The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-09-22
THE NEXT ROOM.
nY NORMAN H. CRowELL.


 Copyright, 1905, Daily Story Pub. Co.)
 We were married at noon. and by skillful generalship, ably seconded by the best man and my own younger brother, succeeded in boarding the east bound train without the usual embarrassing demonstrations at the hands of admiring friends and reia- , tives. Mir. Brundage (my husband, or course,) drew a sigh of significance as the station slid out of sight behind us and became at once notfcea6ly ap- sorbed in Ahe theatrical pages or Chicago newspaper. -
 Mir Brundage had always been a lover of things Thespian and round of the theatres was to him something mere than mere sightseeing, for he studied them closely and, occasionally, criticised u >rl. It pleased him to se- feet veal. pot in play Cor one that he informed me was weak).s and dilate on how he would have written the lines If he had been the playwright. My habit of firmly opposing, and finally accepting his views, was. l think, a mighty factor in causing MT. Brundage to discover my real worth
 Arriving at Chicago, we were rapid ly driven to the hotel registered and went directly to room. My husband began tumbling the things from his case preparatory to what he an nounced was to be gentle soaker in the bath. Our dusty ride certainly made one perfectly excusable. As for myself was content with nasty though thorough course at the wash basin, and after crushing my hair into shape, I felt as presentable as was necessary among entire strangers.
 Drawing a chair to the window l sat for a moment idly gazing at the people far below. Happening to ob- seExa svsritinRs smat tsrfaiss lnFas "a table close at hand, the idea occurred Ito me that the opportunity of flashing on line to mamma was one not to be neg lected, and forthwith I seized the pen.
 The short note was soon accom- plished, and, with my face tingling pe- cutiarly at the sudden sound of a splash in the tub just beyond the bath room door, I darted fro mthe room and ded down the hall to the letter-slot in the elevator listened to the envel- ope fit down the tube, then. picking my skirts up daintily, I retraced my steps.
 run and felt relieved to hear the con- tinued splashlng from the bathroom beyond. Judging by the sound my husband was enjoying that tub im- mensely.
 resumed my seat by the window and abstractedly felt for my little scented kefCnlSI that dl"dyS AAON securely tucked under the edge of my waist. It was not there. Well. there were more in my travelling case and reached down for 1t. My hand grasped nothing. looked. The case was not ln sight.
 Then I saw 1t all. My joke-loving husband had slipped out during my absence and taken my case into the bathroom, thinking to frighten me. Brighten me. indeed! l arose and stepped briskly to the bathroom door and rapped sharply
 The splashing abruptly ceased and a guttural grunt came forth. I smiled. Knowing that MT. Brundage was mak- ing a weak attempt to disguise his voice.
 'Td like you to hand my clothes out. dear" said. in my sweetest tone of voice.
 There was a splash of water and a half-choked sound that was evidently the result of attempting to refrain from, bursting right out with laughter.