Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1894-08-10
HAD TO HAVE A BATH

HAD 10 LILA Y II A BATH
In the morning of sultry July day
Professor Botkine of the University of
California was sitting on his front steps
at Berkeley.
He was delightedly watching the ef-
forts Of his pet toad to capture very
large angleworm, and his enjoyment
was enhanced by the fact that his beau
tiful German wife, who usually declin-
ed to interest herself in anything which
she even suspected of a connection with
science, was seated beside him, giving
eager little pressures to his hand and
uttering pleased exclamation i'll her
pretty foreign accent whenever the toad
made an extra effort.
The worm gave little wriggle as it
began to come out Of the ground, when,
quick as flash, the toad made a lear
and seized the end Of the worm in its
mouth.
Then began the tug Of war. But the
toad was not to be discouraged. It jerk.
ed and jerked until it fairly stood OIL
it's hind legs. Still it could not dis
lodge the worm.
At this interesting point a train whis-
tied.
"Why, Selma said the professor,
''there is the train already I had quite
forgotten that must go to the city to,
day. Where is my hat?''
s'Do wait an instant, dear. just Sc.
what that toad is doingp' she answer.
ed, holding him back.
He glanced down and saw the toad
twisting it's legs about until the worn
was wrapped twice around it. Then ths
toad gave a hop, and out came the
worm This had been too fascinating
spectacle to the unwary professor. He
dashed into the house and back again,
kissed his wife, and, with a regretfu'
glance at her ripping hair and soft blus
eyes, started off.
Suddenly he rushed back.
"Why, DEAR he cried, ST forgot t.
tell You that Mr. Smith, the Canadian
who wrote the paper on bacteria, will
be here this afternoon to stop day OF
two. Ee may come before [ am back. u
She clasped her hands in mock de
spair.
"Oh, don't be alarmed! just let him
have a good soaking in bathtub.
Then he will come out perfectly human
and happy. He's an Englishman, yol
know"
She grew sober as she thought how
ruthlessly science and scientists seemed
to dog her unwilling footsteps. Her hus
band certainly loved her, but he had
way of becoming utterly absorbed in
his studies and then bursting into hel
reflections with remarks which sounded
perfectly ghoulish.
Now here was this Canadian coming
And how was she to be properly i'll
terested in his old bacteria and not dis
grace her husband by betraying he
ignorance ON the subject? she asked her
self
Manifestly he must take a bath, and
everything possible must be done tt
make the bathroom attractive, SO that Ia
would stay there as long as possible. Sht
went up stairs, and her own dimpled
hands got down a new cake of perfume6
soap
She eyed it critically. Perhaps his Sc
we're scientific mind would be disguised
with such effeminate luxury.
She would place beside it cake OF
white CASTLE Then, whatever his tastes,
he must be pleased.
She put the alcohol and cologne
bottle within easy reach, got out smooth
and rough tow els and bath blanket,
saw that the shower bath worked, and,
with a sigh Of relief, went down stair.
to impress the cook that during the Ell
tire afternoon there must be plenty OF
hot water i'll the boiler.
Suddenly happy thought struck her.
She went into her husbands study all
brought out every book Oh bacteriology
that she could find. These she ranged
on shelf at the foot of the bathtub.
Standing out a little beyond the others,
as if but just showed in, was Mr..
Smiths own pamphlet On bacteria.
Mrs. Botkinc pinned on the wall some
colored illustrations of various forms
of bacteria and then surveyed the effect
with the calm satisfaction Of a genera
who foresees the success of his maneu
vers.
She had done all sLe could. With this
virtuous feeling she was able to &C
about her occupations for the day anc
i'll the afternoon even banisled tht
thought Of her expected guest enough tc
take quiet nap.
She was awakened by a knock at hel
door, and the maid handed her care
bearing the seemingly innocent inscrip
tioil, "Mr. Worthington Smith. -
She fingered outside the drawing
room as long as she dared, and then,
putting her trust i'll the bathroom, walk
ed in and greeted her visitor with q
smile Of tinlid welcome
He did not look at all alarming. She
was surprised to see that he was young,
darkly handsome and dressed with more
regard to fashion than the scientific
mind generally deigns to bestow.
After the first polite commonplace
Mr.. Smith smiiingly observed, ''Pro
fessor Botkine's recent researches have
been Of such interest to scientific men
that they must lay him open to great
deal of persecution from inquirilg ad.
mirers. but -
ooh, not at all, - she answered rath-
er incoaerensly, 'For rather should say
he likes to be persecuted--that is with
some confusion), he will be delighted
to find you here when he returns. Ee
was SO sorry that he had to go to town
for a few hours. LII the meantime
hope that you will let me look after
yon."
''Thank you very much. Perhaps yet
would be SO kind as to explain to me i;
few things I should like to know sihcrt
Professor Botkine's theories On bactc-
ria?''
He was surprised to see a deep flush
and q look Of distress come over hc1