Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1899-04-13
MRS. TEpDYS MISTAKE.

speaking Of curiosity. said Dams
forth to Ashley, as they sat IN the
smoking-room of the club contentedly
putting their Havanas. "of all created
beings woman is the most curious.
.Well, ! don't know" said Ashley.
y rather fancy, Jack, l know more
about them than you do; two years of
married life have given me eAperi-
enee. and know one woman Who
isn't curious"
Il should like TO meet her" said
Dansforth, smiling derisiyely; and |
bet you anything if you put her to the
test she would, like the rest Of her
charming sex. eat Of the apple.
Ashley took his cigar from his
mouth and leaned across the table to-
ward his companion. III take you up
on that. old man; If sent my wife
telegram she would let it lay for an
hour or more without opening it,
showing that she at least has no
bump of curiosity
Don't believe it, calculated Dams
forth. Like to see the woman who
could do that
Very we'll" said Ashley, with SUI
perior smile. I'll bet you cool five
hundred that if l send her a telegram
she won't open it,
Done" said Dansforth. holding out
his hand. But if she does, you owe
me-
"Of course" replied Ashley. non
chalantly. and the two men sauntered
out in the direction of the telegraph
office
On this particular afternoon Mrs
Teddy Ashley sat at her desk. her
brown head bent over pile of ac-
counts, and her pretty brow drawn
into little quicker.
20, DEAR sighed she, when these
bills are paid there won't be cent
left to buy that blackboard with" and
she heaved heart-rending sigh.
Now, the ambition of Mrs Teddy's
life was to possess a certain natty
little turnout which she had seen at Il
shop window in town, and her hus-
band had promised in his off-hand
way that the next expenditure should
be for this darling scheme of hers.
Its an utter impossibility," She
unused. 1T would cost just $500. and
we can't afford that unless something
unexpected happens
Just then the door-bell rang. "A
quick. imperious ring, and moment
later trim little maid entered hold
ing on silver tray the bug-bear of
Mrs. Teddy's life, a telegram.
Time and again she had cautioned
her husband never under any circum-
stances to send her a message by tele-
graph. declaring she would not open
it. Heretofore he had not trans
crossed. but now, as her eyes fell on
the abhorred missive, she began To
doubt his integrity.
is that for your master?" she ques-
toned, with a CLEAN of hope in her
eye. but Polly's stout rejoinder soon
dismissed this faint CLEAN.
No, mum, for YOU.
Mrs Teddy turned pale. What
shall | do?" she faltered u know
its something fearful
open it. sure, mum. 1t amt 10th
ink: ma got one when pa was kilt on
the railway" and Polly gave reas-
surfing nod as she uttered this COM
forting bit of advice
Don't talk nonsense. Open it. in
deed. | shall do no such thing. If
Mr.. Ashley has dared to send me that
thing, L shall teach him lesson.
And so saving. Mrs. Teddy. with a
dignified expression, resumed her
work
Polly gave a gasp and left the room.
Hours afterward Mrs. Teddy was
fussing and Tuning and worrying her
self into perfect fever.every thought
revolved around that telegram. and
her fingers fairly itched to open it, but
she remembered what she had told
her husband. and desisted
1t was dinner time. Polly went to
the library to announce the meal. No
one was there. and on the floor Law
the telegram-open. She picked il up.
and with great difficulty spelt out
these words: IF you open this we
lose $500 Edward Ashley.
NO wonder she was skeert." quoth
Polly. I'll not dassent open one me-
self afther that"
The next morning Ashley sent the
following telegram to John Danforth.
Esq: she did it. |. o. L. Ashley"
And this was the reply: ITO Mr..
Ed Ashley: | bet on sure thing.
Wen call il square. Danforth. -
Amelia H. McAllister
Habit of the Cocktail.
90 A.