The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1903-10-23
By CLARA NORTON.

ger. totally disregarding the remark,
bring my slippers-slippers and morn
ing paper" and he pulled away at the
| cigar with most provoking ease.
Mrs. Steslcr somewhat bewildercd,
was inclined to smile at her husbands
discontinue. The stranger. however,
soon addressed her with the same i'm
pudent nonchalance.
And you, Molly darling, bring my
coffee and rolls. I'll eat here. And
don't forget the flowers; 1 am very
fond of flowers"
My dear man." exclaimed Mr. Stes-
| Ter, ARE you aware that this lady is
my wife, Bessie Stesler, and that you
are carrying your joke father far?"
The man, raising his brows, stared
aggravatingly at Stesler; then, with a
paTOnizing smile as he resumed his
paper, he said:
"Ah, William, you're the same mis-
chieyous rascal as always. But I'll
not reprimand you. Molly" nodding
toward his hostess, my coffee and rolls
as soon as possible, please"
He shifted his cigar from one side of
his mouth to the other, read up and
down the column, turned the page
and continued his evident absorption.
Mrs. Stesler silently adjourned to the
Kitchen leaving her husband staring
in dumb amaZement.
My dear sir, what may your name
be, If may ask?' Mr.. Stesler ques-
toned, after a few moments silence.
MY name? my name? All, yes, yes
"a very good joke. I've heard it be-
fore, though William, tell Molly l
want the coffee Immediately, and
plenty Of cream And. William, shove
the table nearer my chair. 1 find this
very comfortable; 1 believe l would
rather not be disturbed. Thank you.
Now the footstool, William. Yes, there
thank you, I'm quite comfortable"
Mr.. Stesler, heartily ashamed Of him
self, nevertheless obayed.
"Well, by Jove" he mentally ex-
claimed as he slapped his thigh and
gazed thoughtfully at lis guest, well,
by Jove"
"YOu want to swear, no doubt, Will
liam. l somehow feel that you want
to swear But defer it for the present.
Just a few mild comments are all l
permit I'm very sorry, too, for some
thing in your attitude tells me that
you can scarcely control yourself. Oh,
l nearly forgot. l want my shoes
brushed. They're rather disreputable.
Clean them, William"
Mr. Stesler betrayed his reluctance
and disgust as the man held up a pair
Of mud-incrusted boots. He took them,
however and very delicateIy placed
them just outside the door The man
resumed his paper, but soon added
with some impatience:
William you are in my light. Move
aside please"
Some seconds of silence ensued be.
fore he broke out with a great gur
faw.
| "WeIl?' demanded Mr.. Stesler.
, 81 was merely smiling over a patent
5 medicine. They say here that it viii
. cure rheumatism and consumption. ]
used it on a mule once 1t cured hin
5 of baking, but he died within few
l hours. I afterward used it to kill of
= all the rats on the premises. Oh, here
you are, Molly, at last. The repast is
: indeed, welcome But more butter
= please. 1 like lots Of butter. Only
/ three rolls? I eat six-always six
Molly. Always remember that in fu
t ture. And whitel cups? I prefer blue
= or, at any rate, some little decoration
S on my china The coffee is very good
but like it a little stronger and ;
+ little earlier, too. In fact William,
. shall expect you to bring it to m!
= bedroom before I rise"
Man and wife exchanged worried
: looks and chances, and were immedi
] ately startled by another loud, vocifer
1 Gus roaF
t "Tmblways having the most delight
full dreams. / dreamed last night tina
3 you Wanted me to rob you. And l dis
$ tincty remember giving You a paten
i medicine. You liked the flavor. anl
I give you more. and Molly too
n tine rest Oh. shail eger, ever forge
what Jolly dane grpses y0u made!
2 IasQ hen from the table