Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-02-15
\ MATRIMONIAL
 MISHAP
Copyright. by Joseph B. Bowles.)
By R. NORMAN SILVER. Author q "Wo,dsrs q the Deep. '

q copy of your paper, The Golden Cir clet. l venture to trespass little upon your attention. I am young only 23-"
 Thaddeus Field smiled when he came to the statement just quoted He had never in the whole course ol his experience as matrimonial agent met a would-be bride who owned to more than 30 summers. Hardly had the smile dawned upon his lips than 1t vanished; the letter had become in teresting.
 And have inherited some money from an aunt, with whom had lived since childhood, and who has just died. Thanks to her, have been fairly well-educated, and I believe l am naturally neither stupid nor awk. ward. Yet am now altogether alone, and am very, very unhappy. If you could see me, you would know why; I am just the ugliest woman in the world. Yet I think if some one could know me as am, he would love me Can you help me? I enclose $25. I am sure it would never be worth your while to attend to my case at your ordinary rates. I am so very, very ugly. Believe me to be, yours very truly, Stella Garner"
 A few days after Thaddeus Fields receipt of Stella Gamers" letter he received an important visit. The tall footman opened the double doors. and bowed in handsome man of middle age-a man with blue eyes. crisp, iron-gray hair and beard, and dazzling white teeth. Thaddeus Field was impressed, and rose graciously as Pierre, the footman, retired.
 The newcomer held out his hand.
 "Mr. Thaddeus Field?" he said.
 T am MT. Thaddeus Field an- swered that gentleman. assuming his ofiicial dignity.
 His visitor bowed.
 T am Stephen Osborne" he ex- plained. Stephen Montgomery Os- borne, at your service"
 Pray be seated" said Thaddeus. offering a chair.
 MT. Osborne sat down, and crossed his legs.
 Tn what way" demanded Thad deus, can have the pleasure of serving you?"
 Stephen Osborne laughed out heartily.
 T want wife," he answered.
 That should not be difficult to ind flor you" replied Thaddeus, with gentle iattery.
 Tt may not prove as easy as you expect" said the other; I'll wager ten dollars you don't keep the kind of wife want in stock. Perhaps you can get her to order"
 What kind of wife do you want MT. Osborne? he asked, blandly.
 Stephen Osborne seemed embarras. red.
 ITO be quite honest. Mr.-Mr. Field" he replied. "it isn't 50 much the kind of wife want. as .he kind of wife I've got to have"
 "Indeed!" said Thaddeus. puzzled.
 "Yes," said his client. irritably; T haven't great deal of time. You sec. when I was bit younger I was fool enough to tell my papa. who had mar lied again--I was the only child of he first marriage-that would never marry if couldn't get some one . little better looking than my new ,tep-ma. So we quarreled and parted, md when the old boy died last win. were no more children, and 'tep-ma died some years ago-he left ne his money on condition that I married a girl uglier than step-ma, md gave me 12 months to make up ny mind. didn't expect ever to need he money, and so took 1t easy, but Iome of my speculations have done bad, and I must have some ash before long or so bust. That's Vhy I'm here."
 Thaddeus Fields eyes shone-it vas just the kind of case he liked.
 If you will call tomorrow about his time. Mir. Osborne" he said, T hink I shall have something to say. 
 With this. comforting assurance he ang the bell. and Mir. Osborne de- 'arted.
 That afternoon Mrs. Christina Held left for Boston. Her instruc- Ions were not to return without Miss Stella Garner"
 On the succeeding morning Chris. Ian. accompanied by a closely.veilcd ady, entered the anteroom. Chris Ina left her charge and went into her usband's sanctum. Thaddeus was tanding on the hearth-rug. chewing is mustaches with impatience.
 "will she dog" he asked.
 Christian grinned.
 As ugly as sin." she said; but mart"
 That's all right" concluded Thad- GUS; bring her in."
 Christina opened the door and { alled- The yelled lady rose and eu-. cred.
 Miss Garner. I understand" said haddeus. rapidly; pleased to meet ou. Miss Garner. want you to see
 gentleman; if you can like him, link he can like you. If you take a lncy to him shall be happy to ask , ou to meet him at my house some 1 vening soon. I can't stop to explain. ou must just step in there with my