The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1905-01-06
A SEALED LETTER.
BY Charles Folerre.

Copyright, 1904, by w. II. licarst)
In his coy salon Paul Dartel vas
sitting reclining in an easy chai", en-
ioying his after dinner cigar. which
his wife as Il rare favor had allowed
him to smoke outside his den, While
II was lying half hidden among the
pillows of Il luxurious divan.
A servant entered With a letter on q
Nine. Dartel. but in Il fit of jealousy
monsieur puts cut his hand to take
it from the servant. though not quickly
enough to prevent his Wife from get
ting it first. She looked at it for Il
moment. noticed the name of the
sender in the uppe left hand corner
and With Il smile handed ii to her hus-
band.
Surprised ana somewhat ashamed.
he looked at it and then laid it aside
without opening it.
so your jealousy has entirely dis
appeared" exclaimed Nine. Dartel with
Il smile. why don't you open it and
find out what is inside"
II have already seen enough. 1t is
only another bill. l do notswear any
jewelry. so it does not concern me.
You can pay for it out of your pin
oney.'
Mime. Dartel shrugged her pretty
shoulders and puckered up her lips in
the most charming manner.
Even /; | save as much AS l possibly
can. l cannot do it-oh, Paul. my own
dear little Paul. won't you just pay it
this one time?"
Il would not dream of doing sue a
thing. l pay my own personal bills
II as o have Il monthly allowance.
NFhie1 xnnSiIa, &-1,&, ayny,.,n,,, ,4-
rording to IL 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
it really necessary for you to buy any
thing more from N. Montana"
Touched by his awakening interest,
Nine. Dartel replied:
Really, Paul, l have such an awful
poor memory. Why don't you open
The letter? Then you will know"
Yes. and If do. you will tell me
that have been indiscreet and that 1
will ave to pay it as Il punishment"
We'll. 1 don't arc if the letter is
never opened"
A long silence, then Nine. Dartel
bursts out: You are Il wicked brute
of u husband who does not deserve
such a faithful wife as l am. There
are many others who woul soon find
q; friend who would be pleased to pay
the bills ones husband is too mean to
pa:.'
Very pretty thoughts for a faithful
wife!"
We'll, what do l care? Don't you
really think l could find somebody who
would pay it for me-"
And wllo may l ask"
snh l-,,nr- Ia... IT,
twenty"
Always better than if there We're
only one"
Hay no fear. I will let you pay it.
ana II o do not treat me right l will
just throw money away
o had better be careful. Even my
patience might give out.'
lilac we maybe better part?"
Or get a divorce?"
AL right, let us get a divorce"
1hls time the silence lasted quite n
long time. 1t was painful to both.
Both looked disgustedly at the mis-
cradle letter which was the cause of 1t
all. At last Mime. Dartel said:
II think I may open it now. will
a it 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
1t and laughs.
Well, how much is ito" she asks,
breathing easier.
DO not ask?"
Nothing at ALL"
Nothing at all. Montana writes
that there was Il clerical error in the
last bill and that he owes us five
francs"
Nine. Dartel bursts out laughing.
Wasn't it too stupid not to open the
letter right away! Now l am sure yo,
are sorry you behaved so di%sgracefully
to me-"
Whose fault was it? Why did YOU
not tell me that you had not bought
amy more?"
Because when you talk to me as
you did ! forget everything"
We'll. | propose that we spend the
five francs right now. Two francs ana
a half belong to me. l pay the car
riage."
She smiles. She is irresistible when
she smiles. e
And a the theater and the sun
per- He kisses her fondly. She does
not try to push away, but nestles
closer into his arms.
You sp%endthrift! You scold me
when spend a little money and you!"
II scold only" whispers Paul into he-
ear. when o do not spend it To-
gether with me-"
WaImlyu"dca rey-ral