The Winslow mail., 1899-03-04
LETTERS.
BY WILLIAM BUCKLEY.


XHTE had been three months mar
wv ried, and lived in the blessed ex-
pectancy of a secretaryship which l
had been promised on a commission ap-
pointed to inquire into some abuses
government did not want to find out;
but the preliminaries dragged, and /
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 hu-
man. Our first and, thank Heaven, our
only tiff took place Cne memorable day
when we were both gardening on a plot
Of soot-blacllened ground attached 10
our modest dwelling. In making bor-
der | had planted number of carna-
tions and picotees together, contrary to
my wife's directions, and on discovering g
the mistake she said what 1 suppose
nine out of ten women would have said.
l answered tartly, being preoccupied
with bitter thoughts, and so acrimoni-
ous 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-remem bere
voice, and drawing the portiere aside
cautiously saw my wife face to face
with Arbuscula
Il Garesay you know who l am? % 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 locked just as splendid as
ever, 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. "Well.
1 have got 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, 81
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"
81 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, Idaresay, writ
ten to yourself"
Il fear ycu misunderstood, though
the error is a natural one-for you"
replied wife considerably.
A spot ci light shone in Arbuscula's
eye. They would be useful she con-
tinued, 'if you wanted to make things
hot for hiu-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. II know a literary
chap who would dress 'em up we'll;
they'd want little draping, for pa
per l knew of.''
Il conclude, then, that the lawyers
have marked no case"" observed
Edith, and Arbuscula glanced curiously
at her.
Il do not take my-wrongs to law
court" she said, magnificently.
''In that you show your WISDOM" re-
piled my wife. Arbuscula looked at
her again, with something approach
ing respect, but there was a sparkle be-
meath the eyelids.
"Comc, what will you give to prevent
it?" she asked.
Nothing" responded Edith, quietly.
''He would be Of different opinion!"
observed Arbuscula.
Hardly" said my wife; she is not
fool"
you are the first woman who ever
said that of him." retortel Arbuscula.
Il do not doubt it," replied my wife,
/. much significance, and the other
reddened slightly. "Under the guard"
thought l.
"All women are the same to him, con-
tinued Arbuscula, recovering herself.
what is the difference between you
and me? 4 wedding ring"
'And al it symbolizes," rejoined my
wife, softly.
That's a house on a fifth-rate terrace,
with only one stop-cock for eight of ye,
and the lady next door cuts off the wa
ter when she has had a few words with
you over the hedge 1 know it,"
snecrcd the other.
20, it symbolizes more" said Edith,