The Coconino weekly sun., 1896-04-09

morrow when she unties and replaces the furniture" the professor solilo- quized, pleased like child over the expected result of his practical idea. Never before had he looked 80 be- nign knowing and self-satisfied,. as on the morning of the day that was to bring the denouement, when he ap-. peared at the breakfast table. With beaming countenance he received the presents and congratulations, and when asked by his wife why he had yesterday locked the door of his bed- room and taken the key with him, he looked astonished, and replied like the thorough pharisee that lie was, Did l really do that? We'll, Il do declare! have never been so absent- minded before. Then suppose those old pieces of furniture are still in my bedroom. l never noticed them this morning."
 "That is nothing" responded his wife. "I will at once order them moved back to your study"
 Do so, my dear," exclaimed the pro- lessor, an odd, sarcastic kind of smile fitting across his face, land should you perchance meet with surprise, take it cool, like the brave little woman you are."
 It Is no wonder that a remark like this filled the heart of the good lady with joyful anticipation. She almost flew on the wings of expectation to the study, but soon she returned. At the thresh- hold she remained immovable. Her face was pale as death, her eyes dilated, hcl expression betokened surprise, and in- decision-almost fear.
 'I feel so queer" she finally admitted, as if talking to herself, 'have lost my senses? or do my eyes deceive me?' Jaconde, Euphrosine, come with mel" The professor laughed heartily. He' could scarcely await their return. When they nt last appeared, his daughters, with an almost idiotic expression on their faces, his wife's thoughtful and restless looks fixed upon him, he. thought he would burst from laughing. Suddenly his wife, forgetful of good manners and their children's presence. ran up to him, exclaiming:
 "Are you crazy? Why do you carry on like fool? What has happened in this house? Only day before yesterday l ordered the coverings of the set In your study turned, and the furniture polished and vanished, for which l spent ten dollars, and now-what imp has been playing tricks on me? zee the same dirty. old and worn silk on top as before! How is such a thing pos, sible? It is enough to lose ones senses, and you persist in roaring at my per. dicamentr
 But the professor had now stopped laughing. And as for the expression pf his face, it differed not an iota frum those of his two daughters.
 "Wife," he said, mildly. "I do Tot comprehend at all. What are you talk- ing about, having the covering of that set turned? Know then, that not you. but I had this done yesterday. ih, tended it as surprise for you" What? You did, yesterday?" "Yes, my dear, yesterday! And all was finished by evening. Now you will understand why took the key of tay bedroom door with me. But come, con, fess! was not practical?" And again the professor began to indulge in laugh. ter.
 But his wife did not feel like join. ing in his hilarity. Husband" she sobbed, with trsm. bling voice, "supposing were to .ell you that day before yesterday, md the two girls, together with couple of upholsterers, have had that furniture repaired right here on this spot?" And supposing were to tell yeu," he interrupted her angrily, "that l have had the furniture repaired yesterday, do you hear? yesterdny!"
 Yesterday? really, do you mean yes. terday? Heavens! what have ybu done?''
 The poor woman dropped faintly into u chair.
 unfortunate man, what have yun done?"
 "Done? Why, had the covering turned, the"
 leS, you ndu the ROOu sluc or CHo covering turned inside, after l had it turned the other way the day before, you foul!"
 "W--h-a-t!"
 The professor seemed to understand at last, for he shot out of the room and made for his study. When he reap peared after considerable delay, he de, clared that it was all true enough and the furniture looked as bad as ever.
 Just think of it, dearest" he re, marked, hak jokingly, half in anger, "and the upholsterer had even warned me that the goods looked like new, and needed no repairing!"
 But the joke fell flat. His wife was not so easily quieted.
 And pray, how much did you pay t0 that conf, mean to that upholsterec of yours?"
 "How much? Why, $15!"
 Fifteen dollars!" the now thorough ly reused woman repeated. Fifteen dOllars!" She tore her handkerchief in shrcds.
 "T tell yOu what if is |" she added in