Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1905-01-06
A SEALED LETTER.
BY Charles Folerre.

Copyright. 1904, by w. r. Hearst)
In his coy salon Paul Dartel wsa
sitting reclining in an easy chair, en-
joying his after dinner cigar, which
his wife as a rare favor had allowed
him to smoke outside his den, while
she was lying half hidden among the
pillows OF a Luxurious divan.
A servant entered with a letter on a
silver salver. 1t was addressed to
Mime. Dartel, but in a fit of jealousy
monsieur puts out his hand TO take
1t from the servant. though not quickly
enough to prevent his wife from get
ting it first. She looked at it for a
moment. noticed the name of the
sender in the upper left hand corner
and with a smile handed it to her hus-
band.
Surprised and somewhat ashamed,
he looked at 1t and then laid il aside
without opening it.
$50 your jealousy has entirely dis
appeared" exclaimed Nine. Dartel with
a smile. why don't o open it and
find out what is inside?'
Il have already seen enough. Ii is
only another bill. l do not wear any
jewelry, so it does not concern me.
You can pay for it out of your pin
money"
Nine. Dartel shrugged her pretty
shoulders and puck cred up her lips In
the most charming manner
Even i'll save as much as ! possibly
can, / n n do it-oh, Paul, my own
dear little Paul, won't you just pay it
this one timer"
Il would not dream Of doing such a
thing. i pay my own personal bills
and as you have a monthly allowance,
which / consider very generous ac..
cording TO our means, there is no
earthly reason why you should not pay
yours"
The tone OF his voice hurt her very
much, and she turned away to hide
the tears which glistened in her eyes.
We'll, how big is this new bill? Was
1t really necessary for you to buy any
thing more from M. Montana"
Touched by his awakening interest.
Nine. Dartel replied:
Really, Paul. / have such an awful
poor memory. Why don't you open
The letter? Then you will know"
Yes, n if / do, you will tell me
that | have been indiscreet and that |
will have to "a it as a punishment
We'll. l don't care if the letter is
never opened"
A long silence, Their Mime. Dartel
bursts out: You are a wicked brute
of a husband who does not deserve
such a faithful wife as / am. There
are many others who would soon find
II friend who would be pleased to pay
the bills ones husband is too mean to
pay"
Very pretty thoughts for a faithful
wife!'
Well what do I care? Don't you
really think l could find somebody who
would pay it for me?"
And who, may ] ask"
twenty"
Always better than if there were
only one"
"Ifave no fear. I will let you pay il,
and If you do not treat me right | will
just throw money away
You had better be careful. Even my
patience might give out"
Had we maybe better part?'
"Or get a divorce? p"
"All right, let US get a divorce"
This time the silence lasted quite a
long time. 1t was painful to both.
Both looked disgustedly at the mis-
cradle letter which was the cause of It
all. At last Nine. Dartel said:
Il think | may open it now. / will
pay ii for you"
NO, since it is to be the last bill
/ Will pay it for you"
Again they begin TO dispute and at
last agree that each is TO pay half.
She hands him the letter. He opens
II n laughs.
Well, how much is it?' she asks,
breathing easier.
do not ask %
Nothing at ALL"
Nothing at all. Montana writes
that there was a clerical error in the
last bill and that he owes US five
francs"
Nine. DaPtel bursts out laughing.
Wasn't it too stupid not to open the
letter right away! Now | am sure YOU
are sorry you behaved SO disgracefully
10 me-"
Whose fault was ii? Why did Won
not tell me that you had not bought
any more?"
Because when you talk to me as
you lie | forget everything
We'll. | propose that we spend the
five francs right now. Two francs and
a half belong to me. / pay the car
rage"
She smiles. She Is irresistible when
she smiles.
And | pay the theater and the sun
perl" He kisses her fondly. She does
not try TO push away. but nestles
closer into his arms.
You spendthriftl You scold me
when | spend a little money and wont"
Il scold only whispers Paul into her
ear, when you do not spend it to-
gether with me-"
warmlyd 'dcarez-rel.