The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1903-01-30
MRS. SPICER'S CATCH
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| [Original.l
I never approved OF Mrs. Spicer's
course. That | wish distinctly under
stood. Whether she had any private
| grief of her own to avenge | 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
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
his 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 a 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 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 cavalier, she
gave Vincent smile that displayed
set of very white and regular teeth.
"Oh, If l had such teeth as Mrs.
Bates" said Mrs. 5picer, throwing up
her hands dramatically, I'D not ask
for another beauty"
"They are as white as her unblem-
ished soul" exclaimed Vincent.
"If were a man and had q ladyloVe
with such teeth, l would never rest till
| had one of them for 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 ne
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, maze
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. A few days later he called on
Mrs. Bates and received the TOOTH
wrapped In bit of white, scented u.s.
size paper, The widow showed him the
spot left vacant, whereupon he gain
cred her in his arms.
The next time Vincent met Mrs. spl-
Ger. while he was leaning over to PICK
nm her handkerchief, she caught sight
of delicate gold chain which had be-
come entangled in the collar button at
tbe hack of his neck. She knew he
was wearing the tooth.
Before the close of the social season
Mrs. Splcer gave a cotillon party al
which Mr.. Vincent, Mrs. Bates and
Miss Abbey were present Mr.. Vincent
was somewhat troubled at the presence
of the two women who held the chlef
Mace in his heart; but, as usual, the
widow. by superior push" carried the
evening and secured her admirer for
mariner. Miss Abbey, seeing him car
ried OF, turned her face to the wall to
hide her Yexation. then faced about