Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-01-22
DAILY SHORT STORY
The Trapping of Mrs. Jones.
tOriginal.1

Cecil Jones was Il nice, quiet little
man. His wife had rather better judg-
ment than he. Consequently he fell
into habit of deferring to her con-
stantly-that is. in certain matters
He thus acquired the reputation among
his friends of being henpecked. One
OF these friends took it upon himself
to inform Jones that Mrs. Jones was
considered the head of the house. The
information sank deep into Jones
heart. He believed his informant, and
his pride was wounded. What should
be dO-live On under such obloquy or
make strike for the upper hand? He
resolved on the latter course. Once re-
solved, he only waited for an opportu-
nifty.
1t came one day in an invitation to
Mrs. Cruikshank's fancy dress ball.
Mrs. Jones wished TO accept. where
upon Mr.. Jones said decidedly, I'VE
will not attend this ball"
''Why not, DEAR
at isn't necessary for husband to
always be giving reasons TO his wife"
But, if you don't want to go, why
shouldn't 1 go anyway"
IF you do. it will be against my ex-
press desire and commands"
well, dear" replied Mrs. Jones, 81
have special reason for wishing to
go; but, as you won't give me yours,
per contra I'll not give you mine. How
ever, the peace of this family is of
more Importance than dozen balls.
Therefore we will say nothing more
about the matter
a few days after this conversation,
as Jones was going out of the house
one morning. he met a boy bringing in
a bundle from a fancy dress establish
ment. Jones opened It in the vestibule
and saw that il was 4 red velvet robe
with an ermine mantle. There was
also 4 pasteboard crown with four big
green glass stones in il. Jones babe
the boy ring the bell and proceeded to
his office.
Well, the tug of war had come. His
wife intended to defy his wishes. He
laid a deep, dark, diabolical scheme.
He would say nothing to her about his
discovery. He would give her every
opportunity to go to the ball without
even doing so by stealth. On the even
ing in question he would give notice
that he intended to dine downtown.
He would hire a costume and go to the
ball. There he would find the robes he
had inspected Worn by his wife. He
would get up Irritation with her and
by hook or by crook get her into his
carriage, drive her home and there give
her dressing" that would forever
after show that he was master.
When the time arrived, Mrs. Jones
showed unquestioned approval of his
dining downtown. He also told her
not to look for him before or o'clock
in the morning, TO which she assented
with unusual composure. Jones Sc
cured the costume of a Spanish torea-
dor and at 10 o'clock went TO Mrs.
Cruikshank's. He was not long in
finding a red velvet gown, an ermine
cloak and a crown with four emeralds,
the wearer personating Queen Anne
Boleyn. He Joined the lady, devoting
himself to her, and she seemed to enjoy
his attentions immensely. He danced
with her several times, when Rus
sian admiral took her away from him,
and he saw nothing more of her till
the end of the evening, when she
sought him out of her own accord.
Perhaps" he said II may make so
bold as to ask to see you to your home.
My carriage is waiting"
"Thank you. l accept your kind Of
fer with pleasure. L came with my
maid"
"Who. 1 presume, will return in your
carriage"
"Oh, you naughty mani Well, il you
insist upon it, be it So"
Jones was thunderstruck. He had
discovered something he had never sus-
pected.
1t was not long before they were
bowling along toward the Jones man
sion. The lady did not mention her adj
dress, and Jones did not ask it. He
took her hand and gave her kiss. He
was horror struck that she did not re-
sist, and, settling himself in corner,
he waited, broken hearted, till the car
riaSe drove up to his door. Handing his
companion out, he led her INTERESTINGLY
into the vestibule and was fumbling
with his keys when the door was sud-
denly opened and there stood Mrs.
Jones.
Come in, Flo. quick" she said. 'Ce-
Gil hasn't come yet. Run upstairs"
Flo burst into a laugh.
'I've got him here she said.
what do you meanT
''This gentleman, this toreador, is Ce-
Gil. He's been making love to me all