The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1911-12-15
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As F1itcraft was hurryine across the
bridge to catch the sos train fot
home he saw Griggs Just ahead 81
him with a black band on the sleeve
Of his light overcoat
Though the two men had only
bowling acquaintance, Flitcraft knew
that Griggs wife had died recently,
and q sudden realization came over
him Of what 1t must mean to 4 man to
be deprived of long accustomed do
nestle companionshi7. It was
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 diSAr
peared In the crowd, whether 0riG11
had been good to his wife. Then h1
affirmed to himself virtuously that 4
man ought to be habitually good to his
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 now.
ers at the stand on the corner and
at once his vaporous general resolve
became solidifled into concrete form.
Flitcraft 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 him;
self. why he shouldn't do 1t now.
So, with some embarrassment, he S6;
lected a bunch OF American beauties.
He was rather self-conscious wh6n
he found that no one manifested any
curiosity as to the contents Of HE
tissue paper package.
why. Harley Flitcraft!" e1claimi
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 I buy you
some flowers once in a 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 we're 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 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.
&c. elated by 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 a work
of supererogation, 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
go to concert.
Mrs. Flitcraft was well 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, 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." 70
sponded Harley, promptly.
His wife disregarded these words.
ut must be-" she insisted. because
you didn't put on your heavy under
wear the first of the month";
why, tell you that | feel perfect
ly WELL" reiterated Flitcraft. II 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 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 Ill,
and yet I'd rather it was that. There's
only one other way to explain your
queer actions. It's remorse!"
"Remorse? For what?" demanded
Flitcraft.
For having fallen In love with some
other womanl You're trying to atone
to me for it! And you're always been
such a good husband until now!"