The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-07-24
A Bachelors Mistake.

was neither wise, useful nor agreeable
and had lived fifty years alone, wnen ne
might have been blessed with Goo oes1
gift TO man-woman."
Still. as Clark was decidedly wealthy
man, his friend Arthur Gould thought
he would make an excellent husband Tor
hts Ester, who was slightly on the shady
side Of 80. So one evening. finding him
in his solitary apartments, looking down.
cast and miserable. Could said:
CLARK I know what ails you
What makes you think anything ais
me?" gruffly inquired Clark.
Because you are not lively and happy.
You are lonely and want society. NO one
can enjoy life without companionship.
In short. you need a wife.
I've got along all these years without
one, and i guess l can finish the same
way"
Because you have been fool all these
years is no reason why you should con-
tinue one"
''Truer' said Clark. Had I taken a
wife twenty years ago should have been
happier today. But who would marry
All old fellow like me now?
MANY a nice girl would jump at the
chance"
Il don't want an old maid said this
particular old bachelor. Some pretty
bright girl might tempt me. But, then.
this counting business l know nothing
about, you see. and taking it on the whole
1 might pay too dearly in advance
We'll" said Gould, impatiently, ION
the whole, If the truth was known, l
think you are trifie too lazy to love"
why. I'm all ready for bargain
Show me some of these nice girls you
seem to think are so plenty"
IF you please TO visit my family you
will have an opportunity of meeting many
ladies. I will introduce you TO my sister,
for one: she will introduce you ID Others
and
Good! I'll spend tomorrow evening
with vou.''
wen be glad TO see you"
They parted, and Clark's thick head
was full OF new ideas At o'clock the
next night he stood before his mirror
trying necktie after necktie, and carefully
parting what remained of his hair. AT
last he was fully equipped and started.
On his arrival he found none but the
family present, and being introduced 10
the ladies. passed a pleasant evening. He
watched every movement of the younger
lady, and before leaving had conclude
TO seek no further for a wife, providing
the charming Miss Gould could be per-
suaded to become Mrs. Clark. She was
attractive, pleasing in conversation, and
graceful in manner.
she is the woman for me-" thought
Harris as he said goodnight, promising
to call again soon.
He went home from his second visit
happier than from the first, for, in addi-
ton to his increasing admiration for the
lady, he felt assured, by her evident ex-
trtions to entertain him, that his feel
ings were reciDrocated.
One unfortunate circumstance must be
explained before proceeding. Owing part
ly to Mr.. Gould's carelessness in present.
ing the ladies as his wife and sister
merely, and partly Clark's confusion in
confronting two women at once, he had
mistaken one for the other, and fallen
in love with Mrs. Gould decidedly the
prettier of the two), and who, perfectly
innocent of his error, strove 10 make mat
tiers pleasant in behalf of her &ister-in-
law. She noticed once or twice that he
addressed her as Miss Gould. but know
ing him to be a somewhat illiterate man,
let it pass for a slip of the tongue.
Time passed, and Harris determined TO
speak. One evening he found Mrs. Gould
alone, and was informed that Arthur
and sister" had gone to make a call, but
would soon return. Harris expressed a
little sorrow at their absence; now was
his time, he thought; so. sunmoninyall
his courage, he commenced:
MY dear lady, forgive me for speak
ing my mind frankly when 1 assure you
that the happiest hours of my life have
been passed in your society
why, thank you for the compliment.
said Miss Gould ut gives me Srea1 pleas
ure to welcome you here, and you will
enjoy life better than in the solitary ex-
istence you have hitherto led. Arthur has
d deep interest in You, and 1 shall al
ways be pleased to entertain you to the
best of my Abilities
Thank you" said Clark 'I feel that
a single life is an unhappy one, and if not
too late 1 propose to amend
Indeed! Then, you think of marrying
1 congratulate you. May I ask who is
to be the honored lady?"
That depends upon you. have never
met with one who inspired me with such
esteem, such love, as yourself. All / have
1 lay at your feet. VIII you be my wife,
He paused and wiped the perspira ton
from his forehead. Mrs. Gould utterly
COMPOUNDED, sprang to her feet, exclaim-
ing:
Me your wife! Why, Mr.. Clark. explain
yourself.'
Her husband just entering. caught the
What is the natter" asked he. gazing
from his wife to Clark.
The matter" replied the astonished
sutton. You know as we'll as do Your
sister appears to have taken fright at
something-I don't understand what"
My sister! Why that is my wife,"
Your wife, screamed Clark. Why
have YOU deceived me in this matter?"
mo one has deceived you. my dear fell
low. You must have deceived yourslf
That is my wife. This is my sister"
pointing to the other lady now entering
the room.
Poor Harris was struck dumb. He rose,
seized his hat. made a low bow. and ar
initiated space between the Goulds and MS
own bachelors hail." where IN a shor.
time he was seated before a fire built
Of fancy neckties, sachet bags, light
gloves. and other super1uous articles of
an old bachelors toilet
As to what he thought, said. or did af-
ter that time there is no account but
Mrs. Gould was his first love, and without
doubt she was his last.-EmiIy Kcating.
in Boston Post.
It's n Funny World.
(From San Francisco Examiner)
TIa haf f-f, ~ al