The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1906-11-22


"Of course I'm very fond OF owen"
she unused. Il love him very dearly,
and when he's here it's all different.
but when he's out at work and I'm
aione-oh. 1t seems SO dull to be mar
ned! Her eyes grew wistful.
She Leaned forward, gazing intent
iy into the leaping flames. but it was
no longer the white-tiled hearth and
polished brass that met her view; she
was far away.
Oh, to be back there Just for once.
with sunburnt hands and an old
frock, gay and careless with the home
crowd--but she paused. What would
Owen think? Had he not furnished
the fiat as daintily and beautifully
as possible to be fitting background
for her, and how disappointed he
would be If he knew how wickedly
discontinued she was.
At that instant there sounded a
sharp rat-tat at the door, and Turn
er, the maid, appeared with an or
! ange envelope and silver salver.
"A telegram" Her mistress spir
its rose. "Oh. hope it's something
| exciting, something delightful"
| tone fell. mo answer" she said, de-
jectedly, and, as the maid withdrew,
she tossed the crumpled missive into
the glowing fire.
Detained, don't wait dinner,
Owen A whole day alone, and now
| the whole evening. too" She pouted,
and her lips trembled like>a childs
And then suddenly, as the sun
bursts out from a rain-cloud, a soft
radiance overspread her face. She
drew long breath, clasped her
hands, and in ecstasy whispered: 'Pll
do it,"
She ran to the clock-one of the
wedding presents, pretty. fragile
toy, Cupid swinging in wreath of
brilliants, and peered anxiously at
the dial
"Only five, By superhuman efforts
can catch the $40, reach Woodcote
at seven, and be with them all by
eight. What an inspiration. what a
stroke of genius!" She laughed joy
ously, all trace of boredom vanished
IN be back tomorrow, and il Owen
is dining out he won't miss me for
few hours. Oh, how astonished
they'll be when | just walk in upon
them!"
She rushed to the writing table
with an impatient swish of her skirts
Now, l must leave note behind me
on the mantelpiece, just as they ds
in plays and novels and with tri
umphant little laugh she dashed of
a hurried one.
Dearest must not think his wife
! has deserted him; she has only rul
home, and will be back early to
morrow; her love as always
"There!" She closed and sealet
the letter, propping it up against th'
, Cupid clock.
The grim Turner was considerable,
! surprised to see her usually immat
ulate mistress leave the house twent
minutes later clad in a shabby serg
: skirt and much worn rusty tam {
shanter.
:, Later that evening Mr.. Vansittar
opened the door with his latch-key
he was tired after long days worl
and the light and warmth of the fla
( struck an agreeable contrast to tn
4 gloomy drizzle without.
u His cheerful call of Peggy, wher
are you?" brought Turner from tn
r regions of the kitchen.
:, Mrs. Vansittart thought 20
e would be dining out, sir" she il
n formed him, land has gone ava
:, There's note for you on the mantle
IS piece. What orders shall | give coo
II about your dinner?"
"A note-gone away, by Jove
said vansittart to himself. What
up now?"
le He tore open the envelope, al
sr smiled as he read. Turner watchiI
II furtively, summed up his conduct
Is one word: ''Heartless.
ID "What?" said her master. abser
~ ". "Oh, no, I'll dine at the club
ST but as the door closed behind the ma
he strolled to the window No, /
OF hanged if | will" he decided. II
We not in the mood to turn out agai
IS or to dress. either. I've good mil
st 10 spend a bachelor evening here.
In bachelor evening" he repeated; n
'ir a bad idea. They were good @
st DAYS. after all-ease before elegance
he cast a disappearing eye about t
ce room. Strange what an amount
he frippery women surround themselv
~, with"
nd So he arrayed himself in his
ry smoking jacket-relic of bygone da
piled oal on the fire. drew forwa
the most comfortable chair. and p
pared for enjoyment.
We Soon clouds of smoke filed
ST. room wreathing about the deiic;
he bangings and damask curtains, as
alf puffed away in placid content. the
in cushions in a mangied heap proppi
Of his head. He had arranged syph
the and decanter at his elbow. his 81
ON nered feet were stretched In
md b,aze. Yes, he could get through
evening like this quite comfortat
So he read and smoked and doz
while the hours few. After the Sc
TO ants had retired he made raid NJ
an' the larder, reappearing with cou
Ger of eggs. cheese, the homely oni
N.Y. and such implements OF war as
w. saucepan. plate. knife and spoon
lEaDA