Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1909-10-29

looking, but so stupidity sedate.
Natalie, herself, was not a bit Sc
tate. She was not even discreet
DO yen really care anything for
meT she inquired abruptly.
my dear, l suppose care for you
Just about as much as it is possible for
any man to care for his wife after five
years Of connubial bliss"
9 That Is not enough to satisfy me-
Natalie returned imbatiently.
Mr.. Carleton raised his eyebrows.
What are you going to do about it,"
Il think" said Mrs. Carleton, dryly,
that 1 shall leave pretty soon."
Don't talk at random, dearest; you
have always been so sweet and sensi.
BILE about everything. Pass your
plate"
Q Il am entirely In earnest" she in
sisted.
But what in the world do you want
10 leave me for?" Mr.. Carleton cried.
Then, In the face of her continued 81.
lence, "Oh! the inevitable other man.
He has been so long In putting in an
appearance that l had quite given him
up"
The Weman flushed beneath this
raillery.
He loves me-" she said, firmly.
OF course, we all love you in the
beginning"
Il do not care, you may be as
cynical as you like; there is such a
thing as congeniality and-and-all
that" she ended, rather lamely.
e 80 you have found your affinity, my
love, and you are all for leaving me
here to face this dreary world alone?"
Much you will mind" she retorted.
Il should like to know just how many
nights out Of the week you now spend
away from your club"
Don't nag, that's dear, especially
as you have been amusing yourself
charTningly. Who is this other chap"
Norman Sargent" Defiance rang
in her voice.
Sol Why, he hasn't penny"
She flushed again.
Surely you have never thought me
meroenary?"
Certainly not, my love: but even
afintties must eat, and especially must
they drink fine wines, to keep up the
Illusion. He's an interesting chap,
confess: but don't he strike you as a
trihe intense, rather strenuous for
every day use? He must make love
beautifully, but as a husband l am
sure he could be peeVish II things got
on his nerves"
You know nothing about him. He
p has tremendous talent. You are hate.
full and jealous"
Her voice trembled and there was
a glimmer Of tears in her eyes.
Far be 1t from me to discourage
loves dream, and as for jealousy,
am shamelessly amused at your at.
titude.; It Is so delightful. Isuppose
you win expect me to make you some
sort Of an alowanee?"
Surely after all these years that
we have lived together you ought to
wish me-to be independent"
Natalie broke the silence again.
My dear, you are free to go your
own way tomorrow, If you choose.
will see Cheesman; he is a personal
friend Of mine, you know, and one of
the most experienced divorce lawyers
In the city"
She looked rather taken aback.
Then you do not care. You are
not going to miss me much, nor
mindf"
Il think 1t will be rather a lark to
live at the club again. A tie of any
sort, no matter how charming the
woman. becomes irksome in time"
II suppose there is somebody else,
otoOY" she said, suspiciously.
I hope very shortly there will be
several somebodies. You see, my love,
was a. furious ladies' man for a good
many years before l succumbed to
Do your manifold charms, and settled
down into a meek and properly con.
Quoted Benedict. It will be interest.
ing to see whether can renew those
experiences"
co "HRmph! You can have adyen.
lures enough. suppose Mrs. Harris
Taylor win be delighted to eondole
with you. She has been trying to get
up fuf for FIVE years or more"
Mr.. Carleton laughed gently.
Three months later found Mrs
@ Carlten and Norman Sargent over
their teacups before the fire in the
formers pretty boudoir.
He's been tremendously generous.
He has taken chambers near his club.
am 70 have the house just as It
stands.
The young man watched her smil-
Co ing. animated face with dreamy eyes.
You are so wonderful" he muir.
INJURED, $50 prodigiously clever-of an
intelligence too marvellous"
'Pshaw!" cried Natalie, blushing
z rosily. Don't be absurd. l have a
bit Of common sense. not so much
as most people, but more than you
have, you idle creature"
Common sense is quality which
makes for stupidity. l should scorn
3 to have common sense"