The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-22

than two hours before he could see his
wife. He sat down at his desk and de-
voted himself for those two hours to what
business there was in hand. Then he
brushed himself UP bit, took his walking
stick and drove in a hanson to his
wife's offices in Bullion Court After
having sent in his name, neat little
girl showed him into room, and told him
that Mrs. Madax would be with him pres
eutly. She was sorry TO keep him waiting,
but she sent copy of the Sketch for him
to look over during the Interval. The
Sketch was paper started In the nine
teenth century, and was at that time con-
sidered TO be rather in advance of other
slow-going weeklies. Now, however. it
was thought to be the correct paper for a
man to read, although the women paid
little attention to it. In the reception
room two or three other men were wait
ing. nursing their hats. Presently the
office girl came in and told them all. ex-
cept MadaX, that Mrs. MadaX couldn't
possibly see them until later in the day,
as she had an appointment; and would
they be good enough to call about 4
O'Clock. So the men took their departure
and Madax was left alone with his paper.
although his wife entered very soon after.
She was tall woman. with fiue, clear-cut,
decided features. As far as the upper part
of her was concerned she was dressed al
most like man. She wore somewhat
glaring necktie and a stand-up collar. Her
brown hair was cut short and parted at the
side. while the hair of her husband, dark
and stresked with gray, seemed to part
naturally in the middle. The neat tailor
made skirt which Mrs. MadaX wore had
pockets at each side, high up. and very
similar in cut to a mans pockets. Her
right hand was thrust into one of thcse
pockets. and she iingled some coins aud
KEYS as she entered the room where her
husband was waiting.
"Well, John" she cried. excuse me for
keeping you. but we have had very busy
morning. However. II you are ready now
| am. We will 60 to the Pine Ear Club
and have lunch" She approached her
husband as she spoke and patted him with
some affection on the chou lder. He looked
m at her and smiled. Somehow her in
huence had a soothing. protective air
about it which made the man feel he was
pot battling with the world alone. One
of the numerous girl clerks came in with
a long ulster which Mrs. MadaX put on.
tbrustipg one hand in the armhole and
than the other while the girl held the
garment by the collar. When Mrs. Madsx
had buttoned up the ulster and put
iaunty round hard hat on her head she
looked more like man than ever and
Madax himself seemed almost effemlnate
rs my brougham at the doorP" she
asked the girl
"Yes, madam.
"Come along, John, we have no time to
lose" said Mrs. Madax decidedly, and
leading the way she opened the carriage
door. whereupon he stepped inside.
''To the Pine Ear Club" said the lady to
the coachman.
She took her seat beside her husband
and the carriage drove off toward the West
End. In short time it drove up before a
naIatial building standing where the Hotel
Metropole once stood. This, as every one
Knows. is the Pine Ear Club, the sumptu-
ous resort OF women engaged in business
in the city. 1t is higher priced than the
Carlton or Reform. but is much more luxu-
rious than either of these old-fashioned
men clubs.
"Cail for me at half-past g." said the
lady.
opeped by two girl porters and the couple
entered. The lady wrote her husbands
name in a book which was on stand in
the hall, and together they entered the
large dining-room. where they took their
niaces at one of the small tables, set for
two. near one Of the large front win
dows. :,
che said to one of the walters. And
bring a bottle Of 'S4 champagne-a large
bottle"
III don't think care for champagne"
said Madax, hesitatingly. ut gives me
Nonsense" cried bis wife; ''a glass or
two will do you good. You look worried"
II am worried. and that is what wished
to see you about.
iWelI we won't talk business during
lunch. If you please" adding, as she leaned
back in her chair, tits habit never in
dnlpe in. It's bad for one. We can have
a talk in the smoking-room afterward.
How are the children"
every well. thank you. The girl is
little hard on the boy and knocks him
a bout bit. but they are getting on very
we'll"
poor little fellow" said Mrs. Madax