The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1911-11-27
He
1t

As Flitcraft was hurrying across the
bridge to catch the sos train for
home he saw Griggs just ahead OF
him with a black band on the sleeve
of his light overcoat.
Though tho two men had only
bowling acquaintance. Flitcraft knew
that Griggs' wife had died recently
and a sudden realization came over
him of what It must mean to man TO
be deprived Of long accustomed DO
nestle companionship. 1t was q
thing, he reflected. which might hap
pen at any time to any married man.
He wondered vaguely. as the light
overcoat with the black band disap'
peared in the crowd. whether Griggs
had been good to bis wife. Then ne
affirmed to himself virtuously that .
man ought to be habitually good to bis
wife. and then II anything should hap
pen. there would be nothing to regret
Just at this moment he happened to
see an elderly man buying some flow.
ers at the stand on the corner and
at once his vaporous general resolve
became solidified into concrete form.
Flitcraft decided that he would take
some roses home to his wife. He
hadn't done such a thing during the
eleven years since his marriage. but
that was no reason. he assured him.
self, why he shouldn't do it now.
So, with some embarrassment, he Sc.
lected bunch CT American beauties
He was rather self-consciOus when
he found that no one manifested any
curiosity as to the contents of his
tissue paper package.
why, Harley Flitcraft!" exclaim-
ed his wife as she tore of the wrap.
pings "Where'd you get such beauti.
full roses?"
Bought EN-, of course" responded
Flitcraft. jocularly Cant buy you
some flowers once in while? No 9th.
er man is buying flowers for you just
at present, Is there?"
His wife blushed at the very
thought Of such thing. Very steady
In the domestic harness were both the
Flitcrafts.
Don't be ridiculous, Harley" she
admonished him, as she hurried to fill
vase with water.
1t was evident that Mrs. Flitcraft
was delighted. A close observer
might have detected that she was also
puzzled. But Flitcraft was not In the
habit of observing his wife closely.
being convinced that he had found out
all there was 10 know about her during
the first year of their married life.
So, elated b. his success. he rushed
on to his undoing
His voluble praise of the peach
shortcake at dinner, besides being un.
usual. appeared to his wife work
Of upererogation, since he had eaten
two large pieces with great relish.
A little later. to complete his wife's
mystification. Flitcraft laid down the
evening paper and proposed that they
60 to concert
Mrs. Flitcrait was we'll aware that
her husband didn't know Beethoven
from Tschaikowsky and was utterly
Indifferent to both.
why. Harley" she protested. ITS
going to be all classified music, and
I'm sure you wouldn't enjoy IT,"
There's nothing would enjoy
more!" prevaricated Flitcraft.
His wife cast a penetrating glance
toward the American beauties, 10
though to read there the secret of her
lords sudden transformation. Then
she said. gently: Harley, you don't
feel we'll. do you!"
Never felt better In my life," re.
sponded Harley. promptly.
His wife disregarded these words
1T must be-" she insisted. because
you didn't put on your heavy under.