Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1910-08-25
The Training of Simpkins.

When Simpkins began calling at Para
disc flat, which is the name Caroline anC
Edwina have given their girl bachelo
apartment, his hostess agreed that he wa:
rather bore. But as time went on ant
he continued to come with marked regu'
larity they both found him interesting, al
though they did not confide this TACT t
each other. On the contrary, they still
spoke of him with good -natured derisior
and never for moment owned that any
elaboration OF dress on the evenings ht
was expected had any connection will
his visits.
There was something touching in tht
naive manner with which SimpkinS con-
suited them on many little social points
He admitted that he had never had the
opportunity of learning much about the
intricacieS of good form until he had the
advantage OF their acquaintance. So they
began to feel that he was their mission.
"What colored necktie shall weal
with my new gray spring suit ?" he ask
ed one evening.
"a green one OF a soft dull shade,
suggested Edwina.
81 think gray one, little lighter tone
than the suit, with touch OF red in IT.
will be much smarter" said Caroline.
"Gray and red is so commonplace, .
said Edwina.
81 don't think So" returned Caroline
firmly.
Simpkins, after declaring that he would
provide himself with necktieS OF both
kinds, hastened to change the subject.
This difference OF opinion was the be-
ginning of many disagreementS in regard
10 SimpkinS. However, he continued to
consult them and his path grew more
smooth when they began to receive him
separately. Caroline pleadeda headache
on the night OF one visit and Edwlna was
excused on account OF fatigue on another
evening. So it became the custom for
only one girl to appear when he called.
On the day that Caroline happened up
on Simpkins and Edwina lunching to-
gether downtown, she haughtily declined
his invitation to join them. She also re-
fused to see him that evening, though il
was her turn to entertain him. She in
sisted that she had important letters to
write.
The next morning when she started to
her office, as usual, few minutes later
than Edwina, she found SimpkinS loiter-
ing on the corner.
"ThiS is Saturday, and hope that you'll
20 to the matinee with me, said he so
humbly that she could not find il in her
heart TO decline.
perhaps he doesn't prefer Edwina,
after all, she told herself when they had
parted. "Ifhe accidentally met her down
towny Yesterday noon, very likely she gave
him the opportunity to invite her to lunch.
Even very nice girls will do that sort OF
thing sometimes, though should never
have expected such forwardneSS OF Ed
wilma"
"Where were you this afternoon, Caro-
line?" asked Edwina that evening. 81
thought you were coming home early.
81 did intend to, but went TO the matt
nee."
ooh, see," remarked Edwina with
icy sweetness. "How very nice! ! hope
you enjoyed it?"
every much indeed, thank you.
"Do you know, Caroline, always
think that a man who goes to the matinee
is rather sissy. Goodness, there's the
belll You didn't expect him-any one,
tonight, did you?"
"Of course not. You know he was
here last night"
"Well, it's his ring, anyway. Will you
see him? You'll have to, for have inn
lSttSlo w
When Caroline opened the door for the
caller he said Immediately that he wanted
to see both OF them.
H've got something to tell you that
want you both to hear" stumblingy an
nounced Simpkins after Edwina had beer
summoned. 81 tried TO tell you, Miss
Edwina, atlunch yesterday, but somehow
didn't succeed, and this afternoon
meant to tell you, Miss Caroline, at the
matinee, but couldn't, so ! just made up
my minp to run in tonight.
"You are awfully good friends OF mine
and don't believe should ever have
gained my great happiness if it hadn't
been for the splendid advice you have
given me. | know you'll be glad to hear
that Pm engaged to Mrs. Welby, my land
lady"
"We hope you'll be very happy" said
Edwina.
"I'm sure SHALL" returned Simpkins
fatuously, land shall tell her how CRATE
full she must be to you two for making
me anywhere near worthy OF her. I'm
sorry can't stay longer, but she's ex-
pecting me"
eve wouldn't detain you for the world"
said both girls at once. Then, scarcely
waiting for the door to close behind their
guest, they burst into the friendliest kind
of laughter.