The herald., 1897-12-26


whispered in her large red ear, and was
so glad that ! could have Kissed her
though she carries much hair on her
upper lip and unequivocal down on her
chin.
I'VE will go in a cab," said 7 at length
when l had soothed her. And on the
way | convinced her that my plan was
a reasonable one, and that she (Mrs
Green) would be far more comfortabl,
and opulent as housekeeper to two souls
than as housekeeper to one soul and q
demon cat. And in the street, where
Julia gives conservation to the atmos
phere, | first pressed a dollar into tho
dear creatures palm and then set hel
on the pavement.
Then back | drove to my rooms, tC
find that Strong had, in a playful fit
reached down my collection of foreign
stamps Gin 500 album and divided il
into an incalculable number Of parts
But for once 1 did not curse the pretty
creature.
Good old dog" I said, as / patted
him on the head. And he wagged his
ugly tail and straightway proved his
goodness by swallowing British guinef
stamp of 1855, worth $5, and scraping t.
morsels it's fellow, worth ten.
That night l dreamed many dreams
in which Julia, Mrs. Green, the dos
Strong and the cat Sweet were strangely
mingled. But i aWoke refreshed never
theless, for / was full of hope. Nor hat
| any computations, for l felt that the
happiness of two human souls was bet
ter than the happiness of couple of de-
monacal quadrupeds.
In the morning an insurance agent
called, and, speaking in high voice thai
seemed menacing (though of course il
was not so), got mauled at the ankle.
1.-THE law, my friend, will give me my
revenge" said this gentleman, when
had escorted him in safety down stairs
You see, | had not wanted to insure my
life.
But at half past three I uprose anf
taking Strong by the chain led him intt
the street.
Thus to the studio. Here Mrs. Greer
received me with pale face.
Miss Julia is not in she said; and
assembling, remarked that it was q
pity
IF might rest awhile" proceeded.
"Oh, certainly, sir" replied the astute
creature. perhaps you would like ti
leave the dog in the Kitchen?
The good soul opened the door. Then
slipped Strong's chain, pushed him IL
and shut the door.
Immediately afterwards ! invaded Jul
lia's studio and Mrs. Green with me
We shut ourselves in and discussed the
weather. the last cure for colds (Jul1s
having one) and much else. We talked
without ceasing, indeed, for many min
utes.
But in spite of everything the riot il
the kitchen reached our ears. Terrific
at times it was, with fateful lulls, fol
lowed afresh by piercing cries-now OF {
cat and now the dog. Once ] opened thu
door an inch and peeped in.
At length, by half-past four uttc1
peace reigned. Mrs. Green and 1 looked
at each other and started for the kitchen
On the landing, however, whom should
we meet but Julia.
james," she exclaimed, blushing di
vinely.
"1-brought the dog with me, Ilur'
INJURED. Il am going now. only waited
to know that you We're well. He is II
the kitchen"
Her eyes frightened when mentioned
Strong. Hatred of Sweet possessed hel
she said so afterwards.
Then l opened the door and in mo
ment I saw that we were saved.
"Oh, Miss Julia." cried Mrs. Green
running to the lifeless body of Sweet
Strong. what have you been doing?'
said /. But I expected no answer, fol
side by side with the cat lay the lifeless
dog.
For many seconds we contemplated
the dead warriors. Then / turned t.
Julia. Tears were in her eyes. Mrs
Green considerably went away.
Dearest" l said, there is nothing
now between u.s. and L opened my arms
to her.
She hesitated for moment, then came
to me, and kissed away her tears.
The death of Strong and Sweet was
after due legal debate, reckoned exceed
ingly natural.
The quadrupeds slumber in one grave