Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1903-10-15

AO@A II. - N1GSLEh SAT Udck al
Il y ter hearty dinner. grum-
9 M g bling and discontented.
4 AA He gazed morbidly down
To< the path leading to the
road.
"Well. I'm absolutely certain, Bess,
that I'd extend both arms to welcome
even burglar or lunatic, in this
wretched place.
You talk foolishly, George Be
thankful that you are on the road to
recovery"
But, say this is hermit's life.''
Haven't you your cigar and good
digestion?'
"Oh. l know all that. But I want a
little change, little diversion. Why,
| tell you," he exclaimed savagely, eff
the veriest hoodlum should happen
along just now, I'd bind him with ropes
and leg-irons to make him stay, and
apply hot iron to make hm talk
Would you really resort to such
extremes after a hearty dinner?"
"Oh. the pleasure of that is over-I've
eaten it., and he held up his cigar med
itatirely
We'll. perhaps, dear. you would en-
JOY breaking the Dishes suggested
Mrs. Stesler mildly There are lots
of exciting little ways for amusement.
you know. Indeed, some gentlemen,
l believe, find the most divine bliss in
the simple experiment of smashing the
stove"
$50 I've heard" replied her hus-
band.
And, too, I've heard of an individ-
ual with the habit of saving off the
legs of the table,
Il hope he found it diverting''
"Oh, indeed, a enjoyable diversion"
she said. toying dreamily with her fork.
He had an inventive genius that was
truly marvellous"
Inventive, hoW:''
when he tired Of saving the table,
he playfully pulled his wife's ears.
The ear part, however. was invariably
settled in police court
"A delightful gentleman. certainly"
well, at any rate, he rarely COM
planned Of ennui'' Then she added
after a moment, do you fail to find
these little suggestions of any use to
your
why, Bess," said he, shamefacedly
surely I'm no savage. I'm merely
longing for a little amusement. Now,
Tor instance, If some one should happen
along with a hearty, ringing laugh
that you read about in stories, think
Id find myself more contented"
wouldn't q dinner-hOrn sufficiently
arouse yOu?''
hurried step on the porch inter-
rupted her remark. and Mr. Stesler
ialrly Jumped out of his chair in eager
expectation as a knock sounded on the
ooor. large, ruddy faced man loomed
IN the doorway, and at sight of Mr.
stesler brokefa1to such a roar of laugh.
red and exchanged glances.
What do you want here, my good
man?' demanded Mr.. Stesler, becoming
exceedingly embarrassed, however, as
The stranger held his sides and per.
sisted in his merriment.
Mr.. Stesler carefully examined his
own shoes, his coat, his sleeves, found
Ills tie all right, then turned a bewild
cred look Of inquiry toward his wife.
What, in all creation, is the, mat
Ter he broke out finally in loud, fer
oclous accents. But the stranger still
laughed on.
Is this humorous from your point
vi view, Bess!'' but Mr.. Stesler's re
mark was drowned in the vociferous
enjoyment of the man outside.
Won't you come in?'' his wife po
''eiy asked, hoping to break the spell
ana Mr.. Stesler motioned the visitor
1hvltlngly to chair.
Inc stranger then entered and set
ued himself in the easy chair, lighted
one OF Mr.. Stesler's cigars, ant
stretched himself out in more comfor
than grace.
y. William" said he at last, moyin;
us hand authoritatively toward hi
os'' William, should like the morn
ing paper.''
NY name, sir, is not William. I an
Stesler-Mr. George Stesler.''
Ano. William" continued the stran