The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-09-05

mat led out into the country past the
mall, neat native dwellings 10
aust have open air to breathe in
''No telling how many lonely ram
bles they have had here" ho NUT
ssred. nor how many times he has
kissed her"
He spent a sufficiently psrturbed
hour out in the solitude, and went
through the time worn idiotic rawlings
II all Jealous husbands. and wondered
( divorce could be obtained without
publicity, and If Emily would marry
.he other fellow after she was free
and good deal more rubbish and
then sauntered back to the hotel, "a
little spent with his journey and IN
aappy thoughts
A. he neared the grounds he saw q
beacon light in the air moving toward
aim. The light proved to be a cigar
When near to him it stopped, and he
saw that the man who pulled it was
Phil Wagner, his old chhm.
'Of all things, Philt'' he stammered
put 1t seemed an inopportune meeting
Tor he and Phil had been rivals for the
favor of Emily, though the latter was
40 marrying man.
''Why, this is delightful surprises"
Phil said effusive1y, as he grasped
Franks hand and shook it warmly.
Your wife is here, lovely as ever. She
will be overjoyed to see YOU"
Frank could detect the latent irony
under the hearty tone.
''Come in, come in" Phil pursued.
land I'll look your wife up for You.
By the way, her mother is here. You
knew that, of course. A nice. jolly,
lively old lady she is, too. Just let
me conduct you into the reception
room, and I'll spring a surprise on
both Of them I've been here a week"
Presently he heard the rustic Of
skirts and Emily appeared in the door
way radiant in her light blue evening
gown. Behind her came another face
and form, the fac-simile of her own,
except the other had a fuller develop
ment of figure and the stamp Of
broader experience upon her counter
ance-
Phil brought up the rear His face
was radiant. s'Mrs. Foster" he said.
with mock ceremony, ALLOW nae to
Introduce your husband. Frank, my
dear boy, this IS your wife. Mr.. Eos
ter, Mrs Foster
Emily rushed forward impulsively
and threw her arms around his neck.
"You are a darling she said, to
come like this. Now. I know why you
neglected to write me. You meant a
surprise
Frank felt like choking more than
ever But Emily released him, and
turned calmly toward the lady
Mamma she said, this is my hus-
band. Frank, my mother. Mrs Sew
ELL
''dost happy TO meet you"
OF course you know that If Frank
q, a IL
tier at the moment he could not have
been more surprised But he covered
the situation we'll
"Why, you might easily be mis-
taken. the one for the other" he said,
and as the words passed his lips, the
new light that dawned on him made
him fairly catch his breath.
Yes, indeed" Emily echoed "We
are often called The Twins Nam
ma married out of the school room
why in thunder did you draw such
a picture2'' Frank blurted out
Wanted to surprise you" said
Emily with dancing eyes
"A mother-in-law is apt to be such
an ogre,'' added Mrs. Sewell with
spice Of mischief IN her tone.
''Come in herei" Phil called out to
gentleman who sauntered past the
portly figure he had seen on the
piazza, as the man doomed up.
I'm sure you all want to know
each other" Phil declared.
In a moment Frank understood and
was shaking hands with his prospec-
tive father-in-1aw.
1t was not long before new light
broke on his mind He took Phil
aside next day.
''You have played this beastly trick
on me-" he said, grasping Phil by the
button. What did you do it for?''
III play a beastlier trick than
that on you" retorted Phil significant
ly, ''if ever again get wind of your
neglecting your wife for q Irritation
with some other woman You got
off easy this time. The next time
you shall figure before the whole
world as an unmitigated donkey.