The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-04-17

G&1RT With d y
M tread suggestive
of a mischievous
schoolboy. He entered his wife's pri-
vate apartment in a kindred mood, and
after a searching glance around to as
sure himself of the housemaid's vera
city, FASTENED to apply a small key to a
rosewood cabinet.
eIt was a fortunate inspiration of
mine to appropriate this key this morn
ing,'' he ruminated aloud, as he turned
It in the lock, shut domestic discord
would nsu if Nora suspected an ul-
terror design upon my part He
laughed softly to himself while he
brought forth from the interior of the
cabinet a leather case, which, when
opened, revealed an exquisite diamond
ornament for the hair, convertible into
brooches at its owners within. Then he
drew from his coat pocket a similar
case inwhichreposed the exact counter
part Of the other Jewels.
"Brunt has done his work well,'' he
went on, as he took the ornaments from
their respective cases and placed them
upon a crimson velvet cushion, the bet
ter to compare them. well, I wanted
70 give Matty something, and paste
looks as well upon the stage as dia-
monds-t6 a man! But Nora, the sweet
little puritanl abjures theaters, and.
must never learn my connection with
one OF their fair artists"
Lost in admiration of the sparkling
stones, he was suddenly recalled to a
sense of tile danger of delay by the
sound Of carriage wheels brought to a
standstill without. Not a moment was
TO be lostl
"But which in the world is which %
he muttered in dismay, as he snatched
mp first one ornament and then the
other. "By Jove, I believe I have forgot
ten" and his brow grew damp beneath
the harassing doubt. 81 certainly placed
the original upon my right, and, be-
sides, that is decidedly the brighter of
the two. All, 1 hear Nora inquiring for.
me in the hall-her foot is upon the
stairs! Great heaven! and l am not yet
sure-pshawl 1t is impossible to be de-
ceived! This is the little woman's,"
and thrusting one case into his pocket,
he hastily replaced the other in the
cabinet.
my dear Dick, what in the world are
you doing here?' You look as guilty as
any surprised burgIar!"
Nonsense, Moral" but his face
mustered color at the not inappropriate
simile.
"You ridiculous boy! But seriously,
Dick, what did you do with the key to
my cabinet this morning? WANTED"
Some trinket in harmony with your
latest gown, I presume" interpolated
Mr.. HARDWOOD, suavely, as he fumbled.
nEsuccessfully in n pocket after an
other for his wife's missing property.
Careless fellowi Why, here it is
upon the carpet" and Nora held up the
key for inspection in such saucy re-
proof that her husband caught her in
his arms and repaired his detection
with a kiss.
What have you been doing to-day,
little woman? Shopping?"
mo; looking up my brother George,
who is in sad trouble again, Dick"
"And likelyto be so, for of all the reck-
less spendthrifts-'
ne Is IN desperate need OF El2O.'
Not M penny of it will he get from
me though, my dear. Only a month
ago, when he was in difficulties, / told
him it was the last time 1 should liqui.
date his debts"
HE declares on his honor that he has
been led into this last escapade by men
whose characters are presumably unim-
pcachable."
"Rubbishl You must excuse me, my
dear. but the word is expressive Of the
truth. He has made his bed, and must
lie upon it. Once he feels the pinch Of
these things he will awaken to his fol-
ly.r
Yet Dick, dear"
mo good to coax, Nora. Assist him
yourself if you like, but don't appeal
70 me-
u might just as well promise him the
moon as &120," she declared, rueful-
~; A'for really, Dick, in spite of your
~liberaIity, my bank book is a bit shady
st present"
Naughty childl Is that a ruse to
make me replenish it for that rascars
beneft2 No. you must wait until the
year Is ont, and IL the meantime my