Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1903-09-12

thankful that you are on the road t
recovery"
But, say this Is hermit's life"
Haven't you your cigar and goo
digestion?"
"Oh, l know all that. But want
little change, little diversion. Why
tell you," he exclaimed savagely, 81
the veriest hoodlum should happe
along just now, I'd bind him with rope
and leg-irons to make him stay, an
apply hot iron to make Inn talk"
would you really resort to sue
extremes after a hearty dinner?'
"Oh, the pleasure of that is OVERLY
eaten it," and he held up his cigar med
itatively.
"Well, perhaps, dear. you would en-
Joy breaking the Dishes" suggeste,
Mrs. Stesler mildly. "There are lot
Of exciting little ways for amusement
you know. Indeed, some gentlemen
l believe. find the most divine bliss II
the simple experiment of smashing tn,
stove"
$50 I've heard" replied her hus
band.
"And, too, I've heard Of an individ
ual with the habit of saving Off tn,
legs Of the table,"
II hope he found 1t diverting"
"Oh, indeed, 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
swell, 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
yOu?"
"Whv. Ross" soid .he. Enthusiastically.
"surely I'm no savage. I'm merely
longing for little amusement. Now,
for instance, If some one should happen
, along with hearty, ringing laugh
that you read about in stories, think
I'd find myself more cOntented."
"WOuldn't q dinner-horn sufficiently
arouse you?"
A hurried step on the porch inter-
rupted her remark, and Mr.. Stesler
fairly jumped out of his chair in eager
expectation as knock sounded on the
door. A large, ruddy-faced man doomed
in the doorway, and at sight of Mr..
Stesler broke into such a roar Of laugh
ter that both man and wife turned
red and exchanged glances.
"What do you want here, my good
MANI" 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
his tie all right, then turned bewild-
cred look Of inquiry toward his wife.
"What, in all creation, is the mat
ter" he broke out finally in loud, fer
ocious accents. But the stranger still
laughed on.
SIS this humorous from your point
of 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-
litely asked, hoping to break the spell,
and Mr.. Stesler motioned the visitor
invitingly to chair.
The stranger then entered and set
tied himself in the easy chair, lighted
one of Mr.. Stesler's cigars, and
stretched himself out in more comfort
than grace.
William" said he at last, moving
his hand authOritatively toward his
host, william. should like the morn
ing paper"
my name, sir, is not william. am
Mr.. Stesler-Mr. George Stesler."
"And, William" continued the stran-
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. Stesler, somewhat bewildered,
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; / 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
patronizing smile as he resumed his
paper, he said:
"Ah, william, you're the same mis-
chievous 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 l may ask?" Mr.. Stesler Ques-
toned. after few moments silence.
MY name? my name? All, yes. yes
"a very good joke. I've heard it be-
fore, though. William, tell Molly
want the coffee Immediately, and
plenty Of cream. And. william, shove
the table nearer my chair. l find this
very comfortable; I believe 1 would
rather not be disturbed. Thank you.
Now the footstool. William. Yes, there
thank you, Pm quite comfortable"