Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-09-23
Matched by a BAG heIor.

DO tell me, my good fellow, how
it is possible for such a metamorphosis
to have taken place? A couple of
months ago we sat in this room, two
hardened bachelors, determined to re-
main so to the end of our days, and
now | find you transformed into the
most devoted husband of the present
century,"
Dr. Trenton took puff at his pipe
before replying.
We'll, you see, HARDWOOD" he said,
Il was at first ashamed of being
bowled over so quickly, and then l
thought it would be fun to surprise
you thoroughly for once. But Dolly
shall tell you the whole story"-as his
wife appeared to dispense coffee-"and
you may be surprised to hear that you
yourself-unconsciously, | admit
Tade up the match"
~" cried HARDWOOD.
Il suppose it is for penance," began
own mistakes"
Two months ago was still stupid
country girl who had never seen a
large town. My eldest brother had
sent for me to keep his house, and |
arrived accordingly at an enormous
city railway station.
Herbert, my brother, had written
that it would be impossible for him
to meet me at the station, and that |
must take cab and drive to Kings
court mansions. He could not get
away from his work before o'clock.
When | arrived at Kings court |
walked bravey up the stairs with my
travelling bag, the cabman following
with my trunk. The length of the
stairs took my breath away and also
deprived me of all power of calculation,
and in my ignorance | was unaware
that the entresol does not count.
Therefore, when l arrived at the
landing where door was standing
open, and an old man servant Just
replying to an inquirer that the doc
tor would not be in until o'clock,
| concluded that | had reached my
J journeys end, for my brother also re-
joices in the title of doctor, though
his degree is in music.
ITO old Col. James establishment
walked in, saying: THE doctor ex-
poets me; please have my luggage
taken to my room. l am his sister,"
With that he admitted me, mutter-
Ing, Never heard of sister,, into
the smoky, dusty apartments l as
quarters.
Yes, indeed, Jack-don't look Of
Tended at my descript:on--it was not
inviting, that first glance into my
study; for, as you have doubtless
guessed, Mr.. HARDWOOD, l had ended
my skyward pilgrimage a fight too
lew, and had never dreamed that it
was possible for two doctors to dwell
mantle, and set to work to dust the
furniture and books, and make the
entire place tidy.
AT last | turned to ornamental de-
tails. had brought a large bunch
of roses and honeysuckles, and these
divided and arranged. On the fresh
ly-laid table l placed the appetizing
ham, fresh butter and homemade
bread, all of which Herbert used to
love. and which l brought with mt.
ITO distract my thoughts l picked
up a magazine, opening it where a let
ter had been placed to serve as a
mark. My eyes fell on the first words,
and my attention was riveted in
! moment.
Now comes the disgraceful part of
my confession. l could not refrain
from reading the letter. 1t was signed,
Your old friend, Ned Harwood.
Dear Old Man-So you have de-
cided to install that dreadful little
thing in your house. though you ac-
knowledged yourself that all the peace
and comfort of your life will be gone.
Do be advised. and give up the idea
Of such folly. At any rate, don't be
surprised If | cut your acquaintance
for The present and leave YOU to soli-
tary enjoyment so long as Dolly forms
part Of your establishment. Luckily
i ! am off tomorrow, and by the time l
come back you will have found out
Your mistake and sent Miss Dolly