Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-03-29

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 hours later approached his home in fear and trembling, for with him wen, the dog.
 At the corner Mir. Belknap paused This" he decided, lis an occasion call. ing for tact and diplomacy"
 He retraced his steps to the alley and, after 8 careful reconnaissance, ef- fected an inconspicuous entrance by way of the back gate. He left the dog in the woodshed and went on up to the house. Mrs. Belknap was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches to a most artistic. strawberry. short cake.
 You're just in time, my dear" she said. T was so afraid you'd be late. We've asparagus pates tonight, and they're SO horrid if they stand a min ute after they're done. Mary to the maid-"you may serve dinner now"
 She united her kitchen apron and passed into the dining room. Mir. Belknap followed his wife. How festive we are tonight" he said. as he took his place at the table. brave with flowers and an unwonted abundance of bon-bons and salted al- monds. "is it somebody's birthday, or what?"
 "'or what I guess" laughed Mrs. Belknap. Its for you. of course. you dear stupid. Don't you like a good dinner once in a while?'
 Your dinners are always good" said Mir. Belknap loyalty.
 Mrs. Belknap beamed at him. "0h. no. not always" she deprecated mod estly. She held up silencing forefin- ger. Just listen to that" she said.
 MT. Belknap listened and writhed un- comfortably. That" was unmistakably the bark of dog.
 "It's that horrid dog next door. suppose" Mrs. Belknap went on. MT. Belknap composed his agitated features and hoped his wife had not noticed his perturbation. 'I wish they'd get rid of him." Mrs. Belknap continued. Why anyone wants to have hateful. noisy dog around I'm sure I can't imagine"
 Mir BelSnap devoted himself 10 his chicken Die and held his peace. He was not the man to interrupt when lady had tho floor.
 But when he had partaken of as many of lis favoriie dishes as could be fitted into one dinner he thought it time to try diplomacy.
 This was really very nice of you. my dear" he said.
 Mrs. Belknap came and sat on the arm of his chair and rubbed her cheek arcctionately against his. Think sol" she cooed. She twisted button of his coat and spoke with pretty assump- ton of difidence.
 "I want to ask you something" she said. but l-I'm afraid to-"
 Mir. Belknap laughed. ''Oh. that's what the sInner was for7"
 -of oourss.~ said Mrs. Beiknap. bra zenly. Did you suppose was going to give yol a dinner like that and get nothing in returnT
 Mir. BsIlnap laughed again. Out with it." he said
 But it's a very special favor" said Mrs. Belknsp. I'll say 'yes' 10 anything you've a mind to ask Mir Bslknsp promised. ! rsshly.
 You'd letter let m. tell you frst . what ra5t " said Mrs. B.Iknap. For she explained honestly. T don't think . you'll like if-
 Mr Belknap thought hs ss- a usy io rIn out on the dog propositson- Ny dear he said so his be;tsr-hsis. "a man sho vouf grant his uIfsis re- gues;s befors she tells hin uh.t she wants ts a pretty mean sort say 'yes' and ! mean vs
 Mrs BelsEsp dropped sn eess.tir kiss where hfs hsfr r.s beginning to thin oas rif ard rsn iron the roo7
 Nr. Belknsp leaned bsck h his chair vith c ssEh cf self-cozgratzlatto1