The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1909-04-16
AN OUT OF DATE
LOVE LETTER.

|
something to say TO you"
Proceed"
"You have ceased to be lover to
your wife. don't mean you have
ceased to love her. but you've become
SO undemonstrative. When you are
away and write her she losses me your
letters to read, half the time before
might as well come from a business
partner. Not a word OF love from be-
ginning TO end. II had a husband
who wrote me that way it would
break my heart"
How. do you know 1t would? You
haven't q husband"
Haven't l lover?" she bristled.
That's different. Nevertheless I'm
always grateful for any points that
will enable me to draw Edith closer
to me. To me my wife and children
! are more than all the world. You
know how dear John Is to you. Null
I tiply that by hundred and you'll
get some idea Of my affection for my
family
That's simply and absolutely i'm
possible"
"Goodby, sis. This time I'll write
Edith a real love letter"
l kissed her. went into the kitchen
where Edith was baking bread. and
kissed her. too-not the usual perfume.
tory marital kiss: gave her one al
| which she looked trifle surprised
Rugged all the children and went for
| the train.
Since, came and went frequently
was accustomed when I arrived late al
night to let myself into the back Of the
house and go to bed without waking
the rest of the family. was SO busy
during my absence that I hadn't writ
ten a word. On my return. which was
st night. went to my room as usual
mindful Of my neglect and Molly's ad
vice. In desk In my room were some
Of my old love letters to Edith when
we were engaged. read one Of them
and Il occurred to me to copy 1t, take
It out to the post. and It would be de
livered the next morning before break
fast. This did and went back to bod
and to sleep. conscious Of having per
formed my full duty as a loving hus
band.
The next morning | was awakened
by a whistle and ring at the front door
hell. l went to the landing and locke
i oyer The postman brought my let
, Ter. Molly received It aud took /
into the dining room. where cOult
hear the children's voices and a clattel
Of dishes at the breakfast table.
heard my wife say, Read 1t to us
Moll," and the reply: I'm do no suct
thing. Read II Yourself" My wife,
voice was next heard reading:
Dearest. sweetest. Oveliest Edith
A brief pause. at the end Of which
heard a burst Of laughter from tn,
selfsame Edith.
I'm ashamed Of you." said Molly
Every husband should write his wifi,
hat way"
Edith read on: Though l have beer
absent from you but few days. every
moment has hung heavy on my hands
have counted the hours till may
fold my darling again In my arms"
Goodness gracious!' exclaimed I'm,
darling" HAS he lost his senses?" 4
urlef pause. "Oh. heavens! He ma!
he sick and delirious"
f"No such thingr' cried Molly. "He'l
simply showing his affection for YOU
Edith read on: when morning come
| say. Another long day. and at even
Ing. Another long night
Y"For heavens sake. something dread
ful has surely happened! Where cal
he be-in a hospital orr
"Nonsense!" from Molly. HE Ia al
well rs you or l. What Is there in tn,
letter to make you think he's Ill? Johl
writes me that way?"
Edith read on: "Of course there ar
your letters. read them over agail
and again till | can repeat them b.
heart"-I haven't written him line
then sit down and. with your swee
words before me. reply to everything
you have written me-"
There was a pause-I may say I
dreadful pause.
well. declare! never befor,
knew that my husband was an idiot
Oh, Molly" I'm waiD "can 1t be tina
he has written this twaddle to som,
other woman and sent It to me by mis-
take. I'll leave him! I'll be out O
this house when be comes back"
This was followed by hysterica
sObs. Running downstairs in my night
shirt. I advanced to take my agonizet
wife In my arms. She repulsed me.
Don't ever let me see your fac,
again, you monster!'
why. darling. It's a love letter,
copy Of one wrote you when we wer,
engaged"
Wrote mc?"
Yes. you"
DO you mean that yos wrote tina
ipanity to me!''
IL did"
And didn't send It right straigh
back to ,you?'
You sent its twin"
"Oh. my gracious goodness
Here Molly interposed. II suggested
Edith" she said. that Tom was I'm
lover like In his letters and that he tr.
:? do better.
Edith, Treasured. consented to til,
4