Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1898-07-21
HIS LETTERS.

We had been three months married,
and lived in the blessed expectancy Of a
secretaryship which I had been promised
on commission appointed to inquire
into some abuses the government did
not want to find out, but the prelim-
inaries dragged, and found myself
doomed to a period of enforced idleness
which did not improve my temper, and
l fear tried my wife's sorely, for, though
happy, we were human. Our first, and,
thank heaven, our only tiff, took place
one memorable day when we were both
gardening on a plot of SCOT blackened
ground attached to our modest dwell
ing. In making border I had planted
number OF carnations and picotees to-
gether, contrary to my wife's directions.
and on discovering the mistake she said
what I suppose nine out of ten women
would have said. I answered tartly, be-
ing preoccupied with bitter thoughts,
and so acrimonious did our discussion
become that Edith went into the house.
After some minutes reflection I felt
the childishness Of my conduct and fol-
lowed to make it up. She was not in
the little atticlike boudoir at the top of
our mansion, SO descended to search
for her in the drawing room, which had
doors opening on the conservatory and
hall. By chance chose the first and
had almost entered the room when I
heard the sound of a we'll remembered
voice, and, drawing the portiere aside,
cautiously, saw my wife face to face
with Arbuscula.
II daresay you know who am?" the
latter was saying.
Edith denied the implied honor.
Then is your state the more gra-
cious, retorted Arbuscula "But your
husband does and that is the chief
point The servant told me he was at
home" She looked just as splendid as
ever and swept our modest little apart
ment with a scornful glance.
My husband is engaged" said
Edith. Anything you have to say may
be said to me. I"
"Indeed?" replied Arbuscula. "Well,
have got good many things to say. !"
My wife folded her hands and, find
ing one of her gardening gloves on,
pulled it off and threw it on the table.
"Guard" thought l.
"And first, !" continued Arbuscula, 81
want to say that your husband is the
writer of those letters - And she de-
posted formidable bundle on the ta-
BILE beside the glove. "They were writ.
ten to me. You may read them if you
choose
81 have no desire to do So - replied
my wife valiantly.
"They would interest you, the other
went on. 'You could compare them
with those he has, dare say, written to
yourself.
II fear you misunderstood, though
the error is natural one-for you, " re-
piled my wife considerably.
A spot Of light shone in Arbuscula's
eye. "They would be useful" she CON
tinued, "if you wanted to make things
hot for him-as you undoubtedly will -
My wife was silent; she played with
her wedding ring.
cor perhaps you won't care to see
them in the public press, y the other
added viciously. 81 know literary
chap who would dress 'em up we'll !;
they'd want little draping for pa
per know Of -
81 conclude, then, that the lawyers
have marked mo case?' " observed
Edith, and Arbuscula glanced curiously
at her.
81 do not take my-wrongs to law
court" she said magniicently.
In that you show your wisdom, ," re-
| piled my wife. Arbuscula looked at her
again, with something approaching re-
spect, but there was a sparkle beneath
the eyelids.
"Come, what will you give to pre-
vent it," she asked
Nothing, responded Edith quietly.
He would be Of a different opinion!"
observed Arbuscula
Hardly" said my wife. "He is not
a fool y
"You are the first woman who ever
said that of him, retorted Arbuscula.
II do not doubt it, replied my wife,
with much significance, and the other
redeemed slightly. "Under the guard, y
thought L
All women are the same to him, )"
continued Arbuscula, recovering herself.
"What is the difference between YOU
and me? A wedding ring
And all it symbolizes, rejoined my
wife softly.
That's a house on a fifth rate ter
race, with only one stopcock for eight
of We, and the lady next door cuts off
the water when she has had "a few words