Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1910-07-28
The raining Of
Simpkins

...-...-.-...........-..
When Simpkins began calling at
Paradise fiat which is the name Caro-
line and Edwina have given their girl
bachelor apartment, his hostess agreed
that he was rather bore. But as
time went on and he continued to
come with marked regularity they
both found him interesting, although
they did not confide this fact to each
other. On the contrary, they still
spoke of him with good-natured de-
rision and never for moment owned
that any elaboration of dress on the
evenings he was expected had any
connection with his visits.
There was something touching in
the naive manner with which Simp-
kins consulted 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 l wear
5
asked one evening.
"a green one of soft dull shade,"
suggested Edwina.
Il think a gray one, little lighter
tone than the suit, with a touch of red
in 1t, will be much smarter" said Car
oline.
Gray and red is so commonplace"
said Edwina
II don't think So" returned Caro-
line firmly.
Simpkins, after declaring that he
would provide himself with neckties
of both kinds, fastened to change the
subject.
This difference of opinion was the
beginning of many disagreements in
regard to Simpllins. However, he con-
tinued to consult them and his path
grew more smooth when they began
to receive him separately. Caroline
pleaded headache on the night of
one visit and Edwina was excused on
account of fatigue on another eve
ming. So it became the custom for only
one girl to appear when he called.
On the day that Caroline happened
upon Simpkins and Edwina lunching
together downtown, she haughtily de-
clined his invitation to join them. She
also refused to see him that evening,
though it was her turn to entertain
him. She insisted that she had i'm
portant letters to write.
The next morning when she started
to her office, as usual, a few minutes
later than Edwina, she found Simp-
kins lettering on the corner.
"This is Saturday, and hope that
you'll go to the matinee with me-
said he so humbly that she coald not
find it in her heart to decline.
Perhaps he doesn't prefer Edwina,
had parted IF he accidentally met
her downtown yesterday noon, very
likely she gave him the opportunity
to invite her to lunch. Even very nice
girls do that sort of thing sometimes,
though I should never have expected
such forwardness of Edwina."
Where were you this afternoon,
Gardiner" asked Edwina that even
ing. II thought you were coming
home early"
II did intend to, but I went to the
matinee"
ooh, l see," remarked Edwina with
icy sweetness. "How very nice!
hope you enjoyed it?"
Very much indeed, thank you"
do you know, Caroline, 1 always
think that man who goes to the
matinee is rather sissy. Goodness,
there's the bell! You didn't expect
him-any one, to night, 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 important letters to write"
When Caroline opened the door for
the caller he said Immediately that he
wanted to see both of them.
1--WE got something to tell you that
I want you both to hear" stumblingly
announced Simpkins after Edwina had
| been summoned II tried to tell you,
Miss Edwina, at lunch yesterday, but
somehow / didn't succeed, and this
| afternoon / meant to tell you, Miss
| Caroline, at the matinee, but ] could
MT, so just made up my minds to-run
in tonight.
"You are awfully good friends Of
mine and / don't believe l 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 I'm engaged to
| Mrs. Welby, my landlady."
1--WE hope you'll be very happy"
| said Edwina.
TN sure / shall" returned Simp-
| kins fatuously, "and | shall tell her
! how grateful she must be to you two
for making me anywhere near worthy
OF her. Pm sorry l can't stay longer,
| but she's expecting me-"
we 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.