San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1894-02-24

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who loves me ever so much"
ooh, he loves you, does hep said the
young wife in tones so cold and metal
lie that Priscilla looked at her in sur
prise.
''Of course he does" said she, "and
I'm devoted to him. Why do you ask?'
ooh, no matter" replied Mrs. May
blossom, too proud to reveal to her dress
maker the doubts and suspicious which
had entered her mind from the moment
she beheld the clock; "but you will
please return my dress in its unfinished
state. l shall require your services no
longer"
With which words she f1ounced ont of
the little room, leaving Priscilla moro
than ever astonished and mystifed.
What can have been the matter with
herr" thought the dressmaker. Can she
know my Augustus, and could he have
been paying her any addresses? / must
ask him when he comes"
1t was already near noon, and but a
short time elapsed after Mrs. MayblOs-
SONS departure before the fascinating
Augustus put in an appearance.
He, too, caught sight of the clock, and
his manner, which had been ardent and
loving at his entrance, suddenly changed
to one of fierce rage and wild jealousy.
False, tickle woman" cried he in a
melodramatic air. is it thus you be-
tray the fond faith which my too trust
ing heart has reposed in your?
Augustus" exclaimed she, terrified
at his excited manner and tragic tones,
"what do you mean"
THAT clock" cried he, pointing to the
innocent cause of all these complications
"Why-why," stammered she. did
you not send me that"
Il send you a hundred dollar clock!"
exclaimed he in tones of bitter sCorn.
II, with a salary Of $15 a week. You
Mayblossom bought that clock at our
store this morning. You know that he
sent it to you, and you received it. You
took this costly present from a married
man. Oh, Priscilla, thought more Of
you, but now all is over with US. Ny
love is dead, and live but for revenge"
He clapped his hat over his eyes and
rushed out of the room, leaving Priscilla
nearly frantic with fear and grief.
Meanwhile Mr.. Mayblossom had quiet
ly spent the morning attending to his
business, and now, during the MONDAY
recess, was slowly vending his way
home, full of blissful anticipations of a
loving welcome from his wife and utter
ly unconscious of the storm that was
gathering on his domestic horizon.
He reached home and was greatly as.
tonished to learn from the cook that, |
though dinner was ready, there was no
wife in the house to share it with him. |
She had come home in a terrible rage, |
had gone directly to her room, remained
there a few minutes and then left the
house.
What could it mean? He went to his
wife's room. 1t was empty. There was
no clock ON the mantelpieCe. All, what
was that? A letter addressed to him and
in his wife's handwriting. He hastily
opened it and read:
Forever farewell. By the time you read this
deceit is discovered. | have learned all. First. |
| went to the dressmaker's and saw the clock |
there, and then ] went to the jewelers. and |
made sure that you bought it and sent ii to |
her. Do not seek me, for am forever lost to
you. Your heartbroken ANNIE.
Sensible, good natured George burst
into fit of merry laughter as he read
this epistle.
Here's fine mix up" muttered he
land all because my wife happened to
place her dressmaker's card among mine
when she was arranging my cardcase
yesterday Well, suppose I'll have to
go after her and explain"
He went into the library below pre-
paratory to leaving the house and dis
covered lying on the table another letter
addressed to him.
"Hello!" exclaimed he as he opened
and glanced at the epistle. More COM
plications, and all on account of that
clock. Let me see:
MIR. GEORGE MAYBLosSoM-In need only state
that Miss Priscilla Dusenbury is, or rather
was, my afiaRCed wife to prove my right to
call you TO account for your infamous conduct
Of today. No man, and married man at that,
shall give presents to one love, or rather have
loved, and deny me the satisfaction due to q
gentleman. BY designating a gentleman to
confer with Mr. Clark, a friend OF mine, in re-
gard to the necessary arrangements, you will
confer favor on yours, etc,
AUGUSTUS TOMKINs
"Hoity, tOity," cried Mr.. Mayblossom,
fairly convulsed with laughter. "A duel,
as live! Hang that clock anyway! /
wonder what will turn up next?
Il WILL" exclaimed voice melodra-
matically.
He looked up from the challenge he
was reading and beheld Priscilla stand
ing before him, wrathful as Nemesis
and holding the unlucky clock in threat
ening attitude.