The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1901-12-31


the sewing and the cooking, l really
cannot get the time"
Fudge! Nonsensel Where there
is will, there is way"
Not always"
Mr.. Hamilton resumed his restless
pacing of the room. I'D find time to
know something about my own coun-
try, guessl" he declared
Mrs. Hamilton left the room quietly.
There was still an hours work to be
done downstairs, she said.
Fudge! Nonsense!" retorted her
husband.
A few evenings later Mr.. Hamilton
came home to his supper at the usual
hour. He opened the door with his
latchkey and found himself in an un-
lighted hall.
"Clara!" he called.
Eyes. What is it?"
''The gas isn't lighted, and the HALLS
as dark as pocket"
No response came from the sewing
room at the end of the hall, from which
a faint stream of light issued. Stun
bling toward it Mr.. Hamilton uttered
an exclama ton of surprise as he
pushed the door open. In the one large
easy chair sat his wife. Upon the ta-
BILE beside her was shaded lamp. In
her hand was large book, and upon
its pages her eyes were fixed. She did
not look up when he entered the room
and walked up to the table.
After a moments stealthy scrutiny
of her face he turned away. He went
back into the hall and struck match
noisily, and lighted the gas. Then,
feeling his way, he went downstairs.
Instead of the bright, cheerful dining
room, with the table attractively
spread for the evening meal, he found
darkness.
Uttering a purposely loud exclama-
ton of disgust, he went into the kitch-
en-. Here, too, was darkness. Strik-
ing several matches, he at last succeed
ed in reaching the gas. He rubbed his
eyes when the strong light filled the
room. In the sink were the breakfast
dishes, unwashed; on the tables were
plates of broken food; on the stove
were the unwashed kettles and pans.
Mr.. Hamilton strobe through the
cold room and called to his wife.
Clara! What has happened down
here? Has the range given out? Where
is supper?"
No reply came. He hurried upstairs,
breathing heavily.
"Clara, what's the matter?"
Mrs. Hamilton turned page and
read with absorbed attention.
"Clara!" shouted her husband from
the doorway.
She looked at him for moment.
mot so loud, pleased" she said, re-
turning to her book.
whats the matter? Clara, say,
what has happened to the ranger"
Mrs Hamilton turned another page.
A sudden fear seized upon her hus-
band. Insanity! She had lost her
senses
He stole softly across the carpet
and grasped the book she held.
"Don't!" she said. pray go away.
You are interrupting me-"
"Clara! Are you sick, or are you
crazy?"
"Sick? No. Go away. do. 1 am so
interested"
Her tone was natural. Mr.. Hamilton
discarded his momentary theory of in
sanity. His voice became more impera-
tive.
at is supper time! Where are the
children? Where is the supper? Clara, y
Loudly, where is the supper?"
Mrs. Hamilton partially closed her
book and looked at him.
"The supper? You said the SUPERB
81 didi"
WELL" yawning, II suppose it is
getting late, but 1 must finish this
book. don't care about food, but do
want to know who succeeded to the
throne after"
"The throne be hanged" interrupts
ed Mr. Hamilton. where are the chill
dren?"
1.-THE children? Let me see. Oh,
remember! You'll find them at your
sisters. L"
"At Helen's? Why in time did you
send them there?"
Mrs. Hamilton resumed her reading
"Four days for housekeeping, two fol-
my reading" she said, quietly.
Mr.. Hamilton stared at her for a
moment Then he burst into hearty
laugh.
81 seei understand" he said.
He left the room still laughing. He
whistled as he went down to the
kitchen.
In few moments his wife Joined
him.
III see to things down here, while
you go for the children" she said;
but, William, before you go, tell ms
this: Is it possible for a woman t.
keep up her education while she is do
ing homework, mending, sewing, re
ceiving callers and making calls
etc. ?"
II was a brute that night, Clara
You know more than most womer
do"
NO." sadly, II have not kept up a,
/ should But l mean to, William. TIL,
children must wear palmer clothing
and so must their mother, for theil
mother must not be an ignoramus."
"And their father must not requir,
r