The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-09-28

The orchestra started fresh motif.
and dance was performed which
proved highly satisfactory to the au-
dience.
At its conclusion very stout lady,
clad in scarlet tights and scarlet,
sleeveless bodice. came forward and
announced natively and with an un-
dulating movement Of the hips
II am the lobster, juicy and fresh"
"And the crisp little cress," chirped
o second. "And I the mayonnaise,"
sang a third. "And I the luscious
beetroot," declared substantial
fourth "And l the garlic" "and !
the chicory," "and / the radish," and
so on until the whole gamut was
reached. At this point a radiant ap-
partition appeared, approached the foot
lights, and. with smile and most
graceful curtesy, broke into the song
of Queen Lettuce.
The count looked stupefied.
There was not the slightest doubt.
in Queen Lettuce he recognized his
wife! And standing there, in the
blaze of the footlights, with her lovely
hair and sparkling eyes, her charming
costume. her exquisitely proportioned
and rounded limbs, he appeared so
pretty, so fascinating, so mischievous,
that involuntary applause rang out
from every part of the theatre. and II
was some moments before she could
commence her song.
This passed off with success which
was phenomenal, and the Comte found
himself making comparisons between
his wife and Mile. Coudert, which were
certainly not in favor of the latter.
On coming out of the theatre the
lady was confronted by her husband.
He was looking very grave and cold,
and she burst out laughing.
ooh, there you are!'
$50 you have decided to go on the
variety stage?" he said quietly.
"Oh. no! I have merely tried an
experiment. When husband deceives
his wife there are two courses before
her-either to sit down and cry, which
is silly; Or to laugh, as l have done.
in any case she ought to compare her
self with her rival"
And your eXperience?"
HAS taught me that I have the ad-
vantage. Has Mile. Coudert ever gain
ed such a success as l have gain
ed tonight? You know she neve"
has"
And what is your decision, them"
'This. Had you given me rival
who was my superior should not
have excused your fault, but it might
have been compromised. AS it is,
have eclipsed Mile. Coudert. You
have humiliated me and l shall obtain
a divorce. Good bye!'
The brogham is waiting. Will you
let me take you to the hotel?" he said.
"Oh, very WE'LL" she answered. in
differently, and, disdaining his arm,
got into the carriage, sqeezing herself
up in corner, where she remained
silent and motionless.
His principal feeling was a desire to
strangle Mile. Coudert-to blot her out
from his memory. His eyes rested al
ways on that delicious little figure in
the corner, dressed SO perfectly, so be-
comingly, and in his ears rang still
the delighted applause of the theatre
given to Queen Lettuce. Heavens.
What admiration she had received
And there she was, close to him.
the delicious perfume of white lilies,
which she always used, delighting his
senses.
He moved nearer, but she appeared
to be asleep.
He coughed slightly. She did not
stir.
He took her hand, and, as it was not
withdrawn. put his arm round her
waist. Then she awoke.
Stupid! You are making mis-
take"
81 am making no mistake
She took away her hand, pushed his
arm from her waist, and drew her
cloak around her as though to mark
a boundary between them.
But he got possession OF her hand
again and the next minute his face
was touching hers.
mo, no! Let me alone! 1t Is end
ed! I do not care for you now!'
But he persisted gently though de-
scisively, and she cried petulantly:
"How silly you are! You worry me!
oh, ,Raoul, my hat! Take care!
Don't sou see It is impossible to kiss
me? Ny veil'--
And whilst she was speaking she
was laughing inwardly at the success
or her experiment.
After all, it was easy enough. Simp-
iy to make comparison. And she
had triumphed-completely. Her re-
sistance gave her an added charm, and
as she looked into her husbands eyes,
brilliant with love and admiration, she
laughed aloud.
After all 1t had only entaiied lit
tie trouble. n
"Yeu must understand" she said, as
the carriage stopped at their hotel,
that to-night's entertainment has cost
me thousand francs. Do not put me
to this expense every day, for my DOT
would not hold out!'
But she was not obliged to reDeat