Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-12-02
&c q: q 8 He 49,
Overdid It

AS F7itcraft was hurrying across the
bridge 10 catch the sos train roF
home he saw Griggs just ahead OF
him with q black band on the sleeve
Of his light oVeroaL
Though the two men had only a
bowling acquaintance, Fiitcraft knew
that Grlggs' wife had died recently
and sudden realization came over
him OF what It must mean to man 10
be deprived OF long accustomed DO
mestic companionship. 1t was q
thing. he reflected, which might nap.
pen al any time to any married man.
He wondered vaguely. as the light
overcoat with the black band disap
peared In the crowd, whether Grlsss
had been good TO his wife. Then ne
affirmed to himself rirtuously that
man ought to be habitually good to his
wife, and then Ii anything should ..al
pan, there would be nothing TO regret.
Just at this moment he happened 10
see al elderly man buying some hoW.
ers at the stand on the corner ana
at once his paporous general resolve
became solidified into concrete form.
F1itcraft decided that he would take
some roses home to his wife. He
hadn't done such thing during the
eleven years since his marriage. but
that was no reason, he assured hims
self, why he shouldn't do it now.
So, with some embarrassment he Sc,
lected bunch Of 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!" e1clafm-
ed his wife as she tore off the wrap
pings. "Where'd you get such beauti-
full roses?"
Bought 'em, OF course" responded
Flitcraft. jocularly. Cant buy You
some flowers once in while? NO 9TH
er man is buying flowers for you just
ut present. is there?"
His wife blushed at the very
thought of such thing. Very steady
in the domestic harness were both the
Fiitcrafts. 4:
Don't be ridiculous, Harley" she
admonished him, as she hurried to I'LL
q vase with water.
1t was evident that Mrs. Fiitcraft
was delighted. A close observer
might have detected that she was also
puzzled. But F'litcraft was not in the
habit OF observing his wife closely,
being convinced that he had found out
ell there was 70 know about her during
the first year o! their married life.
So. elated by his success. he rushed
OH to his undoing.
His voluble praise OF the peach
shortcake at dinner, besides being I'M.
usual, appeared to his wife a work
OF supererogation. since he had eaten
two large pieces with great relish. -
A little later. to complete his wife'a
mystiiication, F?itcraft laid down the
evening paper and proposed that they
10 to concert. ".
Mrs. Flitcraft was we'll aware that
b er husband didn't know Beethoven
from Tschaikowsky and was utterly
indifrer snt 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 I would : enjoy
more." prevaricated F1itcraft.
His wife cast penetrating glance
toward the American beauties. as
though to read there the secret Of her
lords sudden transformation. Then
she said, gently: Harley, you don't
feel well. do your
Never felt better IN my life." ~
spo1lded Harley, promptly.
His wife disregarded these words.
TT must be-" she insisted because
you didn't put on your heavy under
wear the first OF the month"
why, ! teal you that feel perfect
iy we'll" reiterated Flitcraft Il don't
need heavy underwear in such wealth
er as this
) Then I'm afraid you haven't been
careful enough about your diet" she
said. You know, the doctor said
that you
Haven't told you three times,
roared FlItcraft, that I never felt
better"
"Oh. Harley, don't say that, plead.
ed his wife, with tears in her eyes.
"Of course, don't.want you to be i'll.
and yet Id rather It WAS that. There's
only one other way to explain your
queer actions. It's remorse"
"Remcrse? For what? demanded
Fitcraft