The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-05-11
DENHAM,S DIGNITY.

Garry that thing? Neveri" Johs.
Frederic Denham looked scornfully at
the parcel carelessly wrapped in sew
eraI times as much newspaper as its
bulk required.
But. my dear exoostulated Mrs.
Denham. you know we are going Oves
to Ella 8 for the simple and only reason
tnat she needs this at once for the
baby # you won't take it we might
better stay at home"
Wei. suppose I do take it-how do
you think would look? And what
would people think to see me going
along the street with a newspaper pack
age under my arn2 I'd be sure to meet
Mrs Van Alan Brown or some other
woman like her and she'd put me down
for a guy.
4 should like to know what Mrs. van
Alan Srown is to you that you should
De 50 particular about her opinion. Put
the parcel in your pocket
much" NJ
Very well: III take it myself. Per
maps MRS van Alan Browns idea of
Gentleman IS one who allows his wife
10 90 what IS beneath his dignity
OF course. Alice. YOU know 7 corIdn,t
diloW tnat May be I can think Of some
way See here. why can't / mt If ia
mere lie picked up tall, glossy silk
nat and carefully pushed in the mack,
age. Then he turned with tril,n-
phant smile to his wife.
Great scheme, isn't t?s'
-, II coiniorta ble?' asked Mrs. Den
Comfort, my dear is not to be con-
sldered, when it is a question Of ones
appearance" '''1
Suppose it should blow off?s she
suggested IN frightened voice.
Too much ballast. III guarantee
that the hat doesn't leave nv head >,
Denham. well satisfied that his clev-
erness had come to the aid of his cher
lshed dignity, and his wife, triumphant
at carrying her point became deeply
absorbed in conversation Suddenly
the avenue fairly swarmed with fash
lonable women-it was the close Of a
club meeting. They were in the midst
OF the crowd before Denham became
conscious of the stern realities of the
situation. They met one group. Mrs.
Denham spoke cordially, but noticed
look Of surprise on the faces of three
of her best friends as they passed She
looked at her husband. His face was
brilliant scarlet. His eyes glanced
furtively from side to side. as dilemma
Directly in front of them We're a dozen
women every one of them they knew
Mrs. Denham smiled and bowed to the
first pair, then turned to her husband,
excitedly.
John, what in the world is the mat
ter?''
She smiled sweetly at the next
group of ladies. Ahead of them Mrs.
Van Alan Brown came sailing serene
~ III lHeII 0iIeCtlOI-
Cant you manage to raise it just a
tiny bit2 Hurry-she's right herei"
But John Frederic Denham, dignity
forgotten. sought only escape. however
ANONYMOUSLY. Across the street an
Italian fruit vender was trundling his
cart and just at the moment when he
must either raise his hat to the leader
of his set. thereby running the risk of
exposing to ridicule his novel parcel
carrying device, or else face her stoIid-
~ with his right dress" Denham took
the dilemma in his own hands, made a
frantic dive for the fruit cart and was
soon acquiring the property rights. He
was sufficiently collected to see that the
deal was not completed until the last
club woman had disap peared.
When he rejoined his wife he found
her on the verge of tears.
What viii Mrs. Van and all of them
say now?" she almost sobbed.
You must fix up something plausible
to tell Say that I broke my wrist and
you We're taking me to the doctors or
that I was temporarily blind or any
thing you like, except the truth
They walked the remaining distance
in silent meditation. AS they turned in
at Elias. Mrs. Denham carelessly laid
her hand on the ungainly sack of
bananas.
Great scheme, dear. wasn't it," she
remarked cheerfully.-Chicago News.