Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-03-25
MR.. BoWsER's TRIBULATIoNs.
He Would Have Passed a Pleasant
Evening But for n Butchers Bill.

He Would Have Passed a Pleasant
Evening But for a Butchers Bill.
Copyright, 1900, by C. B. Lewis.)
MIR. BoWSer was due at his home at
o'clock, and Mrs. Bowser was wonder
ing what sort new fad he would
bring home with him, when he sud-
denly opened the door. AS he didn't
give the door kick and bang when
he opened it, she knew that he hadn't
had a row with the street car conduc-
tor en- route. AS he was humming a
tune to himself, she knew that he
hadn't found clothespin or shirt
button on the steps and would bring
no charge of reckless extravaganza
against her.
''Ha, little woman, but here you
are!" he exclaimed as he caught sight
of her. Dinners all ready, of
course? You never keep me waiting,
and you always have something good
! never come home without patting
myself on the back over my good luck.
Everything gone all right with you
to-day"
1t wasn't an extra good dinner. The
butcher had sent poor roast, and the
cook had had trouble with the range,
but as Mr.. Bowser piled his knife and
fork he complimented everything. He
also complimented Mrs. Bowser on her
personal appearance and the cook on
her culinary skill. Mrs. Bowser was
glad to see him in such good spirits,
and yet she was uneasy. AS dinner
was ended she almost hoped to hear
him say he was going around to the
club for an hour or two. He had no
such idea in his head, however. AS he
reached the sitting room he took off
his shoes, lighted a cigar and dropped
into chair with the observation:
well, but this is home! This is the
way for a man to live! A man who has
a home like this ought to be kicked
for complaining about anything. Did
leave you any shopping money this
morning."
IL think not" she replied.
~Gh5b must have forgotten it. l
meant to have left you $40. Just put
me in mind of it tomorrow, will you?
BY George, but how neat and coy this
room looks! We might have little
more light, though"
down, you know"
Never you mind the gas bills, little
one" he said as he rose up and lighted
all the burners. "You are naturally
saving, but there's no need of pinch
ing Just use all the gas you want to
and don't scrimp on coal. Didn't I see
you fixing up dress the other even
ing?"
81 was altering 1t over in hopes to
make it do" she explained.
well, throw it away and go down
and get new one. want to see you
well dressed, and there's no call to al
ter over old garments. Go to the best
dressmaker and have the latest style"
"You are awfully kind and good"
Ehe murmured as she. forgot the peril
Of the situation for a moment.
mo thanks, please. You deserve all
can do for you If there's better
little wife in all this big world, I'd like
to hear of her. The trouble is that
don't half appreciate you. Only the
other day / was thinking things over,
and / realized to the fullest extent that
but for your influence I should never
have been the man l am. I've made
blunders enough, heaven knows, but
If it hadn't been for you should have
made hundreds more. Just think of
the tomfool fads / have INDUCED in,
will your"
"They weren't so very foolish" she
protested.
You say that to let me down easy,
but ] realize how often / have made
an ass Of myself. All, there's the cat!
Kitty. kitty, kitty"
The cat came out from under the
lounge and sprang to Mr.. Bowser's
knees, and he stroked her back and
foyed with her ears, and said:
Just cozy little family, aren't we?
Do you remember that one night about
two weeks ago we differed as how to
spell the word 'waggon?' I said there