Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1902-08-21
LETTERS.
WE had been three months mar
wv ried. and lived in the blessed ex-
By WILLIAM BUCKLEY.

AIE had been three months mar
wv ried, and lived in the blessed ex-
pectancy Of secretaryship which |
had been promised on commission ap-
pointed TO inquire into some abuses
government did not want TO find out;
but the preliminaries dragged. and l
found myself doomed to period Of en-
forced idleness which did not improve
my temper, and | fear tried my wife's
sorely, for though happy we were hui
man. Our first and, thank Heaven, our
only tiff took place one memorable day
when we were both gardening on aplot
of soot-blackened ground attached TO
our modest dwelling. In making bor-
der | had planted a number Of carna-
tions and picotees together, contrary to
my wife's directions, and on discovering
the mistake she said what l suppose
nine out OF ten women would have said.
l answered tartly, being preoccupied
with bitter thoughts, and SO acrimoni-
Gus did our discussion become that
Edith went into the house.
After some minutes reflection felt
the childishness OF my conduct, and
followed to make IL up. She was not in
the little attic-like boudoir at the top
OF our mansion, so descended TO search
for her in the drawing-room, which had
doors opening on the conservatory and
hall. BY chance | chose the first, and
had almost entered the room when |
heard the sound OF well-remembered
voice, and drawing the portiere aside
cautiously saw my wife face 10 face
with Arbusculal
81 daresay you know who l amp" the
latter was saying.
Edith denied the implied honor.
"rhen is your state the more gra-
cious," retorted Arbuscua. But your
husband does, and that is the chief
point. The servant told me he was at
home" She looked just as splendid as
ever. and swept our modest little apart
ment with scornful glance.
MY husband is engaged, said Edith.
~ ,ything you have to say may be said
TO me-"
"Indeed2" replied Arbuscula. "well,
hoft HoA tNoN hihh1 lhlhko w hal
My wife folded her hands, and find
ing one OF her gardening gloves on,
pulled II OFT and threw 1t on the table.
Guard" thought !.
"And first," continued Arbuscula, 81
want TO say that your husband is the
writer OF those letters" And she de-
posted formidable bundle on the
table. beside the glove. "They were
written to me-you may read them II
you choose"
81 have no desire TO do So" replied
my wife, yaliantly.
They would interest you" the
other went on. "You could compare
them with those he has, darcsay, writ.
ten to yourself"
IL fear you misunderstood, though
the error is u natural one--for you"
replied " wife considerably.
A spot OF light shone in Arbuscula's
eye. "rhey would be useful" she con
tinued, III you wanted to make things
hot for him-as you undoubtedly will"
My wife was silent; she played with
her wedding-ring.
"Or, perhaps you would care TO see
them In the public press" the other
added yiciously. 81 know literary
chap who would dress 'em up well;
they'd want little draping, for pa
per know Of"
Il conclude, then, that the lawyers
have marked no caseT" observed
Edith, and Arbuscula glanced curiously
at her.
81 do not take my'-wrongs TO law
court" she said, magnhcently.
I'm that you show your wisdom" re-
piled my wife. ArbusculA looked at
her again, with something approach
ing respect. but there was sparkle he.
meath the cyclids.
Come, what viii you give to prevent
it?" she asked.
Nothing" responded Edith, quietly.
"Ile would be OF different opinioni"
observed Arbuscula.
Hardly" said my wife; "he Is not a
fool"
"iou are the first woman who ever
a. that OF him." retorttd l'auscula.
do not doubt III" rep',' ~ wife.
with much significance ",' d.. o'hcr