The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-07-13
Two Friends and Two Goats,

Not alone were Maurice and Pau
friends from childhood, not alone had
they followed the same studies in the
| same colleges, not alone had they mar
RED two cousins in the same year but
they also possessed q brown over, o Il
each OF the very same make and very
same shade.
On a certain morning as Maurice, after
an affectionate good-by TO Marthe, went
along 10 business, a messenger boy. who
evidently had been watching for him,
slipped a note securely and quickly into
his hand.
Quite rystifed, Maurice opened It.
Write min rather bad handwriting were
the lines:
MY Dear Old Friend: Come and dine
with me tomorrow evening. You know
the address. Fiji.
For two or three minutes the young
man remained puzzled.
Eff, Fiji" He could not recall the
name.
Then suddenly light broke on him.
"Ffhr'
He remembered now-an actress who
had big share Of his boyish devotion.
But OF what could she be thinking 10
imagine he, a sensible married man,
with the most charming wife n Pa l.,
would accept such an invitation? WI h
a gesture Of contempt he stuffed the bill
let into his coat pocket and tore the en-
yelope into little pieces as he threw it
to III wind. Struggling his shoulders
he continued his journey.
Fifth! AS he hurried along he could
not help smiling; thoughts of his youth
full days and remin scenes of CHAM
pa ne suppers came before him. Him
self and Paul had some jolly days, GER
tainly. He almost laughed aloud as
comic incident after comic incident
chased each other through his brain, all
brought to life by the four letter
Fiji
When he arrived at his office Paul was
already there; but so busy were the two
friends that, except the moment taken
to arrange to make s party for the the
ater that evening there was no oppor-
tunity Of speaking all day. Paul eft
first nthe evening. and as Maurice was
finishing up business for the day he Re
gan 10 think Of his billet.
After all, what harm would il be IL he
went TO see an old friend? He couft
easily, he was sure, learn through her
of the destiries of youthful friends whom
he had not seen for years. Perh ps
meet them at her home He could easily
make pretext Of business TO Marthe
surely ne WOuld love MS VIE none the
less because he had a few hearty laughs
with Old friends about old times
And trying to make a compact be-
tween conscience and temptation. Maui
rice became sorely puzzled
"Bah!' he muttered, I'll think no
more, but act on the inspiration of a
moment"
And standing up, he reached for his
coat and hat. When putting on the coat
he felt the Slew a trihe narrow.
Paul" thought he, has taken mine
Well exchange this evening at the the
ater."
Some hours later the young couples
were in a box at the Vaudeville The
piece was well acetd and was Of ca pti-
waiting interest. Seated behind Mar,he
who had never looked prettier, Maur'c,
forgot all about the adventure Of the
morning.
Seated In the carriage which was 10
take them home the door had hardy
closed when Marthe turned to her hus-
band
Look at that! Isnt it d,sgraceful!'
exclaimed she, with indignation, no ding
out with trembling hand the billet or
Fiji.
Maurice felt his heart almost stop
beating. A feeling of horror for rs
thoughts Of the morning came over him
as he realized how he had hurt the
young wife who loved him so dearly.
Atrocious" answered he, enc, getic-
ally and sincerely
There was a moment Of silence.