The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-05-28

JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS MRS. HARRIS.
itor still remained seated, and Mr. Har-
ris kept on with his pen scratching,
seemingly forgetful of the presence of
his distinguished guest or guests-sOme-
times there We're two or three.
When patience had ceased to be viz
tue and an intuition told the stranger
to wait no longer, then did he make
move. 'Oh, are you going?" asked Mr..
Harris, looking up, surprised Come,
sir, to see me again. Am sorry am so
busy today And so the visitor left
not to return.
Mr.. Harris wore his Sunday clothes
to the Office Tuesday, SO there would be
10 time lost in dressing when he came
back at 12 30. He did not get off, as is
his custom, III front Of the house, but
rode to the end of the block and came
in by a side gate Mrs. Harris had well
played her part of hostess, and most of
the guests had arrived All were ask
ing for Mr.. Harris.
sit would be just like him not to
come in. I know him so we'll, - remark
ed a gentleman. Its surprise to me
he ever consented to be present. -
''Wel1, he couldn't very well get out
of it, - laughed Mrs Harris "He's been
promising J. c. so long, and he believes
in keeping his word with the children
If you will excuse me, I'll go and see if
his car is coming.
The car had come from town and gone
back again, so the servant told Mrs.
Harris. She walked out to the dining
room, and there on the veranda sat the
truant.
"Why, Mr.. Harris, isn't this a nice
way for host to be? How long have
you been here and come into the parlor
right away!" she said to him.
ooh, Lord, no." answered he. "I'm
not going in there. They'll think I'm
detained down town. I'm enjoying this
game now and the boys can't give me
up. (He was watching two or three lit
tie fellows at their game of marbles }
I'm the umpire. No, I'm not going to
stir from here. I said I'd be home for
lunch, and that didn t mean was to sit
down and talk to lot of people Just
say I'm sick, dead or anything, butt
with wave of the hand-''I'm not go
ing in there. F"
But he yielded to her persuasions-
and followed her into the hall and assist
ed in making every one feel quite COM
plimented and was very glad indeed to
see them.
The Harris table is naturally long
one. There are five children, but it had
been extended almost twice the length
to accommodate the guests invited.
When the guests were seated, all but Mr..
Harris had something to say He sat as
meek as mouse, not venturing to put
in the smallest share to the conversation.
He seemed to enjoy the talk of others,
but not once did he comment on what
they were saying. With him, it was the
silvery silence. He occasionally remark
ed to the lady next to him: ''This is
mighty good What do you reckon it
is?'' Or: ''This is the first time ever
ate anything like this. You know 1
don't go in society, and my wife has
never been used to this kind of cooking
end wouldn't know from Adam how to
fix it. [ wish we had birthday lunches
all the time. -
At O'Clock the guests took their de-
parture to make room for the little folks
just coming in. 1 forgot to say that J.
G. Harris, Jr., promises to be a hand
somer man than the senior member of
the family. Mr.. Harris is getting new
book ready for publication, to be out
early summer. LEONoRA SHEEHAN.