The Lamar register., 1905-10-11
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Copyright. 1875. by Daily Story Pub Goa

For a long time | held the dainty,
yiolet-scented envelope unopened in
my hand What train OF memories
this pink envelope and that subtle
fragrancy of violet brought to my
iblase heart, How it recalled the hot
years of my youth during which had
sown a rather profuse crop of wild
oats. At that time those scented
notes. some pink. some blue, some
lavender. had formed the bulk Of my
correspondence and had carried with
them the delightful touch of intrigue
which a wild youth would naturally
crave. But to-day. why should ! re-
ceiye one-I. married man?
turned the letter over three or
four times. then tore it open and read
the following words written in
orumpted handwriting | had never
seen before:
Dear Old Tony-Though it may
he folly to make such invitation to
married man. risk it any way. will
be this evening at 1890 in room No.
is of the Bon Ton Cafe and will wait
for you. "One who loves you.
~"
I was astounded What could this
mean? Who was this mysterious
Il" who could be so bold as to make
such rendezvous at the Bon Ton. one
of the gayest restaurants of the city.
In my younger days | wouldn't have
hesitated a second-but now l had
wife. a weak, babyish clinging crea-
ture. whose childish ways were some
what tiresome. that's true. but whom
I deeply loved. I crushed the note
with an impatient gesture. then lit
r match and watched IL burn. a right
eous frown upon my brow. Such fol-
lies were not for me. ! would not go.
By six O'Clock 1 had changed my
mind and had persuaded myself that
my very life depended upon my going
to that rendezvous. For the first time
since my marriage was embarrassed
before my wife during the dinner.
which I barely tasted. could only
reply in monosyliables to her gay.
childish prattle.
When dinner was over. and as the
maid removed the dishes. she came
and sat on the arm of my chair and
with her fingers tried to erase the
frovn which my conflicting thoughts
had caused to gather on my brow.
rs my darling worried about some
thing?" she asked. as her blonde head
nestled or my shoulder.
Yes, sweetheart" I replied, thark-
fuI that her eyes were lower and she
could rot see my face. Il am more
than worried. for / am deeply disap-
pointed had planned TO spend the
evening with you. as usual. but a
fvty
from 3u. o; town will call me back
to the Office this evening. and it may
be midnight-maybe later-before
can get home.
With her eyes still averted from
mine. but with a little quiver of the
body. like a child about to sob. she
said in disappointed tones:
You surely are not going out again
tonight. Can't that horrid business
wait until tomorrow. married man
should stay home with his wife"
That last sentence sounded as re-
proach to my already alarmed con-
science, but | again forced it to sill
ence by assuring myself that my sole
reason for going was to protect this
tender. clinging girl from some bru-
tai revelation of my past wayward
life.
Yes. yes, I know" hurried to
reply. but it is for your sake. little
one. that l must CO."
For my sake?" she questioned
with pouting lips. but still without
looking up.
Yes. for your sake. dearest. Is 1t
not for you | work. to give you all
these fine clothes in which your soul