The Wyandotte herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1879-1943, 1941-01-17
AN OFFERING OF
FLOWERS
By LEW ZARE
Mcclure Syndic ate-WNU ServiceD

- raised himself on his toes and
planted a kiss on his wife'S lips.
Then, snatching his hat, he scurried
out the door to catch the 7:45, leav-
ing thoughtful wife. behind, too
dumfounded to move at this sudden
display of affection.
When her husband was long out
of sight, Mrs. A j. Mortimer
bounced herself to the calendar and
discovered that this day was not
her birthday, their anniversary, nor
even her mothers birthday.
A sudden fear seized her. Was
Archie losing his affection for her?
Would little Archie dare to fall in
love with someone else as he had so
often done before their marriage?
The next thing that entered her
mind was the possibility that he had
hired a pretty stenographer.
Before much time had elapsed,
Mrs. A. J. Mortimer arrived at the
office, rushed through the door
marked private in expectation of
seeing some beautiful siren on her
husbands lap. She was almost
disappointed to find the same I'm
attractive secretary sitting at her
husbands desk jotting pot-hooks in
a notebook.
Mr.. Archibald J. Mortimer was
leaning far back in his chair, his
hands folded over his waist, a big
cigar in his mouth.
Realizing her mistake, Mrs. A. J.
Mortimer stopped in the middle of
the room, toyed with her pocketbook
and then uttered weak. Hello"
Calmly he queried,
"What is the matter, dear?" The
secretary bad meanwhile left the
room, and for a moment Mrs. A.
J. Mortimer thought of telling her
husband everything; but seeing
wrapped-up bouquet Of flowers be-
side his desk, supposedly concealed
by two wastebaskets, she refrained
"Just thought I'd drop in, dear.
I'm shopping today. Well, III just
toddle along" Before her husband
had time to urge her to stay awhile,
she left the room, upsetting the Of
fee boy, who couldn't get out from
under the keyhole in time. Left
alone, Archibald heaved a sigh of
relief, put the flowers in more Sc
cure spot, and went back to work.
Meanwhile, Mrs. A J. Mortimer,
| outside now, was more perturbed
than ever. Eventually she decided
| the flowers were not meant for her.
Beginning to sniff1e slightly, she fur
Their decided to have her husband
trailed as she had done once before.
J. The busine ss-like man behind the
desk in the Office of the Aberjamb
| Detective agency assured Mrs. A. J.
Mortimer that her wishes were their
orders. "And you say that if he
should happen to go to a cemetery,
he should be trailed no longer? Oh,
your father just died?"
Meanwhile, Mr. A. J. Mortimer.
having concluded his days work,
brushed his suit, Strengthened his
tie, and used mite of perfume.
Leaving the Office, bouquet in hand,
he did not at all notice the man
who, only giving him a casual
glance, walked . little to the side
of him. In a taxi Archie was too
absorbed In his thoughts to pay
much attention to the other cab right
behind his.
/ Mr.. Mortimer's car soon pulled up
ia front Of the Wander cemetery.
The detective had also alighted, and
although he knew his directions. de-
cided to follow his victim into the
cemetery for short space at least.
Past the huge wire gates. Mr.
Mortimer suddenly stopped in front
of one Of the graves and krieit down.
That was sufficient evidence for the
detective and he left. the cemetery
to make his report to headquarters.
After Mf. Mortimer had fuished
tightening his shoelace. he hurriedly
rose to his feet. Then scafnperine
over TO the caretaker's cabin, he
blissfully entered and was greeted
by the open arms and sunny smile
! Of tho caretaxer's daughter.