The log cabin Democrat., 1911-04-06
ITS A WAY WOMEN HAVE.

 sumptously but chastely appointed apartment the other evening when my man, Alfred, gided in and announced MT. Simpsie. 1 was a little annoyed, for, as 1 said, l was sitting comfort ably and the book l was reading in- i terested me. 1 don't say that William Simpse doesn't interest me. He does-mildly.
 He is the son of a man l used to know; not exactly a contemporary of mine, but quite little my senior, who has already been a long time dead, as he often predicted he would be. Be- sides that bond, William has a way of getting into difficulties and asking my advice, and I may say that I have had sufficient experience to qualify me as a guide, philosopher and friend to youth And, also, I am good natured about it.
 Still, was rather annoyed. It was Il o'clock, and I hate being kept up past two or three in the morning.
 I sighed and said: "Show Mr. Simpse in, Alfred
 A moment later and Williams round face, wearing it's amiable smile, his accurately parted and smoothly laid blond hair, and his tur- quoise dress studs (to which I have properly objected) were all before me.
 How do, old chap?" quoth William.
 Sit down. 1 said, as kindly as pos sible. But, first throw that vile cigarette out of the window
 T didn't know you minded said | William, quite perturbed.
 And take one of mine,' 1 contin- ued. They are in the box to your right. Now you can tell me why you intrude upon me at this unreasonable hour'
 "Why, it's the shank of the evenin', isn't it?" sid William, who had care fully acquired the habit of sighting the final "g.' ''I didn't mean to in- trude, old chap. just dropped in to see how you were maxim out"
 'l am making out very we'll thank you," l said, "so if it's nothing more than that-'
 "Oh, l say" William demonstrated.
 ''I can't stop you if you insist on saying l answered. How much IS it this time, and when can I expect to get some of it back?'
 It isn't that" said William. "I'm keepin' right within my allowance and savin' my salary besides"
 ''l suppose they are going to fire you for incompetence and you want me to see them?"
 Not at all," William denied. "I'm gettin' on perfectly rippin'. I would not be surprised if they wanted to take me into partnership" T would,' said I.
 By the way, and just to change the subject, what do you think of this matrimony thing?" inquired William ingeniously.
 'I don't think of it, William" I answered, not quite truthfully. "How ever, I congratulate you. She is a charming girl
 "Who is?' gasped William, round eyed.
 Well, l suppose she is if you want me to be exact" I amended. Most of them have been, as nearly as l can recollect
 "Oh, l say, you're tryin' to get a rise out of me- said William, blush ing. "l just meant in general way, matrimony, don 'tcherknow, not any body in particular. How about it?"
 'l think it is one of the basic in- stitutions of society, William,' I re- piled.
 II mean, what would you think of it for a fellow like me-" he persisted
 "There is much said in favor of such a course,' I pronounced. That's what I've been thinkin'," agreed William, beeming. And much against it, I added. That's occurred to me, too, don't cherknow," sighed the young man.
 'Still, fellow might do worse of course"
 Some married men might differ | from you,'' 1 remarked You haven't married, know" said William, anxiously.
 five been putin it off, merely" I said. s"I'm of procrastinating na- ture. But I wondered if it wasn't about time that I took decisive step, and l thought to myself, I don't be- lieve I would be too old for her. There have been lots of happy marriages between men of-er-in their prime, and quite young girls" But you think it would be all right don't you?" demanded William. "Of course, when a mans single, if he doesn't like the place he's at he can pack up and leave. and he couldn't | if he were married" He would be denied that freedom, naturally" l admitted. l But then, he mightn't like the next joint any better" said William, lapsing into the vernacular.
 "That is also true,' agreed. And