The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-10-02
DAILY SHORT
STORY
MARIAN AND THE "AFFiNITY"

Abijah Elrick was a well-to-Go
farmer of the middle west, much
renowned for his learning. He had
been school trustee for a number OF
years, and had actually served as
delegate to political assemblage
which gave him great importance
in the eyes OF the honest country
folk thcreabOuts. He was kindly
gentleman Of some so years, with
the customary iron-gray hair and
chin whiskers, and vindictive cob
pipe that gave long thoughtful
belchings of smoke at regular in
tervals.
Beside him for 80 years had
trudged his faithful wife, Marian.
She was a neat little woman, with
black hair slightly tinged with
gray. and eyes that were deter
mined but kind. She had reputa-
ton far and wide for being head
strong and energetic, and while
Abijah led the men, she led
Abijah. and with such good results
that the some 300 acres that ac-
knowledged their sway was in
large part the result of her &C.
curing disposition.
AS the leaders Of the community
the Elricks had purchased in con-
secutive order as they appeared in
history, the sewing machine. wheat
mower and binder. washing ma
chine, surrey, telephone. bicycle
nd oh NJ 40, toh
joyed the satisfaction of knowing
that they were the leading family
of Mossback township, and conse-
quently the envy of the surround
ing neighbors.
Now, however. new fad had
struck the world. Through the
weekly issues of the News, the Of
fetal herald of the county, they
were RECALLED week after week with
long accounts of affinity matches"
and Mariah's teeth set very de-
cisively. Nothing occurred, how
ever, to confirm her fears until the
season for appointing the next
teacher at the Mossback school
came round.
From the first day that Rose
linda Angelina Sophronia De
Johones presented her application,
| Mariah smelt a mouse. The fair
Rosalnda, ETC., was pretty, plump
and just IS, and the enterprising
Abijah was bewitched with her
charms. She was appointed the
school "missus," and Abijah called
often to inspect the school.
During this time Mariah kept
close tab on the trend of events
but said nothing. On evening,
however, after he had just return
ed from the third inspection OF the
school house for that week, Abiljah
preached the question.
"Mariah," said he, kindly and
solemnly, we've lived nigh unto
30 years and never did I suspect
that we did wrong. We're the
leadin people Of this here locality
an we must stay ahead. Fer some
time / hev bin thinkin' that mebbe
we wusn't jest suited to one an
luther, an since Rosalinda has
come know it. She is my affinity
Marian. Therefore / believe i
will be better for us to part, anf
I'm get the divorce tomorrer an
We'll quit right away. I'll pay yt
what we ask. Now what dye think
Mariah ?"
During this speech Marian hat
been gradually flaming up. AS the
question was put to her blankly
What did she Think" she saw
her opportunity. Rising to he
full height she looked squarely
across the table, her dark eyes
fairly shining like living fire, ant
in tones that would have pierced
the Himalayan barrier, replied
"Abijah Elrick. think you're 6
tarnal fool" and with that she
turned and left the room.
Abijah drank his coffee and wen
to the barn. There he curried ole
Dobbins. which surprised that ami
NAL very much, for he was never
curried at night before in his life
and then returned to the house
Marian was sitting alone by the
window. Going to her and press
ing the first kiss to her lips thai
she had received in many years he
said: