Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1903-05-06
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very large angleworm, and his EN-
joyment was enhanced by the fac
that his beautiful German wife, VIII
usually declined to interest hersel
in anything which she even suspect
ed of connection with science, wa
seated beside him, giving eager lit
tie pressures to his hand and utter
ing a pleased exclamation in he
pretty foreign accent whenever thu
toad made an extra effort.
The worm gave a little wriggle n
it began to come out of the ground
when, quick as flash, the toa(
made a leap and seized the end OF
the worm in its mouth.
Then began the tug of war But
the toad WAS not to be discouraged
1t jerked and jerked until it fairly
stood on its hind legs. Still it could
not dislodgc the worm.
At this interesting point IA train
whistled
"Why, Selma" said the professor,
"thcre is the train already | had
quite forgotten that ! must go to
The city today. Where is my hat %
"Do wait an instant, dear. Just
see what that toad is doingP she
answered, holding him back.
He glanced down and saw the
toad twisting its legs about until
the worm was wrapped twice around
it. Then the toad gave II hop, and
out came the worm. This had been
too fascinating a spectacle for the
unwary professor. He dashed into
the house and back again, kissed his
wife and, with n regretful glance at
her ripping hair and soft blue eyes,
started off.
Suddenly he rushed back.
"Why, DEAR" he cried, 81 forgot
to tell you that Mr.. Smith, the Ca
madam who wrote the paper on bac-
terra, will be here this afternoon to
stay day or two. He may come
before | am back"
She clasped her hands in mock
despair.
ooh, don't be alarmed! Just let
him have a good soaking in IA bath
tub. Then he will come out perfect
ly human and happy. He's an Eng
lishman, you know"
She grew sober as she thought
how ruthlessly science and scientists
seemed to dog her unwilling foot
steps. Her husband certainly loved
her, but he had a way of becoming
utterly absorbed in his studies and
then bursting into her reflections
with remarks which sounded per-
fectly ghoulish.
Now here was this Canadian COM
ingl And how was she to be prop
crly interested in his old bacteria
and not disgrace her husband by be-
traying her Ignorance on the SUBJ
ject ? she asked herself.
ManifeStly he must take bath,
and everything possible must be
done to make the bathroom attrac-
tive, so that he would stay there as
long as possible. She went upstairs,
and her own dimplcd hands got |
down a new cake of perfumed soap.
She eyed it critically. Perhaps
his severe scientific mind would be
with such clfeminate lux
lry.
She would place beside it a cake
Of white CASTLE. Then. whatever
MS tastes, he must be pleased.
She put the alcohol and a cologne
bottle within easy reach, got out
smooth and rough towels and a bath
saw that the shower bath
worked and, with sigh of relief,
vent downstairs to impress the cook
hat during the entire afternoon
here must be plenty of hot water in
he boiler.
Suddenly a happy thought struck
Ter. She went into her husbands
tudy and brought out every book
IN bacteriology that she could find.
These she ranged on shelf at the
DOT of the bathtub. Standing out
little beyond the others, as if but
ust showed in, was Mr.. Smiths own
on bacteria.
Mrs. Botkine pinned on the wall
ONE colored illustrations of various
orms of bacteria and then surveyed
he effect with the calm satisfaction
I general who foresccs the success
( his maneuycrs.
She had done all she could. With
his yirtuous feeling she was able
0 60 about her occupations for the
ay and in the afternoon even ban
she'd the thought Of her expected
ucst enough TO take quiet nap.
She was awakened by u knock at
or door, and the maid handed her
card bearing the seemingly inno-
nnt inscription, "Mr. Worlhington
NTH"
She fingered outside the drawing
pom as long as she dared and then,
utting her trust in the bathroom,
alkcd in and greeted her visitor
18th smile Of timid welcome.
He did not look at al alarming.
he was surprised to sec that he g
as young, darkly handsome and
ressed with more regard to fashion
ian the scientific mind generally 1
aipns TO bestOW.