The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1909-04-20
LETTERS.
BY WILLIAM BUCKLEY.

n
w ried, and lived in the blessed ex-
pectancy of secretaryship which
had been promised on a commission APP
pointed to inquire into some abuses
government did not want to find out +;
but the preliminaries dragged, and
found myself doomed toa period of en-
forced idleness which did not improve
my temper, md / fear tried my wife's
sorely, for though happy we were hui
man. Our first and, thank Heaven, our
only tiff took place enc memorable day
when we were both gardening on plot
OF soot-blackened ground attached TO
: our modest dwelling. In making a bor-
der l had planted a number of carna-
tions and picotees together, contrary to
my wife's directions, and on discovering
the mistake she said what l suppose
nine out of ten women would have said.
| answered tartly, being preoccupied
with bitter thoughts, and so acrimoni-
Gus did our discussion become that
Edith went into the house.
After some minutes reflection I felt
the childishness of my conduct, and
followed to make it up. She was not in
the little attic-likc boudoir at the TOP
Of our mansion, so descended to search
Tor her in the drawing-room, which had
doors opening on the conservatory and
hail. BY chance l chose the first, and
had almost entered the room when I
beard the sound Of a well-remembered
voice, and drawing the portiere aside
cautiously saw my wife face to face
with Arbuscula!
II daresay you know who I amp" the
latter was saying.
Edith denied the implied honor.
"Then is your state the more gra-
cious," retorted Arbuscula. But your
husband does, and that is the chief
point. The servant told rae he was at
home" She looked just as splendid as
ever, and swept our.modest little apart
nent with a scornful glance.
My husband is engaged" said Edith.
Anything you have to say may be said
to me-"
Indeed? ?" replied Arbuscula "Well,
have got good many things to say"
My wife folded her hands, and, find
ing one of her gardening gloves on,
pulled it off and threw it on the table,
Guard" thought I.
"And first continued Arbuscula, 81
want to say that your husband is the
writer of those letters" And she de-
posted formidable bundle on the
table, beside the glove. "They were
written to me-you may read them if
you choose"
II have no desire to do So" replied
my wife, valiantly.
''They would interest YOU" the
other went on. "You could compare
them with those he has, daresay, writ
ten to yourself"
II fear you misunderstood, though
the error is natural one-for YOU"
replied wife considerably.
A spot CT light shone in Arbuscua's
eye. "They would be useful" she con-
tinued, "if you wanted to make things
hot for him--as you undoubtedly will"
My wife was silent; she played with
her wedding-ring.
"Or perhaps you would care to see
them in the public press" the other
added, viciously. II know a literary
chap who would dress 'em up we'll;
they'd want little draping, for pa
per know Of
II conclude, then, that the lawyers
have marked no case?'" observed
Edith, and Arbuscula glanced curiously
at her.
IL do not take my-wrongs to law
court" she said, magnificently.
"In that you show your WISDOM" re-
piled my wife. Arbuscula looked at
her again, with something approach
ing respect, but there was a sparkle be-
meath the eyelids.
Come, what will you give to prevent
it?" she asked.
Nothing" responded Edith, quietly.
HE would be OF different opinion!"
observed Arbuscula.
Hardly" said my wife; she is not
fool"
you are the first woman who ever.
said that Of him." retorted Arbuscula.
II do not coubt it," replied my wife,
with Much significance, and the othef