The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1909-03-20


andum to go and Sc Fanny this very
took you away from your vile ard
evening, Business, indeed! So thar
was the important business which
your home, and with that wretch. joe
Crewes!"
1t was a study to behold Syblett's
countenance, while his injured and in
dignant wife thus brought home to
him all these accumulated charges.
First, there was a look OF wonder
and perplexity, then of sudden intel
ligence, followed by the oldest express
sion imaginable.
And when she concluded, he s2nl.
into the nearest hall chair, tried tc
speak, apparently in explanation, and
then, leaning back, laughed long and
loud
Sure its an unfalin' haste he is, in
thirely." muttered Bridget. all OF
whose sympathies were on the side OF
her injured mistress. who, after gaz
ing an instant at her husband, sat
down likewise. and under the mortfi-
cation Of insult, added to injury, burst
into tears.
Then Syblett Gained himself. wiped
his eyes, and addressed his wife in
a voice still quivering with suppress
ed mrth:
Emma, do you know whose picture
this ISL
Don't presume to speak to me-
DON'T" sobbed Mrs. Syblett
But, my dear, allow me to explain.
Don't you remember expressing a wish
to have Mademoiselle Ferlini's pic
ture, to see what she looked like?
Well in coming home this evening.
observed some pictures in Bland
Brothers window. and purchased one
but in my haste forgot to give it to
you. This is her photograph"
Mrs. Syblett looked up Incl obviously
You are deceiving me- she SAID.
IF you doubt me, go down to Bland
Brothers tomorrow and satisfy your
self And now, as to Fanny-do you
know who Fanny is?''
Don't mention her to me-the hor-
rid creature.'
Fanny isn't horrid at all, Mrs. Sy-
| blett. She is perfect little beauty,
with bright eyes and dainty limbs,
gentle as lamb, and graceful as a
fairy | fell in love with her at first
sight
Mrs. Syblett gave cCnvulsive
scream, and beat her feet on the floor.
And so will you, dear, when you
see her She is the prettiest little
pony in the state, and just suited to a
lady's basket-phaeton. | had intended
it for a surprise on your birthday,
added Mr. Syblett, gently; but that
unfortunate note book has spoiled my
plan
His wife looked up. She knew bet
ter than to doubt that honest, half-re
gretful, half-reproachful look. He
face crimsoned with shame
"Oh, George, you don't mean it?''
We'll, you'll know better next time,
he answered, soothingly; land we VIII
both learn not to have a secret from
all, as Crewes limited to me from the
first"
What had he to do with ito"
"Why, he has taken the greatest in
terest in it all along. He's good
judge of horses, you know; and it was
me to see her. He was quite interested
in thinking how pleased you would be
rovided"-Syblett paused and scratch
ed his nose-"provided | could keep il
a secret from you till the right time.
His wife flushed a little. Then she
came closer to him, and said, in sub
dued tone:
George
Yes, Emma"
ASK your friend to dinner mex
Sunday"
Certainly"
"And-any other time that you like .
'Ill remember"
She still looked thoughtful then
said, doubtfully:
But about the jewelers., and the
champagne supper, and the ice
cream"
da
Il made a memorandum to call al
the jewelers. for my watch, WHICH
had left for repairs. Here it is. | had
also to call on the chief superinten-
dent of the city gas works. whom your
imagination has converted into a
champagne supper. And Emma. you
much have liked my friends better
than you admitted, else you would new
er have taken Joe Crewes' for ice
cream"
How ridiculous, But it was all the
fault Of your careless writing"