The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1897-09-25
LOVE M
THE KITCHEN.
BY HENRY c. WOOD.

aDLESS my hearth" suddenly ex
ID claimed Mr.. Pettibone, witt
such decided emphasis that his wifi
looked up inquiringiy from her work.
What is the matter, my dear?" shI
asked, as her husband abruptly pu
down his newspaper and gazed over a
her in a helpless sort of way.
1T entirely escaped my memory" h
continued, contritely, feeling CAREFUL,
through his various pockets, and final
1y producing a crumpled and rather
untidy note which he had fshed VI
from the profound depths of one o
them.
Here is something that Clarence
Stewart asked me to hand you the Other
day, and ! quite forgot it until this mo
ment. He and two Or three of the girls
blanche, May and Ida, I think, be
said-howeyer, the note will tell you
are coming out to spend a day with us.
That will be delightful" acknowI
edged Mrs. Pettibone, serenely. 81
shall be yer SO glad to see them, and
they have been promising me this visit
for quite awhile. am truly glad they
have been thoughtful enough to send
me word, and not take me unawares,
for I wish ample time for preparation.
My reputation as housekeeper is at
stake, and am especially anxious that
everything shall be as near perfection
as possible. When do they speak OF
coming?"
81 suppose the note states, my love-
answered Mr.. Pettibone. with some
show of nervousness, and with a guilty
look overspreading his e~ountenance.
"You know 1 have carried it around in
my pocket for a day or two, and-and
I believe to-day is the one they have
appointed"
Mrs. Pettibone let the note drop from
her fingers, and looked at her remorse-
full spouse in speechless establishment
and reproach.
II am sure, my dear, / am extremely
SORRY" began Mr.. Pettibone, meekIy.
IT don't know how I came to forget it,
but I did entirely"
"Octavius Pettibone!" exclaimed his
wife, in tones that spoke volumes.
Indeed, my dear. it was awfully
careless of me. I'll aGmit," began Nj.
Pettibone, then stopped abruptly for
want of extenuating circumstances.
Sand you have been carrying this
note around in your pocket vel since
1t was given you?" continued Mrs. Pet
tibone. like an avenging Nemesis.
"Yes," acknowledged Mr.. Petfibone,
humbly, shut I hope 1t will not serious
u Inconvenience you, my love-
ut would be passing strange Il It
did, Mr.. Pettibone, seeing that It is only
about three hours till train time, no
preparations whatever have been made
and l have given cook a holiday that
she might visit her sister, who is sick.
/ arr unable to recall any more pro-
pitious circumstances just at present.
said Mrs. Pettibone, in the caimness Of
despair.
Read the note, dear; perhaps this is
not the day, after ALL" suggested Mr..
Pettibone. with the eagerness of the
drowning man for the straw.
SEEKING the bare hope, Mrs. Pettibone
picked up the fallen note and read
my Dear Laura: In response TO your
kin Invitation, several times extended, to
spend q day with you, Our particular quar-
tette OF Is unnecessary to mention names)
VIII. II It meets your appreciation. do our
selves that honor on Thursday next. unless
We hear from you to the contrary.
W. have ideas much exalted In regard
@ the delights OF rural life, and long to see
you In the midst OF your Arcadisn pursuits
and joys.
Il will not extend my note with any news ,
or choice bits OF gossip. but viii reserve
them until ] see you. Anectionateiy,
BLANCHE DESMOND"
To-day is Thursday said Mrs. Pet
tibone, with a little groan; "there is no
possibility Of any error, and what are
we to do with them?s
isn't there something cold that we
might give them and explain matters 2
suggested Mr.. Pettibone, thoughtfuliy.
~Ah. TO be sure!n responded his wife,
with a decided tinge of irony in her
tone. sSinee you have suggested It, /
think there is some cool buttermilk IN
the dairy, possibly some cream, and /
am snre there is an abundance Of cool
Iee in the icehause. We might pass the
I've around frequently through the day