Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1909-04-15
DOMESTIC
FINESSE
By c. EDWARDS

She was the spoiled and only child
of doting mother As Barklow's best
man at the wedding, 1 enjoyed many
OF his condolences about Miss Somers
before he married her. He was deeply
in love, but knew that she was a specu-
lation; as risky as she was fascinat-
ing.
Their differences, so far as l knew.
began two or three weeks before the
wedding day. He wished to spend the
honeymoon on Devonshire, and she at
Windermere. Naturally, they went to
Windermere. said was astonished
that he could argue such a point with
his bride, especially as he was so fond
OF the lake district At the railway
station, just before they started. |
again mentioned the matter.
Sorry you're not going to Torquay, "
1 said playfully.
That's all right" said he. That's
quite all right, between ourselves"
Then. with a smile, he joined his
wife In the train, and was left won
derins, moderately, why it should be
r1eht between ourselves"
Soon after their return from the
lakes l dined with them, and obtained
little more food for thought.
"Mr. Reyson." said Mrs. Barlow
apropos OF nothing. isn't it ridiculous
of Jim to want a cat7"
i looked at Baklow for information
Isn't II unreasonable of my wife.
Reyson, to conceive such a sudden
aversion to cats?" said he, smiling
serenely.
Surely, Mrs. Barlow" said. 81 re.
member a beautiful Persian and two or
three more cats at Heathside house
he mothers residence.
That has nothing to do with it." re-
torted Mrs. Barlow, with an adorable
toss Of the head. II sha'n't have one
here, not even to please jim" -
Barlow sighed as If he were already
used to matrimonial Affections.
My only worry" he said, as to
know which 1 like best, Persian or
plain"
It's his fun, Mrs. Barlow" 1 said.
You don't know him as I do"
/ suppose / could have said nothing
more exasperating TO a six-week wife.
If it is his fun" she cried, with
scorn; Pm glad my sense of humor is
feeble. think Wen change the sub
5ect, Jim. But, once for all, I've had
enough cats at home"
We certainly will not quarrel about
them yet" said Barlow, as grave as
an undertaken. I'll put them on for
six month3."
Six years - eternityi" exclaimed
Mrs. Barlow. "And-this is, 1 think.
turbot, Mr.. Reyson."
When we were alone I rallied Bark
low about the cats; but he would have
none of it.
"Hush!" he said. mo tales out of
school. even to you, yet"
Several weeks later The Barklows
changed their housemaid; and again I
dined with them. The new girl waited
at table. and was greatly impressed
by her attractions. She had a sub
lime complexion; and though shy,
moved with remarkable grace.
What do you think Of her. Mr.. Rev
a1onf' Mrs. Barlow whispered, eager
ly. after her first appearance. isn't
she sweet? She's from a farm"
Clumsy young fool-thats whatsshe
is growled Barlow.
Breaks things7" i presume.
Not a single-Oh, yes, you must GO
to the concert, Mr.. Reyson; you must,
indsed!"
The girl was resumed after an inter
val, and though I don't care for such
topics OF talk, felt curious about
Barklow's unaccountable prejudice
toward 90 pleasing a young woman.
Il tell my wife, .Rsyson," he said,
that it's the greatest mistake to en-.
gage pretty servants. Not that Rogers
is pretty"
She is, Jim, protested Mrs. Barlow.
Well" said Barlow, 'it's a mercy
we see with different eyes. But. pretty
or not, hope she'll soon disgrace her
self and leave u.s."
That was enough about the house.
maid. She is still with them, and a pat
tern to other housemaids. I don't
choose to ask Barlow II marriage
with a pretty wife has blinded him to
beauty in others. But If it were so.
1t was an extraordinary change.
Weeks wore on, and Mrs. Barlow
increased in glory-if may say So
alike of face and demeanor. Married
life evidently, suited her. She was
almost blatant advertisement of the
fact. Her smiles and greetings were
all Of that finished mstronlx kind