, 1898-07-22
HIS LETTERS.

We had been three months married,
and lived in the blessed expectancy of a
s~ecretaryship which l had been promised
on a commission appointed to inquire
into some abuses the government did
not want to find out, but the nrelini-
inaries dragged, and l found myself
doomed to a period of enforced idleness
which did not improve my temper, and
I fear tried my wife sorcly, for, though
happy, we were human. Our FIRST, and.
thank heaven, our only tiff, took place
one memorable day when we were roth
gardening on q plot of soo ~hlackenyd
ground attached to our modest dwell
ing. In making a border | had planted
a number Of carnations and picutees to-
gether, contrary to my wife's directions,
and OH discovering the mistake she said
what l suppose nine out of ten women
would have said. l answered tartly, be-
ing ~preoccupied with bitter thor; hts,
and 30 acrimonious did our discussion
become that Edith went into the house.
After some minutes reflection | felt
the childishness Of my conduct and fol-
lowed to make it up. She was o i'll
the little attiClike boudoir at the top of
our mansion, so l descended to search
for her in the drawing room, which had
doors opening OH the conservatory and
hall. By chance ! chose the first and
had almost entered the room when l
heard the sound of a well remembered
voice, and, drawing the portiere aside,
cautiously, saw my wife face to face
with Arbuscula-
II daresay you know who l amp 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
eve 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-"
~"Indeed?" replied Arbuscula. "WelI
I have got a good many things to say"
My wife folded her hands and, find
ing n of her gardening gloves on,
pulled it off and threw it on the table.
"Guardl' thought l.
"And first. continued Arbuscula, ~
want to say that your husband is the
writer OF those letters" And she de-
posted a formidable bundle on the ia
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 OH. You could compare them
with those he has, l dare say. written to
yourself"
Il fear you misunderstood, though
the error is u 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, eff 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 won't care to see
them in the public press" the other
added v%iciously. Il know q literary
chap who would dress EN- up well;
they'd want q little drapiug for Il pa.
per | know Of"
II conclude. then. that the lawyers
have marked mo case!' observed
Edith, and Arbuscula glanced curiously
at her.
81 do not take my-wrongs to IA law
court I" she said magnificently.
"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
q fool"
"You are the first woman who ever
aid that of him." retorted Arbuscula.
II do 10 doubt it, replied my wife,
with much significance, and the other
Redeemed slightly. "Under the guard"
thought 1.
"All women are the same to him."
continued Arbuscula, recovering herself.
What is the difference between you
aud me? A G,hding ring"
"And all it symbolizes, rejoincd my
wife softly.
"Thut'sa house on a fifth rate ter
race, with only stopcock for eight
Of ye. and the lady nex door cuts of
the water when she has had q few words
with you over the hedse-l ll:ow tel"
meered the other.
"Oh, 1t symbolizes pioro. said Edith,
but her tone was weaker. The thrust
Had gone homo, for the study of hydro
statics had been forced upon nj Of late.
"And what is that. p.ay?'' demanded
Arbuscula insolently.
ITO explain would be to insult your
intelligence-and yourself" replied
Edith. BEAT in carte, hinge in tiesce!'
thought L.
"Oh, l nm not thin skinnedr' laugh
ID ArbnsculA.
81 made allowanns." rejoined my
with.
A-Hhnse.l.,a In. h.c..n . <h,p lin.