The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1900-01-27
A SOCIETY COUPLE.


without differing are a trifle old
fashioned and grumpy nowadays.
Husbands and wives who differ with
out agreeing are also somewhat be-
hind these times when a certain
calm independence is the fashion
able keynote of marital existence,
and Mr.. and Mrs. Butler were emil
nently up to date.
The first two years of their mar
ried life had been spent practically
out of the world in consequence Of
the state of health of Mr.. Buffers
father. Then had come their success
sion to the property and period of
retirement-they were trifle old
fashioned in those days, 1t will be
seen-and then they had launched
out into the world of society. They
went with the stream with that en-
thusiasm which not infrequently at
tends new experiences, She was an
extremely pretty and dainty little
parsonage, with charming wit, and a
very few weeks of social life put
quite an extraordinary polish on her.
He was good looking, too, not par
tioularly clever, but quite capable OF
following the lead set him by his
fellows and CHEEKY and good natured
withal. There was plenty of money.
They became immensely popular
hnd found thorough going society
life altogether delightful.
The head of each was little turn
ed perhaps by the end of their first
season. They had become SO very
modern. But neither could have said
how the idea first suggested itself to
him or her that their relations with
one another needed shortening up.
They did not discuss the subject
Neither was aware, indeed, that 1t
had presented itself to the other. But
each was secretly convinced that the
old 'spoony'' relations would not
TO. IT was ridiculous to care for the
society of your husband OF wife. 1t
was 'the thing" to live independent
lives.
Independent lives, however, are
not always, it appears, to be achiev,
ed at word by two wholesome
minded young people living in the
came house and sharing the same
round Of pleasures Della Butler
was coquette, but there was q
touch Of delicate haughtiness in hel
and she was incapable of vulgar
Irritation. Also George Butler would
have been incapable Of jealousy
where she was concerned, old fash
toned traits in each which hinteC
that their regeneration was not
complete. So that when at last {
tangible subject of dispute presented
itself husband and wife alike jump
cd at it with avidity.
The subject in question was thor
oughly up to date, which was as i
should be. AT first, 1t cost Mr.
Butler pang to realize that the side
he had accidentally adopted wal
that behind tho times. But he hat
an obstinate fiber in him, SO he nail
ed his eolors to the mast like man
The moot point was the bicycle
craze. He would have none of it
In any shape or form; he derided j
where men were concerned; fo
women he declared it not unsuita
ble--he knew his age better thai
that-but, what was far worse, ri
diculously unbeooming. Mrs. Bul
Ter, on the other hand, threw hersel
into the movement heart and soul
Her bicycle was for her the cente
of the universe. Nothing coul,
have been better. The husband an
wife agreed to differ, as has beel
said, in most approved fashion, AM
for the rest of the season they hard
y met.
For people who had arrived at s
desirable an understanding, how
ever, they were arguing the ques
ton rather holly as they sat owe
the dinner table on certain ever
ing IN February They were tete-a
tete, state of things which eac
felt to be highly ridiculous. The
had come down for the hunting
that is to say, Mr.. Butler intende
to hunt; Mrs. Butler no longer 70
lowed the hounds, since it is not q
yet feasible to do SO on bicycl.
And there was to be an unavoidable
interval of two days before thei
house would be full
"Where does the fun come inf
Mr.. Butler was demanding indi>
nantly; that's what can't MAX
outi OF course, one wouldn't Cal
about the thing being dangerous
the game was worth the candle.
Lady Butler was drawing patter1
on the tablecloth with her desse
fork.
"That's obvious" she returnt
with spirit, "or you wouldn't wal
to ride horrid horse.
Horses don't 'skid'-or, wha
ever you call it.
Bicycles don't shy-neither
<hnx, ,anr