Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-01-06
DAILY SHORT STORY
Mrs. Spicer's Catch.
[Original.

grief OF her own to avenge l don't
know. At any rate, she might have ac-
complished the same result without
publicly wounding any ones feelings.
Herbert Vincent was an athlete and
a good fellow with one especial weak
ness-he was easily led by women. But
| as all men are more or less weak in
| this respect Herbert was not blamed by
mis- friends Indeed, there was some
thing amusing in the violence of his
love affairs. At last, however. he set
tied down to two women. He was very
fond of Il young girl. Hazel Abbey,
and in love with widow, Mrs Ara
bella Bates. Miss Abbey was too young
and inexperienced to cope with Mrs.
Bates. who drew the massive body of
Mr.. Vincent in her wake as tug will
draw a ship. Hazel would have ruined
all by display of jealousy had it not
been for Mrs. Spicer. who in the ways
of>the world could discount the widow
and give her points besides.
You keep away from Herbert" said
Mrs. Spicer, while the fever is on
him. Sooner or later it will pass
away" Hazel had the good sense to
take the advice, and she went away
for a visit.
One evening Mrs. Spicer was chat
ting with Herbert at a ball. Mrs.
Bates was present, and, passing the
couple on the arm of Il cavalier. she
gave Vincent a smile that displayed Il
set of very white and regular teeth.
"Oh, if 1 had such teeth as Mrs.
Bates" said Mrs. Spicer, throwing up
her hands dramatically, I'D not ask
for another beauty
"They are as white as her unblem-
ished soulv' exclaimed Vincent.
IF l were n man and had Il ladylove
with such teeth. l would never rest till
/ had one of them for n keepsake. I'd
wear it next my heart"
Vincent made no reply, but the next
time he was left alone with Mrs. Bates
he entered into raptures upon what he
called pearl creScents," meaning her
upper and under rows of teeth, asking
her to give him one little tooth from an
uneXpOsed place. The widow demur-
red, spoke of the dreadful pain she
would suffer, the fact that the tooth
would never grow again-in fact. made
every excuse in reason and beyond rea-
son-but Herbert pleaded and whined
and threatened till at last he secured
promise that he should have his hearts
desire \ few days later he called on
Mrs Bates and received the tooth.
wrapped in a bit of white, scented it's
sue paper. The widow showed him the
spot left vacant. whercupon he gath
cred her in his arms.
The next time Vincent met Mrs. Spi-
l,n Loo 10 ffI-
I'D her handkerchief, she caught sight
OF a delicate gold chain which had be-
come entangled in the collar button at
the back of his neck. She knew he
was wearing the tooth.
Before the close of the social season
Mrs. Spicer gave Il cOtillon party at
which Mr. Vincent. Mrs. Bates and
Miss Abbey were present. Mr.. Vincent
was somewhat troubled ut the presence
of the two women who held the chief
place in his heart; but. as usual. the
widow, by superior push carried the
evening and secured her admirer for
partner. Miss Abbey. seeing him car
ried off, turned her face 10 the wall to
hide her vPXation, then faced about
and accepted for partner meek look
ing young man who had asked her.
Mrs. Spicer made list of the figures
in the dance which she gave to the
leader. This was one of them: \ lady
would place an ivory bit i'm the mouth
of another lady and with a pair of
fancy reins drive her to the gentleman
with whom she was TO dance the fig
ure a number of ladies had been thus
driven when the hostess appeared be-
fore Mrs. Bates and, placing the bit |
between her teeth, drove her once |
around the room, then stopped before
Mr. Herbert Vincent. Just as he was
about to put his right arm about his |
partner Mrs. Spicer gave "A terrific jerk |
on the reins, with n saving motion, |
that nearly pulled the widow over
There was a shrek, and |
double set OF false teeth fell on the |
floor.
Mr.. Vincent was a true cavalier. The |
teeth had scarcely touched the floor |
when he dropped his handkerchief over |
them, picked it up with the teeth, and |
before any one but himself and one or |
TWO immediate bystanders had seen |
what had happened he sailed away |
with Mrs. Bates. After once or twice |
,ircling the room he paused before the |
doorway and, leading his partner into |
he hall at the foot of the staircase. |
handed her the teeth, still inclosed in |
he handkerchief. Catching at them, |
she turned and hurried away to the |
aides robing room.
Herbert Vincent and Mrs. Spicer |
we're not again on speaking terms that |
season. He bitterly condemned her |
or her ungracious act, though the |
ady went about with a self satisfied |
lir, as though she had accomplished
,reat feat. Vincent's next call upon |
Mrs. Bates was fraught with embar-
assment. He was so cOnsiderate as |
o swear eternal devotion, but his |
words had a hollow sound that did |
lot deceive the widow, who knew that
he end of her reign had come. Her