoffending
agent had been solely responsible for
my disappointment; after which, as
Stunning proper decorum, went down
stairs to my lonely supper.
The biscuits were fiaky and done to a
golden brown, but they were to me as
the apples of Sodom. The choice steak
and baked potatoes emitted savory
odor, but Regarded them with cold dis
favor.
~ am not In the least hungry to-
night" I remarked, with hypocritical
cheerfulness, to Margaret as l caught
sight of her reproachful face as she
saw the fruits of her labor passed by,
"but am tired. And we can go to bed
early and sleep long; it's such lovely
night for sleeping! Just hear the rain
and wind, Margaret"
YES" said Margaret, elevating her
shoulders in rather doubtful way and
gazing toward the window little fear
fully, "but It's mighty lonesome way
out here such a night as this and Mr..
Taylor away, too"
Nonsense, Margaret" cried, gayly.
al love wind and rain! AS to being
afraid!-See that everything is proper
" locked, and defy besieging army
10 enter against our will"
Twas rewarded by seeing Margaret
smile, though in half-hearted sort o.
way, and ! repaired to the sitting-room
where, with sigh, l put away my hus
bands slippers and pushed back the
chair had had ready for him. Then
opened the front door and called
"Jackl'
From the darkness, and presumably
from his kennel, came my husband
hunting-dog in obedience to my voice
stepping gingerly and shaking hi'
shaggy coat with whining discomfort
"All right" said, patting his heaC
with renewed confidence. I'VE are