The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-06-23
The Mill That Gnnds Always,


jewelry store Of high standard, it's sole
proprietor being Joseph Hodges, a bust
ness man on no small scale. His wife
| Marian is a faithful life partner, and does
ali she can to make his home one of peace
and comfort.
Whats the matter, Joseph" she ask
ed, having removed her coat and bonnet
| and taken a seat by the fire. They had
just returned from an evening party.
Whats the matter?' she repeated,
| drawing nearer the crate. You have
been so sober and torpid all the way
| home
IN tell you Marian he replied. but
don't be offended at what I'm about to
say. Were I 10 recite volume Of small
talk I couldn't tell you how you have
wounded my feelings tonight"
"Me-wounded your feelings?" she ut
tered, looking at her husband in surprise.
What do you mear|'
Don't you remember your remark
when I was discussing bicycles with Mr..
Dan!els?'
NO. I'm sure don't; what did I say?"
We'll when 1 said my wheel cost $780,
you interrupted me and said only $50"
Was that so terrible. I d like to know?'
! his wife asked. not in the best humor
! for. like many others, she didn't like to
| discuss her faults.
1T was nothing terrible" returned Jo-
| seph. but very annoying to me. When
said my wheel cost 500. I meant 1t. for that
was its price, and your remark was uncall-
| ed for. The moment you spoke a smile
passed around the company, and felt as
though they regarded me a common boast
er.
Then, again, during the evening, you
corrected me when there was no occasion
to. 1t was when 1 was telling Mrs. Dan
iels about my horse running away. 1 said
he ran nearly a mile before 1 could stop
him. but you instantly assured the COM
pany it wasn't over half mile"
Indeed, cannot see anything so bad
about it, anyway" she answered; you
are forever accusing me of my faults
Now, Marian, dear" he said, drawing
his chair close to her and fondly caressing
her golden head, will you promise to
never again correct me in company and
wound my feelings as you have tonight?"
Mrs. Hodges made no decided promise,
but She resolved to do the best she could,
and here the matter rested for the pres
ent.
One night two weeks later Mr.. Hodges
gave a party at his own house. After sup
per the company gathered around the fire
to discuss the topics Of the day.
The American-Spanish war had just end
try was in a deplorable condition and bust
ness depression was great.
Hodges" said one Of the visitors,
noted silk dealer named Edmunds, how
does Thomas get along now?"
ooh, fner returned Hodges; "he is
coming money now"
This Thomas was Mrs. Hodges brother,
and one whom she loved dearly.
Glad of that" said Edmunds, 81 feared
he would have trouble getting paid for
those goods he sent out west"
mo, there's no fear of Jim Thomas los
ing money! returned Hodges.
''Why, Joseph" interrupted his wife,
don't you remember he told US the other
night here Hodges cast a quick glance
a his wife, but she would not notice it, for
she must correct her husbands mistake
'he said he feared he wouldn't get his pay
for the goods sent to Thurston & Co., and,
oh, dear, hope he won't lose all that, for
it would ruin him.
ooh, Marian, you don't understand this
matter" said her husband. Jim stands
all right with the western firm"
''Weh, l ;less 1 kT ow," quickly reported
his wife. fer l heard him tell about It,
and if I was Jim I'd have no more 70 90
with such people"
Josequ Hedges could say no more; his
fare slowed his feelings as he cast mean
ing r'ances toward his wife.
About 10 o'clock the following evening,
as Mr.. and Mrs. Hodges were thinking of
retiring, the door opened, and Jim Thomas
came in.
For heavens sake Jim! What's the
natter" cried Mrs. Hodges, perceiving
his deathlike countenance.
81 am ruined" he said, Eyes, ruined
man"
o. :. -. - ,ro-4or,, 6ry,, -, oclyad Marian
mo" he said sadly. "but the psople
here have come down on me-"
do you mean all is lost, Jim?" returned
Joseph.
yes, everything" he replied. heart
brokenly.
Somehow Edmunds has discovered that |
I feared the western firm and owing him
a large sum- he has demanded it immedi-
ately Just another month and all would |
be safe, but it's too late now; he has plac- |
ed an officer over my goods"
Marian sat pale and trembling. She |
plainly saw what she had done, but, alas! |
too late to recall those few hasty words. |
Looking up into her brothers face she |
uttered in a feeble voice: "Oh, Jim, am |
the cause of all this, but don't blame me !
now, II is the result of my foolish habit !
of correcting my husband before Others"
Mrs Hodges slept little that night, and !
arose next morning with an aching heart |
and head. Her husband clasp her to his |
bosom and forgave her, as also did her |
brother.
This eased her somewhat, but she saw |
her brother drop from his high position all |
through her fault.
After a time Thurston & Co. paid their |
note, and Thomas was able to cancel his |
debts. He went into partnership with Jo- |
seph Hodges. and both carried on a profit /
able business.
But Marian never forgot her terrible les |
son. Never after this did she interrupt !
her husband in company with needless
observation-disclosures Joyce in Boston |
Post.