Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1896-11-01
ovERHeARp IN A REsrAuRANT.
She Was Capable of Taking Care of
 Herself,

Herself.
 "Come on, Johnnie. This is the table to sit al" fell upon my ears the other day as I was hastily swallowing my midday meal. and looking up l saw middle-aged woman pushing her way toward the table at which l was sitting, dragging a man some ten years her senior with her.
 "I beg your pardon, Matilda" " remon- strated the man in a meek voice, but the air from that pesicy electric fan makes me cough"
 "No. it don't" returned Matilda, "this is the seat for you, Johnnie; sit down, and "Johnnien sat down without fur ther remark.
 "I'H order you some pork and beans, continued Matilda, taking up the bill of fare and glancing it over carefully.
 q think I would like some sausage, Matilda" Johnnie suggested, drawing a trembling hand over his mouth and glancing longingly at the plate of a neighbor where reposed the coveted sausage.
 ''No, you don't. don't like sausage. It's too greasy. Pork and beans are the best thing for you" and Matilda began to give her order to the waiter, while the old man twisted his paper napkin. However. when he heard her order glass of milk for him the worm turned and he said with more energy than he had displayed before:
 s1'll be blamed If I'll stand milk. What want is good hot cup of coffee. Can't have it?" coaxingly.
 "No, you can't" was the decided an swer; "and to think that you, pro- fessing member, too, should use such words ns you do," and Matilda slipped a piece of sugar from the bowl and hid it in her handkerchief.
 Poor Johnnie said nothing, but look of rebellion fingered on his face, as he silently gulped down the milk and shoveled in the pork and beans, although it was evident that his indig- hatien was waxing stronger with every mouthful In the meantime Matilda eagerly ate q plate of pancakes and en- ioyed a piece of apple pie, although she would not allow Johnnie to have any, and all the while she was slyly slipping Jumps of sugar from the bowl and con cealing them in her handkerchief. At last she managed to empty her plate and the sugar bowl and was ready to leave. Turning to her husband, who had not yet finished his lunch, she said. sharply:
 "Ain't you ever going to get through? 9"
 The old man raised his head and turned suddenly:
 T do wish you wouldn't be so bossy, Matilda"
 "I have to be- was her sharp retort. "You haven't any sense. Pm the one who has to do everything, and thank goodness, I can take care of myself" As she spoke, Matilda gave her head q toss and rising to her feet started for the door, entirely forgetting her hand- lSerchief of sugar This article of fem mine attire, thus neglected, fell to the floor, and half pound or more of sugar fell in every direction, attracting the attention of the head waiter, who hurried to the scene. He was not gentle in his remarks, and Matilda became very much scared When he threatened to call in a policeman and have her taken to the station her fortitude utter ly forsook her and she began to cry. Suddenly she dried her tears and said, with dignity:
 "You sna'n't insult me in this way. My husband will protect me. Won't you, Johnnie?" turning to Johnnie.
 A wicked gleam came into Johnnie's eyes as she made her appeal and sar- castle smile flickered on his withered lips:
 No, it's not necessary" he said, qui- etly, moving away from her detaining hand. You can take care of yourself" Chicago Daily News.
 
 CTI1OV IN SHAPI ET