The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1898-07-29
LETTERS.
By WILLIAM BUCKLEY.
WE had been three months mar

WE had been three months mar
w ried, and lived in the blessed eX-
pectancy of a secretaryship which l
had been promised on commission ap-
pointed to inquire into some abuses
government did not want to find out;
but the preliminaries dragged, and l
found myself doomed to period OF en-
forced idleness which did not improve
my temper, and | fear tried my wife's
sorely, for though happy we were hui
man. Our first and, thank Heaven, our
only tiff took place one memorable day
when we were both gardening on plot
of soot-blackened ground attached to
our modest dwelling. In making bor-
der L had planted a number of carna-
tons and picotees together, contrary to
my wifes directions, and on discovering
the mistake she said what l suppose
nine out of ten women would have said.
l answered tartly, being preoccupied
with bitter thoughts, and SO acrimoni-
GUS did our discussion become that
Edith went into the house.
After some minutes reflection felt
the 'childishness of my conduct, and
followed to make it up. She was not in
the little attic-like 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
heard the sound of a well-remembered
voice, and drawing the portiere aside
cautiously saw my wife face to face
with Arbuscula!
Il daresay you know who I am 90 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 scOrnful glance.
My husband is engaged" said Edith.
Anything you have to say may be said
to me-"
''1ndeed?" replied Arbuscula. "Wen,
[ have got a 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 I.
And first" continued Arbuscula, ct
want to say that your husband is the
writer of those letters" And she de-
posted formidable bundle on the
table. beside the glove. ''They were
written to me-you may read them if
you choose
Il 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, 1 daresay, writ
ten to YOURSELF
L fear you misunderstood, though
the error is natural one-for you"
rephed my wife considerably.
y 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.
"Or, perhaps you would care to see
them in the public press" the other
added, viciously. Il know a literary
chap who would dress 'em up we'll;
they'd want little draping, for a pa
per | know off,
Il conclude, then, that the lawyers
have marked no case?'" observed
Edith, and Arbuscula glanced curiously
at her.
Il do not take rny-wrongs to law
COURT she said, magnifcently.
SIN that you show your wisdom" re-
piled my wife. Arbuscula looked at
her again, with something approach
ing respect, but there was sparkle be-
meath the epelids.
Come, what will you give to prevent
it?" she ask ed
"Nothing,'' responded Edith, quietly
He would be of different opinion,''
observed Arbuscula
Hardly said my wife; che is not a
fool
You are the first woman who ever
said that of him." retortee7 Arbuscula.
Il do not doubt it," replied my wife.
with much significance. and the other