The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1908-09-17

through" declared Jimmie as he put
his arm about her shoulders and went
In to welcome Aunt Adra.
Jimmie was genuinely fond of his
maiden aunt. even if she did call him
James. Sometimes he wished that he
did not have expectations from her
so that he might insist upon her call
ing him Jimmie.
1t was the first time since his mar
riage that he had seen her. He mar
Tied Dolly because he could not help
it. From the moment that he had set
eyes on her as she stepped on the
stage at a studio recital Jimmie had
Jold himself that She was the one wO-
man in the world whom he wanted for
wife. After that he was in the
hands of fate.
Two months later they were mar
ried, and it was not until they had sat
themselves down to address the wed
ding Invitations that Jimmie even
thought of asking Aunt Adra $ permits
sion
\ long letter Of explanation had
gone with the Invitation, and the re
Spouse had been a plated berry spoon
and a promise from the old lady to pay
them a visit
Now. she was none the less welcome
because she had come uuannouuced.
ana there was real sincerity in lim-
mics greeting Aunt Adra unbeut a
little as he came in, but as they went
out to dinner Jimmie was ouS.ious Of
a certain air Of disapproval which bore
down On his spirits.
For Jimmie was proud of the little
woman he had married ana wanted all
che world to approve his choice. In
deed he could not understand how one
could do otherwise
All through the evening this feeling
wet blanketcl their pleasure For the
first time the little parlor seemed dis
tasteful to him. For.the first time Dis
content was guest
1t was not that Jimmie was discon-
tented with his wife 1t was the first
time that he was disconnected with his
home. The tiny parlor was no longer
the center of paradise, and as Jimmie
kissed Mrs. Jimmie good night he
whispered that the visit would not last
long, since Aunt Adra was clearly as
unhappy as themselves.
But the visit did endure far beyond
She first week. 1t was well toward the
end Of the first month that Jimmie
was startled by the appearance of
Aunt Adra at the office.
rs there anything the matter with
Dolly" he gaspod.
Aunt Adra shook her head
"She is well, so far as | know" she
answered 'coldly. Il want you TO come
out and have lunch with me. That is
the purpose of my visit here"
1t was the work of a minute to ar
range with the managing clerk for
iittle additional time at lunch, and jim
mic led the way TO the quiet cafe
where he had often entertained his
aunt before
Then they had been jolly little occa-
sions; now she sat grim faced and
silent, while her nephew devoted him
self to his lunch Not until the table
mad been cleared and only the coffee
cups were left did she speak.
81 have kept silent as long as
could, James" she began But this
morning something occurred that felt
you should be Informed Of
81 have tried to like your wife be-
cause she Is your wife. have with
held criticism and have sought to in
dorse your choice even while the first
glimpse told me that you have been
roped in by a designing woman. Don't
say anything" she commanded bur
riedly as Jimmie sought to make OBJ
lection. 81 know what | am talking
about. There never was man woo
was a match for woman.
II made up my mind to overlook the