The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1898-10-27

H : =
and = Il rolled back 70 M, kicked II
scross the room with . remark that
had better be omitted. Then I heard
the door Of TIE dumb waiter open just
below me.
"Yed better break hole In the cell
Ing an done with Il" somebody shout
ed.
began to cool down q bit shortly,
and swathed my hand In a wet cloth,
and fixed the beans and potatoes and
put them away in the oven. They
looked all right, and began to broil
the beefsteak with q feeling of re-
morse. When II lay on the platter at
last, with golden crown OF butter on
it and sprinkle of pepper over all, I
grew hungry at the sight. "Now," I
thought "the quicker she comes the
better"
The table looked superb in its fresh
cover of snowy linen with delicate
sprays Of fern surrounding the center
piece Of roses, and little groups Of
china decorated in blue and gold.
"ThereH be one surprised woman
when she does come" said to myself
as sat down to cool off.
looked at the clock. 1t was half
after six, and she was long overdue.
What could have happened to her? II
had been very hot in the sun-perhaps
she had been overcome and taken to
some hospital. The gloomy day grew
dusk, and there was something In the
silence like the muffled football of the
coming night. I sat long time listen
ing, hoping. fearing. imagining all
manner of evil. went into the dark
kitchen after awhile and ht a match
and peered into the oven. The fire had
gone down; the beans had settled and
turned black; the potatoes had a cold
and sickly look; the steak had shrunk
into leathery patch at the bottom Of
the platter. I went back 10 my chair
in the dining-room, utterly sick at
heart.
"If she doesn't come In half an hour,
shall send out an alarm" said to
myself, and then a ring at the bell
DrouRnt me 10 my Ieet.
Hello, DEAR" said my wife, In
cheerful tone, as I opened the door.
"You poor thing, what has happened TO
you2"
Madam" said l, with growing in
dignation, II should like to know what
hos happened to you"
"Goodness!" said she In that same
kindly and provoking tone, make \
light and then shall tell YOU"
ats a fine time to be getting home"
! said, with suppressed emotion as l
lit Q match; "where have you been?"
been to the clubl" abe answered.
"Been TO the club" I repeated. with
irony.
"Yes; been to the club, she went on.
stepping into the bedroom and laying
of Der things. n stayed longer than
intended and missed my train"
She used the same tone Of voice with
which I had answered her on similar
occasions, and oddly enough It was
obout the same story had told her
score OF times. Wife I was lighting
The gas in the dining-room thought
how suddenly thnt feeling Of roman; ic
tenderness had some out OF my heart.
Come here said she, presently. "l
want you to look in the glass."
I had already seen 1t In the mantle
mirror-that face of mine black with
SCOT and stern with emotion.
Sic came In before I could answer
and saw the dinner table, and shortl;
we both went and washed our faces
Ny dinner was cold and went with
bad relish, bu. she fell TO with s:nil-
ing face and q stout heart. and a word
Of praise for everything. jus, as had
done always.
I felt like talking after dinper. 1t
was great relief to have somebody to
talk 10 sitter that long and lonely day.
Tell me what you have been doing
all day" said.
Ny wife sat gaping. her head leaning
on her hand, u far-oR look In her eyes.
She had not heard me.
What did you sayT' she inquired.
'Oh, come" / said, wake upl Let's
have good long talk. A wife Is no
Comfort 70 q man when she sits and |
gazes at him like ninny with nothing |
70 say"
I'm too tired"-that wes her answer
i've to get up early and go and meet
q friend Of mine over in Brooklyn to-
morrow morning. must get through
with the work and go to bed"
when am l going to have o word
with you2-that's what I'd like TO |
know" said.
"Oh, by'n by," she answered. 'May-
be TN break my leg one ofthese days"
1begsn 70 grow thoughtful then. and |
~ ~ end helped her clear the table,
A. went laso the Kitchen and wiped |
.Ao dlShes ooy her.
"How nice It is," said she, -tust as ! |
am able 70 60 out bit that You can
turn your hand to such things"
"Not much,' answered.; "1 don't
propose to be anybodys servant girl.
Wen hire one tomorrow, and then
well get acquainted with each other"
And that Is what came Of It,