The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-02-22

recent make.
"Why SO gorgeous dear?" asked he
smilingly. "What is the occasion of
the new gown9"
THE Ideal Club is to have social
this eveningsfrom eight to twelve, at
Mrs. Fondmother's" said Catherine,
complacently. Johns face fell visi-
bly,.
"Any one going beside the club9"
asked he.
Certainly not" answered his wife,
quickly.O"It is exclusively a club
affair, gotten up for little sociabil-
ity among ourselves, and to discuss a
certain question that has been agitat
ing the club for some time"
WHAT'S the question:" asked John
inquisitively.
Catherine nibbled thoughtfully at
biscuit moment before answering.
els man necessary to woman's hap
piness?" said she, slowly. The color
flew into Johns face, and his eyes
twinkled mischievously.
"Of course you are for the affirma
tive," said he, softly.
'Not necessarily" answered Cath
crime, coolly, though she avoided her
husbands eyes as she spoke.
With something of the feeling of
having received a cold shower bath,
John finished his supper in silence;
and little later, the two who had
been made one went their separate
ways.
The elegant parlors at Mrs. Fond
mothers were brilliant with gaslight
and fragrant with the scent of flowers.
The Ideal Club was there to a wo-
man, and bright faces and pretty
gowns were grouped about the rooms
like gorgeous bouquets. Swiftly flew
the nimble tongues as the momentous
questions of the day were handled
and discussed with startling freedom.
Oddly enough, however, the princi-
pal topic to be dissected was touched
upon but lightly, and Mrs. Blue
stocking, who seldom failed to air her
ideas on all subjects, was strangely
silent.
Meanwhile, in the smoking room of
the Hob Mob Club House, a group
of gentlemen were talking earnestly
together. As usual, John Bluestock-
ing held the floor.
Il tell you, boys, there is no other
way to do" he was saying, earnestly.
ave must take them by storm"
Suppose they won't let us inl"
said Sam Verybright, obviously.
"Pshaw, man! You know the say
ing about faint heart" cried John,
scornfully. $50 we may as we'll try
it, anyway"
Cali right, John. You take the
lead and we'll follow" cried Tom
Wisdom, excitedly. "Call up your
messenger boys, and send word to as
many of the fellows as you can find,
and let's hustle or we won't get there
before they break up;" and with a
few more words, the gentlemen dis
persed, to meet again an hour or two
later
Ice-cream and cake were being
handed about, and the members OF
the Ideal Club were growing more
social and confidentially inclined as
they enjoyed the refreshing sweets.
Dorothy Verybright leaned over and
whispered to her friend, Mrs. Blue
stocking, "Why SO silent tonight,
Catherine?"
A little flush crept up into Cath
crimes face as she answered, softly,
"To tell the truth, Dorothy, l can
think of nothing this evening but
john"
1t was Dorothy's turn to color as
she glanced at her friend little con-
fusedly. II had little tiff with Sam
today about the club" said she. "The
silly fellow wanted to come with me
this evening""
$50 did john" whispered Gather
inc.
At this moment the clang of bell
was heard through the house. A
card was handed to Mrs. Fondmcther,
who, excusing herself to her guests,
vanished into the hall. A few mo-
ments later she re-appeared, her face
all aglow with suppressed laughter.
After brief consultation with the
president, she addressed her assem-
bled guests as follows:
"Ladies of the Ideal Club, l have
taken the liberty of admitting to this
gathering few of our mutual friends,
who, while belonging to club of a
different order, are DESTROYS of join
ing hands with us at our social meet
ings, and, if agreeable to our men,