The Coconino weekly sun., 1896-04-09
And this the practical little woman

The professor returned home in Ill humor. His wife's desire to have a new set, and especially her positive tone, gave him no rest. His minds eye be- held the new set as a birthday present, followed by big bill, which he would have to pay with good grace. He | glanced angrily at the sofa, the root of the present evil, and suddenly beheld the loosened corner of the covering which his wife had omitted to tack on again. The professor looked hard at both sides of the stuff.
 "The lower side," he soliloquized, "is almost like new. My wife has repeat edly told me that all goods can be turned, even my official swallow-tail. Why not this covering also? The wrong side of the silk looks good, the color is fresh-ha!" he exclaimed, suddenly rising from his chair, ga genial idea! My dear little wife shall learn that I also understand how to be practical. Yes, that's it. I am going to have the covering turned and the horse hair picked and cleaned, and then the set will look like new. What Is more, I win have it done at once and lose no time. All will be ready for my birthday. It will be surprise for my wife as a re. turn for the beautiful newspaper case which she is making for me, as have long ago noticed. The dear, good soul! She would anyway give me no rest until new set were purchased, and now she will have no cause to exile us to the parlor when receive company. But now for word with my wife" | Pleased as he had been for a long time the professor appeared in the bou- doir of his wife.
 Gertrude, dear, merely came to tell you that we should forbear of buying new furniture. I am short of money and could not even spare five dollars. If you really think that the set in my study is so very much worn will hence- forth receive my callers in the parlor." |" | All right, husband" she replied. looking greatly relieved. "I should have undertaken nothing without your permission in this matter" The professor failed to notice the smile playing around his wife's lips. He had expected opposition, and, be- hold, all was plain sailing.
 On the following Wednesday was the professors birthday. Two days pre- vious, as soon as he had left his house for the college, the upholsterer and his assistants made their appearance. The professors wife and her daughters awaited them ready to help. The smart little woman had shrewdly made her arrangements for her husband to take his meals on this and the following day at the house of relatives. There fore, they could do the work undis- turbed, and they did.
 l When the evening came all was fin- ished, and the woman looked with pride and satisfaction upon the result of her genial idea. The furniture looked like new and the cost was really not worth while talking about only ten dollars, which the gratified- woman promptly paid.
 It was late in the evening when the professor returned.
 Tomorrow" his wife said to him. i've will give your study a thorough cleaning. Do you object to my remov- ing some of the things into your bed room?"
 That was exactly what the sly pro- lessor had speculated upon and ardent ly desired.
 "Yes," he said. Certainly. Remove whatever you like. Why not begin with the sofa and chairs, which, as now perceive, you have already tied together to facilitate their removal"
 Had we not better wait until to- morrow after you leave the house, dear? But if you desire it, we will do 1t now," said the unsuspecting woman. She called the servant, and few more minutes found the whole set in the professors bedroom. Mrs. W knew better than to suspect her husband of curiosity to examine the bundled up furniture.
 At six o'clock the following morning an upholsterer and his assistants ap. peared in the professors bedroom. | "Very well,' said the latter, who had I DcCu PtCtluk dAA IcSt tAihS you are punctual. Has any one seen you come in?"
 | "No, sir"
 | All right. There is the furniture. You know what want you to do. But remember, everything has to be finished to-day, and the pieces re- turned here this evening. On this con dition only agree to pay you the SIS | you ask. Now carry them away and be careful to make no noise. My wife must know nothing about it. It is true, her bedroom is in the opposite wing, but her ears are as sharp as a dogs"
 An hour later the upholsterer again appeared before the professor.
 "Sir," said he, "what am to do with thnt furniture? The set is in the best possible condition and looks as good us new. Why turn the covering, which think Is altogether unnecessary
 "What are you saying? The cover ing fresh and new, and dirty only T VA .