The Cairo bulletin., 1910-06-14
The raining Of
Simpkins


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 a 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 wear
with my new gray spring suit?" he
asked one evening.
"A green one OF soft dull shade"
suggested Edwina.
u think gray one, little lighter
tone than the suit, with touch OF red
In 1t. will be much smarter said Car
oline.
Gray and red is so commonplace"
said Edwina.
i 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 Simpkins. However, he con-
tinued to consult them and his path
grew more smooth when they began
to receive him separately Caroline
pleaded a headache on the night OF
one visit and Edwina was excused on
account Of fatigue on another eve
ming. SO 1t 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 sha had Inn,
portant letters to write. A
The next morning when she started
TO her Office. as usual. few minutes
later than Edwina, she found Slmp.
kins lettering on the corner.
This Is Saturday, and hope that
youth go to the matinee with me"
said he SO humbly that sha could not
find 1t In her heart to decline.
Perhaps he doesn't prefer Edwina,
after ALL she told herself when they
had parted III 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 aort of thing sometimes,
though 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"
4 did intend to, but I went to the
matinee"
"Oh, see," remarked Edwina with
Icy sweetness. How very nice! /
hope you enjoyed IT."
VERY much indeed, thank you"
''Do you know, Caroline, 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 your"
"Of course not. You know he was
here last night"
We'll, It's HIS ring, anyway VIII
you see him? Youll 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
want you both to hear" stumblingly
announced Simpkins after Edwina had
been summoned. i tried to tell you.
Miss Edw ina, 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 ar9 awfully good friends of
mine and don't behave should ever
have gained my great happiness II 1t
hadn't been for the splendid advice
you have given me. kncx you'll be
glad to hear that I'm engaged to
Mrs Welby, my landlady."
I'VE hope you'll be very happy"
said EdwinR.
I'm 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. I'm sorry can't stay longer.
but she's expecting ms
1--WE wouldn't detain Won 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.