The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1909-10-28
A SEALED LETTER.
BY Charles Folsrrs.

..- NSSPJA Bill AeVNf W "
In his coy salon Paul Dartel was
! sitting reclining In an easy chair. en-
Toying his after dinner cigar. which
his wife as a rare favor had allowed
him to smoke outside his den, while
she was lying half hidden among the
pillows of a luxurious divan.
A servant entered with q letter on a
silver salver. 1t was addressed to
Nine. Dartel, but in a mt Of jealousy
monsieur puts out his hand to take
IL fromsthe servant, though not quickly
enough to prevent his wife from get
ting 1t first. She looked at 1t for a
moment, noticed the name Of the
sender In the upper left hand corner
and with a smile handed it to her hus-
band.
Surprised and somewhat ashamed.
he looked at 1t and then laid 1t aside
without opening IL.
$50 your jealousy has entirely dis
appeared" exclaimed Nine. Dartel with
a smile. why don't you open 1t and
find out what Ia inside?"
81 have already seen enough. It il
only another bill. ! do not wear my
jewelry, so II does not concern me.
You can a for 1t out of your pin
IllotlCJs .##..
Nine, Dartei shrugged her pretty
shoulders and puckered up her lips in
the most charming n
W IL l ave as much as / possibly
can, / cannot do it-oh, Paul, my own
dear little Paul, won't you just pay it
this one timer"
II would not dream of doing such a
thing. / pay my own personal bills
and as you IA a monthly allowance,
which / consider very generous ac-
cording to our means. there Is no
earthly reason why you should not pay
yours"
The tone Of his voice hurt her very
much, and she turned away to hide
the tears which glistened in her eyes.
We'll, how big is this new bill? Was
1t really necessary for you to buy any
thing more from M. Montana?"
Touched by his awakening interest,
Mime. Dartel replied: -
Really, Paul. / nave such an awful
poor memory. Why don't you open
the letter. Then you will know"
Yes, and II / do, you will tell me
that l have been indiscreet and that |
will have to pay II as a punishment"
Well. I don't care If the letter Is
opened"
A long silence, then Nine. Dartel
bursts out: you are a wicked brute
Of a husband who does not deserve
such a faithful wife as I am. There
are many others who would soon find
a friend who would be pleased to pay
the bills ones husband Is too mean to
pay"
wife!"
We'll, what do care? Don't you
really think could find somebody who
would pay 1t for me?" 4
And who. may I ask ?"
v ION; ! know at least n ten.
Always better than If there were
only one"
Have no fear. / will let you pay It.
and II you do not treat me right l will
just throw money away"
You had better be careful. Even my
patience might give out"
Had we maybe better paft?"
Or get a divorce?" .
A right, let us get a divorce"
time the silence lasted quite q
long time. 1t was painful to both.
Both looked disgustedly at the mis-
cradle letter which was the cause of II
all. At last NINE. Dartel said:
l think may open 1t now. I will
pay II for you" ... = -
No, since 1t is to be the last bill,
] will pay 1t for you" :
Again they begin to dispute and at
last agree that each is to pay half.
She hands him the letter. He opens
1t and laughs.
We'll how much is it," she asks,
breathing easier. -
DO not ask?"
Nothing at ALL" g.. M
Nothing at all. Montana writes
that there was q clerical error In the
last bill and that he owes us five
francs" 49,
Nine, Dartel bursts out laughing.
Wasn't 1t too stupid not to open the
letter right away! Now I am sure Won
to- me-"
Whose fault was 1t? Why aid you
not tell me that you had not bought
any moreg" ~
Because when you talk to me as
you did l forget everything"
well, / propose hat we spend the
nve francs right now. Two francs and
riage." - -
She smiles. She is irresistible when
she smiles. -" '
And pay the theater and the sun
perl" He kisses her fondly. She does
not try to push away, but nestles
closer into his arms.
You spendthrifti You scold me
when 1 spend a little mone and you!"
Il scold only whispers Paul into her
ear. when you do not spend IL to-
gether with me-" - . /,
warmlyd"dcarez-rel. .