Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-07-22
JOHNS BOAST
BY GRACE E. RILEY.

John and Paul Deane married two
sisters, Mary and Elizabeth Paulison,
two sisters as different in tastes and
disposition as were the two brothers.
1t was Johns boast that from his earli-
est youth he had known what his wife
should be and it was only after long
and careful elaboration that he finally
married Mary. Paul, on the other
hand, gay, laughter-loying Paul, fell
in love at first sight with Elizabeth
Paulison and their courtship was as
brief as was their engagement, for
Paul, suddenly transferred to his
hrm's Boston Office, insisted upon TAX
ing her with him. She felt that no
more glorious lot could befall girl
than life with Paul, and the end Of
their first year together found her &c
cure in this conviction.
1t was at this time that John and
Mary wrote that they would spend one
night in Boston on their way East,
John having been called there on bust
ness. In year of separation Eliza
beth had quite forgotten Mary's
prophecy that if she married in haste
she would repent at leisure-a
prophecy that had ranked when
spoken; and from Paul's memory had
faded Johns attitude when he heard
of Paul's hurried marriage, and the
guests received a warm welcome. Paul
called a taxi and soon they were on
their way to the unpretentious apart
ment to which Paul had taken his
bride
"This is my first automobile ride
since l married." said Elizabeth, her
voice expressing delight, yet not con-
veying an impression of regret.
paul should have waited to marry
until he could give you such things,
Elizabeth" John said with a smile on
his lips which did not reach his eyes,
Somehow Johns smiles never did
reach his eyes.
Elizabeth laughed gayly and turned
the conversation adroitlys to other
things.
GLOW about 1t, dear, should we
have waited until / had an automO-
bile income?"
IF we had, Paulus, it would have
brought the first sorrow into my life"
Paul held her close for q moment.
The shadow had fled, and when John
and Mary joined them they were
laughing at the antics Of diminutive
kitten.
elizabeth, that cat! How can you
keep such pest?"
Pest! Why, Paul adores that kit
ten"
Johns voice interrupted.
"You children have pleasant little
home here, but / don't like the idea of
Elizabeth doing her own work."
"Well, John, old man, suppose we
leave the girls to gossip and take in
show?"
Before John could reply, Marys
crisp. cool tones answered for him.
"John has given up the theater since
we married, and had hoped you had
too, Paul"
Elizabeth's laugh saved the situa-
ton.
Go on, save Paul If you can, Mary,
I've given up" she said as she dis
appeared into the kitchen, where Mary
soon followed her. In the old days
Elizabeth's dexterity in the kitchen
had been negligible quantity and the
ease with which she now prepared din
ner opened NIary's eyes.
ooh. | thrive on work, John-just
see how fast we will get these dishes
done while you boys smoker" Again
Mary's crisp, cool tones informed them
that John had given up smoking since
he married
AS the evening advanced it became
evident that now John was married
his pleasures must first be Mary's.
The evening was trying one and the
Paul Deanes breathed a sigh Of relief
when their guests left the next after
noon. 1t was more than year before
they met again.
Then one day, quite unannounced,
John came.
But where's Mary?' asked Eliza
beth as She welcomed him.
"AIary could not come" Elizabeth
felt a sense of strain as he uttered
these words
That evening, at Johns suggestion,
they attended a theater. and when
they arrived home, Elizabeth retired
leaving the men smoking and talking
business until late hour.
The day following Johns departure.
Elizabeth was surprised by Mary's ap-
pearance; white, anxious Mary,
whose first question was of John.
"He has been here, but he has gone.
What is the matter, Mary?"
"Oh, Elizabeth, have failed; failed
utterly, and ! don't know why"
Elizabeth rose to the occasion.
Mary, when you visited us last year
! knew YOU were doomed to failure.
You promised to love, honor and obey
when you married John; but it is he
that has obeyed. Go back, Mary, make
your home a delight to your husband;
learn to laugh; learn to play; instead
of trying to change Johns tastes.
make them yours-then you will find
happiness for yourself and for him."
Mary sat silent long time. Then:
you are right, Elizabeth" she said,
"and you are wise. / will go back this
afternoon
That night when Elizabeth told Paul
of Mary's coming, she saw the dawn
of smile in his eyes.
"Why are you laughing, Paul?"
Thinking of Johns boast that he
knew Mhat hic uifo should dnn