The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1910-04-22

waite answered the summons and was
confronted by graceful figure in a
gray suit.
81 couldn't ring the front door bell
because of the newly painted steps,"
| explained the caller. rs Mrs. Braith-
| waite at hore?"
Il am Mrs Braithwaite"
"Phn's wife! How perfectly de-
lightful to meet you! | am Evelyn
Du Bois You will excuse my calling
at this unreasonable hour, but I'm
passing through the city and took the
opportunity between trains to make
the acquaintance of Phil's wife.
Please. may | come in?"
II beg your pardon" Mrs Braith-
waite said. painfully conscious of her
abbreviated skirt and the boiler lid In
her hand She led the way into the
sitting room through the piles of as
sorted clothes on the kitchen floor.
This, then, was the girl Phil had
been engaged to!
Mrs. Braithwaite looked around her
in dismay. Never before had the lit
| tie sitting room shown such disorder.
She gathered up an armful of things
from a chair and begged her caller to
be seated.
Phil and | have known each other
for years." Miss Du Bots observed.
He's much older than l, you know.
l imagine you are nearer his age. He
| always said he never would marry a
brunette, but there's no depending
upon a mans word, as l suppose you
have learned already. What a dear
home! And so very, very tiny! Some
how, l can't imagine Phil crowding
his six feet of stature in here. OF
course he keeps up his singing, Mrs.
Braithwaite, and you play his accom-
paniments?"
Mrs. Braithwaite shook her head
and became conscious Of the sweep
ing cap. She removed 1t, attempted
to smooth back her hair and felt the
curriers'. An embarrassed flush stained
her cheeks
My hair curls naturally" Miss Du
Bots volunteered with superior
smile. How do you keep your hands
In condition to play the piano when
you must wash? | never dreamed that
Phil would ask his wife to do the
washing. He was always SO consider
ate and"
My husband hasn't the faintest
idea that I'm washing" Mrs. Braith.
waite broke in Indignantly The wom-
an failed to come"
"Of course" Miss Du Bots
acquiesced with a politely incredulous
air. She consulted her watch, adding
as she rose: Positively. 1t is nearly
luncheon time"
Mrs. Braithwaite rose also, a nerv-
Gus something Juggling at her throat.
Phil would never forgive her for let
ting Miss Du Boas go without some re-
freshment. But the pantry was
empty! Saturday they had dined
downtown; Sunday they had dined
with friends.
You must let me give you a bite
and sup" Mrs. Braithwaite urged.
While you lay aside your coat in
the hall. l will prepare 1t quickly"
Seated at the table, brave with pref
ty new napery. cut glass and silver.
Miss Du Bots helped herself daintily
to bread, butter and jelly, begging to
be excused for emitting eggs, which
she never ate.
Did you have a caller to-day?"
asked Braithwaite of his wife when
they met.
Yes, Miss Du Bois." she answered
i met Evelyn on the street and she
tried to get me to go to lunch with
her" explained Braithwaite. II told
her / wanted her to meet Won. Sba
thought maybe you wouldn't be Dre-
pared for callers and all that sort of
thing. but / emphasized the fact that
you are always prepared and have
given me leave to bring anybody home
at any time for a meal. Evelyn, you
know. can't turn her hand to anything
in house-been waited on all her
life. 1t was all right to send her nm
wasn't it,"
Mrs. Braithwaite said Yes" rather
family. Then she added. as though
the thought had just flashed on her
Perhaps 1t would be best, though To
call up and see II I'm at home and
ready for visitors before you send out
anybody again"
III do that" he agreed. But I'm
certain you were prepared today" he
declared, with the blissful Ignorance
Of an inexperienced husband.