Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1895-03-02
JEALOUS.

Mr. D. Bashford cherished high ideas
of men, as opposed to women, and had
exalted notions of the husbands domin-
ion over his household.
Mr.. Bashford had forbidden his wife
attending the masquerade Of the A. 2.
A. society. He had his reasons for so
doing, but his wife thought he might
have made known his wishes in little
less imperious manner than he chose to
adopt.
The ball was set down for the evening
Of the 29th. On the morning of that
day n. Bashford went down town at
the usual hour, but during the forenoon
had occasion to visit section Of the
city that led him past his own residence.
His attention was suddenly arrested
by a young woman with large bundle,
ascending the front steps Of his house
and ringing the doorbell.
His perpiexity was increased when the
door was op, ned cautiously, the young
woman admitted promptly, as if by q
previous understanding, and the door
instantly closed again.
Mr. Basbford's curiosity and suspi-
cion were aroused. Should he linger and
solve the mystery or dismiss it from
his mind and go on about his business?
He debated the question irresolutely for
a moment and finally decided that he
must know what was going on in his
own house.
He had not long to wait. The young
woman soon reappeared, but without
the bundle, and walked briskly down
the street.
She led him to one of the busiest and
gayest streets and finally turned quick
ly into celebrated costumer's establish
ment!
Mr.. Bashford was astonished. Could
it be that his wife was venturesome
enough to disobey him and had hired q
costume with view of attending the
masquerade?
He did not linger long in meditation.
His wife's audacity must receive Sc
we're rebuke.
The proprietor was woman. He ac-
costed her thus:
Madam, would you object to making
IS in as many minutes?"
The person addressed intimating that
she would have no objection to that sort
of thing, he continued:
'Then describe to me accurately the
costume delivered by the young woman
who entered this store a moment ago
or else show me one just like it."
"Well," said the woman, hesitating,
that wouldn't be exactly regular, you
know"
II understand that, but can prove
to you if necessary that have right
to know, and that no harm can possibly
come to you by your telling me-"
"Oh, well," said the woman, II pre-
sumo it will be all right! The costume
was that of Turkish lady. Here is one
just like it, except that the hood is blue
instead of scarlet
"Yes-just so," said Mr.. Bashford.
The one that the young woman left at
54 -- street has q scarlet hood, has
it?''
eyes, Sir.
VERY well. Here are your S."
He made no allusion when he went
home to his 5 o'clock dinner to the cir
cumstances just related. He simply said
to his wife before leaving, wondering
the while at her innocent and uncon-
strained demeanor:
GAS l told you would probably be the
,ase, Louise, l shall be detained down
town by business tonight until late"
''Oh, dear, am sorry! 1t is SO lone
some these long evenings when you are
obliged to be away"
The "business" which was to detain
him was of somewhat startling char
acter. After spending short time at
his Office he proceeded to costumer' g
establishment and placed himself in the
hands of an artist, who, after long
and tedious process, transformed him
into hideous looking Indian.
This done, he ordered carriage and
gave directions to be driven to the place
where the masquerade was to be held.
Mr.. Bashford seemed to create quite
sensation i'll his character Of Indian
chief. Many stared at him, and some OF
the women shuddered.
He did not dance at first, but walked
with stately tread around the hall, gaz.
ing disdainfully on the giddy throng.
He was searching for Turkish lady
with scarlet hood.
/ 1t was some time before he found what
he sought for. But at last he stopped
suddenly, and his gaze fingered in g
particular quarter. There was the Turk
! ish lady with the scarlet hood. and hel
size and general contour were exactly
those of his wife. There could be nc
mistake about it.
"Pooty squaw," he said in guttur
al tone.
'Noble Injun!' she replied.
"Squaw dances?"
Yes"
And they took their places on the
floor for one of the quadrilles.
After this ensued what appeared tt
lockers on scene Of desperate firta
tion, but in Mr.. Bashford's mind ther,
was, of course, no harm in thus paying
axcluSjve attention To his own wife