The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1910-07-21
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
yEsUvIUs GAINED.
BY ]. Ludlum Lee.


Arthur Southgate had never mar
ried. Putting it mildly, his temper
was no tan even one, and he argued
that, combining his own obstreperous
uispQsition with the Unborn obstinacy
or all women, something would surely
give W&g
On this particular Sunday afternoon
he was in the smoking room of the
Royal club. Pulling out his watch he
saw that II was o'clock-just two
hours late for his engagement with
Irene Arlington.
jumping Jehoshaphat." he cried pc
he pushed back from the table. "ITl
catch it--Just two hours late anu :.
woman In frenzy waiting for me at
the other end OF the line. Bye-bye.
boys" and he was on.
Jumping In his waiting car, he urged
the chauffeur TO make haste, and when
he rang the bell of the Arlington home.
Irene herself opened the door.
Hello, honey" she greeted him.
southgate was speeches.. He had
expected volIey tuned to "Why didn't
you" and How dare your
90" sighed Irene, 81 certainly am
glad you didn't come earlier, for at
o'clock it was so piping hot, but
now" and she seemed to breathe ex-
hilaration--'sit perfect"
Southgate started in to explain his
lateness. and decided TO tell the truth.
he battered himself that he knew
women, through and through, and ar
gued that tn etruth was the easiest
way out OF all troubles. Irene seemed
bored by his explanations and inter
rupted him.
But, my dear Arthur" she said. 81
bate people who ara always on time
They never give 8 girl an excuse TO
be late herslf."
The Sunday crowds were left be-
HING on the popular thoroughfares.
The quiet country roads which their
Ehanneur chose were almost deserted.
Twilight had begun to fall, and fitful
shadows were cast upon the road from
overhanging branches.
= thought we would stop at Linden
Lodge for supper" Southgate was say
ing. i told Jack Gormley and Mrs.
Jack to look us up there. OF course
II you want to go somewhere else"
o, love the Lodge" exclaimed
Irene and
A sharp report from behind, and her
sentence was lost The machine came
to standstiIl A tire had burst be-
yond mending. Southgate swore
rcundly at the chauffeur, who stolidly
began the hours task OF taking on
the old tire and putting on q new one.
don't blame you for being furious,
Irene began oSuthgate II tell you
this automobile business is rotten to
the core--it's--''
But I'm not furious. I'm rather
glad We broke down." cried Irene.
We've been speeding so that I've lost
my breat. and anyway just back there
are some lovely flowers ] want to
pick-and oh, love to see machines
work, and when ] get my flowers I'm
com-Dg back to watch your man."
Southgate opened HIS eyes and look
ed sharply at the girl to make sure
he heard Alright. He felt likt the
snaE boy who wanted to pinch him-
self to sec If he were awake.
Together they walked back and
gathered the flowers A scientific
man would have had difficulty in fig
urine out which were the thickest-
The Wild flowers or the mosquitoes.
which Toasted on the newcomers.
I'm eaten alive with these beastly
\ pests said Sonthgate as he slapped
eae tat on his wrist II can't stand
Il smother minuSe-End really with
chat thin dress OF yours
20 mosquitoes are no worse than
o<her pests said Irene. my little
trofher nss white mice that get out
~ me ea7f and run all over the house.