New-York tribune., 1907-08-12
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HIS DISADVANTAGE.

And what" asked the man who had been absent
two years rs the Rev. Anastasus Todd doing
now? l have always expected great things OF him.
though we don't agree on all points. He a.
cassmate of mine. you know, and exceptionally
brilliant man"
He's just where he was-at Glenville." answered
the who knew about everybody.
AT GlenviIle! That little country parish? With
his powers-his spritual!ty-his eloquence. What s
he doing with himseIf?''
Il don't know what he's doing with himself" ="
said the woman, but have a shrewd suspicion
what his wife is doing with him.
His wife. The most devoted. unselfsh. industri-
woman ] knew. She wouldn't let care
touch him. She helped him with the parish
worked day and night home. She's not exactly
a-an ornamental woman but surely an ideal Wife
Not ornamental in the least" said the woman,
driIy. ''and therefore you. being man. ought
10 know, not an Ideal wife
II don't understand you" said the man What
would become of Stasy Todd. used call
him, If he had merely ornamental wife? He's
the most absent minded. the most absorbed-oh.
you don't know him. Lost in his work. you see;
needs practical to take OF him
II know him.. interrupted the woman 1--WE
visited in the village have a great deal of
them. He nothing and feels want. but all
the same. he is dragged down by her and kept I'm
an obscure position / know of calls he would
have had II she had been different. Every
spects her. but nobody wants her You IL
is really practical she knows she must be
ornamental-as much nature will allow. Mrs
Todd could be charming If she would. She's
younger woman than / am and a better looking
one"
''Nonsense," put in the man. decisively
Younger, my certain knowledge. and.
girl better looking Now she's old trump. She
wears shocking clothes. They cost more than
NINE because she gives thought to them 1
have no money; look for bargains and buy cheap
things that suit I don't give my life to #.
hut I apply q certain science to It. There's at
least as much science in II as In a game of bridge.
and more reward. Mrs. Todd peers shortsightedly
at some ugly material of expensive quality says
7 guess that will WELL and turns 1t over to
the village dressmaker-wfth blasting effect, When
she wears ii she adds, perhaps, half-Worn, In
congruous belt and fastens white collar conspicu-
ouslv with common black pin, tying around it
fraved ribbon II she goes out to dinner she wears
ancient out-of-date refinery, without redeeming
touches The lace may be good. but it's soied; the
skirt has been trailed in the dust She never no
ices Her hair strained back, her face looks
only half clean and her shoulders stoop So no
Body notices that her features are fine and her
,,,,na really good but they form a mental picture
of her as the pastors wife. the first lady of q
large parish with people OF all kinds who must be
entertained cajoled-even charmed. And-they call
some esei"
The man laughed.
''All that means rather 10" stahoaru' uoesh
II ." he asked.
"rt,s vour standard" retorted the woman. "I
acknowledge that Mrs. Todd is good helpmeet.
She works untirngly and spares herseii not at an
Tba Rev Anastasius could walk upon her II he
wished She admres and adores him. but she
doesn., keep his clothes clean She'll hold him
6oun 70 the end. If you were great lawyer. a
ona nreacher-a of specified ambition
What kind Of a wife would YOU want"
"WelI" he reflected. its shockingiy worldly,
,s,.t ita But believe I would like one who knew
how to be not only useiui- oul soiie"iat oi""
mental"
..Of course" said the woman, land you'd want
one who would see tha. you. too, Esrs ornamental
"A ~.An A useful"