Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1897-03-18

sTN tread suggestive
ga Of a mischicvOue
schoolboy lie entered his wifc's pri-
vate apartment in a kindred mood, and
after a searching glance around to as
sure himself of the housemaid's vera
city, hastened to apply small key to a
rosewood cabinet.
1T was n fortunate inspiration OF
mine to appropriate this key this morn
ing" he ruminated aloud, as he turned
it in the lock, but domestic discord
would ensue if Nora suspected an ul-
terror design upon my part" lie
laughed softly to himself while he
brought forth from the interior of the
cabinet leather case, which, when
opened, revealed an exquisite diamond
ornament for the hair. convertible into
brooches at its owners whim. Then he
drew from his coat pocket 4 similar
case inwhicn reposed the exact counter
part of the other Jewels.
"Brunt has done his work WE'LL" 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. We'll, | wanted
TO give Matty something, and paste
looks as well upon the stage as dia-
monds-to man. But Nora, the sweet
little puritan. 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 Il
sense of the danger of delay by the
sound of carriage wheels brought to n
standstill without. Not moment was
to be losti
''But which in the world is which ."
he muttered in dismay, as he snatched
up first ore ornament and then the
other by Jove, l believe I have forgot
ten" and his brow grew damp beneath
the harass:ng doubt. 81 certainly placed
the original upon my right, ard, be-
sides. that is decidedly the brighter of
the two All, / hear Nora inquiring for
me in the hall-her foot is upon the
stairs! Great heavenl and am not yet
sure-pshaw! 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 burglar!"
rNonsense, 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
''Somc trinket in harmony with your
latest gown, / presume" interpolated
Mr.. Harwood, suavely, as he fumbled
unsuccessfully in one pocket after an
other for his wife's missing property.
Careless fellow! 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?"
"No; looking up my brother George,
who is in sad trouble again. Dick"
"And likely to be so, for of all the recll-
less spendthrifts-"
"He is in desperate need of c 100"
"Not one penny OF it viii he get from
me though, my dear. Only a month
ago, when he was in difficulties, | told
him it was the last time I 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-
peachable."
Rubbish! 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
~"
"Yet, Dick. dear"
'rNo good to coax, Nora. Assist him
yourself if you like, but don't appeal
TO me-"
81 might just as well promise him the
moon as e12O," she declared, rueful-
"; 'for really, Dick, in spite of your
liberality, my bank book is bit shady
atpresent,"
Naughty child! Is that ruse to
make me replenish it for that rascaPs
benefit? No, you must wait until the
year is out, and in the meantime my
purse is always at your disposal within
reasonable limits"
Help him for my sake!" she pleaded
tearfully; but her husband was not
TO be caiolcd frcGl his decision even by
the tears Of his winsomc wife, to whom
he rarely. If ever, denied anything.
When GEORGE Graham learned the re-
suit OF his sisters generous interven-
ton on his behalf, he knew his brother
.n-law sufficiently well to understand
that it was useless to pursue the sub
ject further. Yet despair drove him a
few days later to seek another interview
with Nora, into whose sympathizing ear
he poured out his troubles anew.
"What am | to do?" he groaned. The
non-payment involves such disgrace!
If only | could get clear of this debt,
1 gow ! would never trouble friend or
relative again. Surely you eau devise
some means, sis, to get me out of this
hole?'
"Unfortunately | have no surplus
money at present. George, and Dick per-
aists in his refusal"
II know; but Nora, you-you-" and
the scapegrace's voice sank to shamed
whisper, you have jewels, dear! Could
you not let-let me raise the-the nee
nssary sum on some of them, and-and
! assure you | viii redeem them at the
earliest opportunity"
"a Graham stoop to thatl" cried Mrs,
Harwood, in horriiied dismay, her face
crimsoning at The bare idea.
"Why note" he queried, sulkily
"Who would be any the wiser? OF
! course | should use fictitious name
AS for Dick, he will credit any excuse