Middletown transcript., 1902-02-15

of her glossy dark braids,
taThe prettiest, best-turned-out woman
IN town. said young ellison, the head
clerk, enthusiastically to the cashier, as
Betty disappeared into the chiefs private
Office.
sT prefer blondes myself" said the
cashier.
Joe Blair looked up with a start as
Betty fioated in upon him; then he rose
with deliberate courtesy.
"This is an unexpected pleasure" he
said, blandly. :,
sCozy little nook you have here, said
Betty, taking in the luxurious appoint
ments of the business sanctunl with
few quick glances.
t.Rather neat" said Joe, with indlf-
ference, drumming on his desk, and
wondering what on earth lad brought
Betty down town.
"Joe, have come to see you on ousi-
ness"
Mr.. Blair smiled broadly. Il wonder
IL Won know what the word means, my
dear?''
Betty leaned back in big leather chair
and touched the tips of her perfectly
Qloyed fingers together lightly. Then
she put her head on one side, and re-
earded her husband with beautiful, ser
ious eyes.
aYou think Of me as frivolous bit
OF a butterfly, do you not?"
.T think of you always as the most
charming woman Of my acquaintance, "
said Mr.. Blair, gallantly.
"very well said, dearie. You are de-
lightful, and after three years of married
life. too" She kissed the tips OF her
fingers to him. ''To tell you the truth,
though, am just a wee bit weary OF
being charming"
ssAnd you SO young" said her hus-
band. He was secretly wondering when
she would go away and leave him free
to complete his correspondence.
az would SO much rather be interest
ing" went on Mrs. Blair, calmly. 1T
is all very well to feel sure of ones fasci-
nations; to know how and when to dress,
and all that sort of thing, but it seems
to me it is always the woman with a
motive in life who can compel mans
nermanent attention. She who writes
-
Joe started violently.
"-.or acts, or paints things"
Mr.. Blair recovered himself instantly.
aYou do not mean the women who
paint themselves" he queried.
Mrs. Blair ignored his attempt at
humor.
sJoe, do you remember when you first
met me?''
"You bet I do. l remember you wore
q pink frock and big shady hat"
sI was always creature OF clothes,
but there was one other attribute Of
mine, which you cannot have forgotten
my smile. Don't you remember my
smile?"
"By Jove, yes! l thought it was the
most radiant thing had ever seen. You
have the star dimples, anyway, Betty,
and the way your eyes used to light up,
and your teeth CLEAN, was bewildering. ;"
eyes" said Mrs. Blair, II meant it to
be. What should you say if told you
that that smile was all 'business'F'
Mr.. Blair regarded her in some won
derment.
"You dear, clever old stupid! You
always thought yourself such a judge
of women, and yet !, Betty Morrell, tbe
most arrant humbug that ever wore
French heels, fooled you completely. /
married you. You thought that was
your doing, but / assure you, sir, you
were a mere amiable accessory to the
ceremony. You have lived with me
three years and never found me out. To-
day you sit there calmly superior in the
thought that you have the gayest, silliest
wife in all the world Oh, you chump!"
'fGo on" said Joe. Il enjoy your
infinite variety. But why this setting?"
waving his hand to indicate the Office.
"Could you not say as much in your own
BOULDER? Do you not think it would be
more effective amid Pompadour hang
ings?''
NO." said Betty; 81 don't. This is
only prelude. I am coming to the point
by and by. You never remain long
enough in my boudoir to give me an op-
portunity to unburden my troubled soul.'
.'Because l always find some other
man there before me-" retorted Joe.
'sYou know man, especially husband,
hates to intrude."
81 don't see why" said Betty. 81
rather enjoy the sensation. know you
think me an awful bore this minute, but
I am going to stay just the same"
"Do," said Mr. Blair. 'The elevator
runs until midnight in this building, and
we can send out for bite of dinner"
He had an alluring engagement, but
always made it point to humor his wife
in everything.
'sNow," said Betty. leaning forward
little TO emphasize her words, 81 want
you to thoroughly comprehend me. Isee
that you have not so far understood me
in the least. You know was compar-
atively poor girl"
ffBut rich in beauty"
eyes" she acquiesced. "My face was
my fortune, and at an early age I firmly
resolved TO make the most of my capital,
and to marry the wealthiest man could
hatter into an ENGAGEMENT"
Instead OF which,, you met me, fell in
love at first sight, as yon have so many
times assured me, and forgot all such
sordidness, /" said Mr.. Blair, suayely.
He disliked plain speaking, and re-
solved not to quarrel with his pretty lit
Gle wife.
Betty laughed. Instead of which
found that men were easier than, in my