The Monmouth inquirer., 1898-03-24
THE OBTUSENESS OF JACK


with an all-important SUBJECT lor tne
Broblem was to decide between Two ilen
who had seen fit to look upon hef as d
fitting custodian for their Lares anu
Penates. -.
In accepting George Hunt, she 1elt
herself fortified by rampant OF ap-
proving relatives and decorous SENSE
of propriety. AS for Jack: well, sue
had always liked Jack. EVERYBODY
liked him. He was genial, good lei,
low and always in demand at all soclal
gatherings. But he was poor as young
lawyers generally are, and Wnale peo-
Dle predicted a future for him. Iheo-
doar thought of the present, and oeclo-
ed to let Jack workout his career alone
The clang at the door bell was the
signal for the last hurried peep In the
glass Theodore felt a moments pity
for .Jackras she caught the reflection.
They were going to Mrs. Hathaways 8
soiree. and the mirror gave back to
Theodora's vision all the lovelinesS OF
a1er gown enchanted by the pretty bare
neck and crowned by the fair young
face.
II occurred to her several times dur
4nrfhe evening that Jack was not act
fnfr especially worried Although to-
hfleffo was the time she had set as the
almost limit of her considerations, he
had not intimated by look or word that
aforementioned this
Theodore resolved to be severe, and
1t was with this resolution In mind
that she suggested sitting out one OF
the dances which showed scrawly y
opposite on her programme.
Certainly, if you wish" assented
Jack, arranging the cushions behind
his head ssIn fact. begin to think I'm
a trife tired myself. Quite a cruss
here. tonight"
yes said Theodore.
81 should think" continued Jack,
gazing out into the ball room, chat
Hunt would retire from society. or
from dancing, at least. Just look at
him now, whirling around like top
that hasn't been wound up right
enough He's beginning to wabble.
No response from Theodore.
s'Ee gets terribly red in the face, too
and the way he mops his forehead is a
sign Of age. He's really quite bald,
dsn't he? / only hope I'll remember it
when get old
Hunt is comparatively young man."
Compared to centenarian, perhaps
so"
Theodore did not design to answer.
After a short silence Jack said, sudden
~. Arranging his head prop more COM
fortably, by the way, I've been con-
sidering the question / asked you a
week ago and I've concluded to save
you the trouble of calculating matters.
100. It's no use, Theodore, | can't sup
port a wife I have figured it in every
way, and cant make both ends meet. .
Theodora's face hardened. Il might
have saved you the trouble of calcu-
lating by giving my answer week
ago" she said.
Then you weren't going to accept
me anyway" exclaimed Jack BY
Jove. l was almose afraid you would"
eIndeed?"
"Oh. now, see here. Theodora,' ex-
claimed Jake. for the first time turning
toward her Don't be down on me.
L suppose you'd look at this thing SEN
sfbly. Neither Of us believe in long en-
gagements, and so it is better to break
off entirely than to worry along for six
or eight years until all the poetry has
disappeared from life"
should heve suggested waiting.
Theodore rose and smoothed the
folds from her draperies
Since I'm going to marry another
man / don't see the use of any further
conversation on the subject"
Marry another mani" exclaimed
Jack starting forward, II never
thought of that, Theodore"
The CONSERVATION in his voice was a
satisfaction to her.
81 presume not" she said, coldly;
s'f1um mbleness is not one of your Writ
ues.
He did not answer her, and she NOV
ed toward the door
ssBut. Theodore, you know that love
you 1t is for your sake
"No. l do not know. nor can you
make me believe it. However. that is
of no consequence"
'But it is of consequence, Theodore
May I ask who it is you are going to
marry"
'It is Mr.. Hunt" she replied haugh-
tily.
One day. about month after Mrs
Hathaway's soiree, Jack met George
Hunt on the street.
by the way, Hunt" Jack exclaimed
'T presume I'm little behind hand,
but I want TO congratulate you. wish
you joy and all that sort of4thingv
my dear fellow. to what am | in
debted for all this" asked Hunt
shaking, in 2 desultory manner, the
hand which Jack held out
ITO the honnor of being the future
husband of one Of our most charming
young ladies' laughed Jack.
Mr. Hunt blushed unbecomingly
"You are either laboring under a de-
fusion or else this is very meager
joke / am engaged to no young lady
But Theodora---' began Jack, un
guardedly.
s'The young lady you mention die
herself. the honor ofVrefusing me" sale
MFR Hunt sxcurtly.
81 begtyourspardon by Jove, do
Hunt. It was, aiHalmistake Some ont
misinformeR. ME. I'msawfully sorry
butsf'vesbesK6kh the tirnesfiately.'
"It issoezno fconsequen said Mr.
-. aA~f ~