Life — September 3, 1903 — page 18: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A Matrimonial Lesson. ee RS. CAPERTON confided to me this morning that dt sho had had some trouble with her husband,” said Mrs. Von Blumer. That's not surprising,” said Von presume it is an old story with them. They don't quite understand each other. He deceives her in his way, and she deceives him in her way. Result—scraps. Von Blumer got up and paced the floor nervously. The subject appealed to him. ‘Two people cannot make their married life a success,” he continued, ** unless they tell each other the truth—the absolute truth, Think of what it would mean to under- stand each other perfectly—why, that's what's the matter with us at times—we conceal our feelings, we hesitate at the real unvarnished truth.” Mrs. Von Blumer sighed. “L suppose that ¢s s0,”” she said. “ Why, it would be per- fectly ideal, wouldn’t it, to share every thought together?” “It not only would be ideal,” said Von Blumer, ‘but it strikes me as extremely practical. What more easy in our cas T'll tell you every thought I have, without reserve, and you do the same to me. Let's begin at once.”” Mrs. Von Blumer clapped her hands in glee, like a child, so happy was the thou; ‘When shall we b “ Right off,” morning.”’ Von Blumer was going out that evening, so he wanted twelve hours’ leeway. “Good!” exclaimed Mrs, begin to-morrow morning. At the usual hour the next morning, Von Blumer descended to the breakfast table. His wife was before him, putting those fine wifely touches to the table that the best of waitresses is never quite equal to. “You haven't forgotten our agreement?’ she said smil- 7 Blumer, ‘‘and I * she cried. said Von Blum ‘“‘that is—to-morrow Von Blumer. ‘‘ We will No, indeed,” replied Von Blumer. ‘‘I'm full of it. I'm going to begin right away. Do you know, I never liked that morning wrapper you wear. It isn’t anything of adecent apparel. It’s neither a gown nora robe. bum affair.”” “T knew you didn't like it,’ said Mrs. Von Blumer, “and to tell you the honest trath, I don’t like it myself. But the only reason I have worn it at all is because I “LIFE didn’t feel that you could afford to get just what I wanted.” “How much will it cost?"” “Well, [saw a morning house gown the other day for forty-five dollars that is just what I want,” “You are right. That is too much.” “ But I'm going to get it, anyway. It’s really more im- portant that I should look well before you, than it is to keep out of debt.” Von Blamer set down his paper and stared at his wife. “You can’t have a very good opinion of me as a man,” he observed dryly, “if you think that I prefer financial dishonor to simplicity of dress in my wife.” Mrs. Von Blumer looked at him sadly but truthfully. “T haven't a good opinion of you in this respect,” she replied distinctly. ‘ You have, of course, many admira- ble qualities, but you are much the same as the ordinary run of men. As long as I dress well and look pretty, you will work for me like a slave, and while you may grumble, you'll be secretly proud of me. Every man likes his wife to make a good show. It is really safer for her to ran him into debtand do this, than to save his money and be dowdy.”” Von Blumer, true to his bargain, nodded his head in acquiescence. “That's true,” he said, ‘up toa certain point, but only up toacertain point. You have fally decided, have you, to get that gown ? “Yes—I shall go right down this morning.” “Good ! It will cost me forty-five, but in this instance it may be a good investment. I shall be glad to see you in something fresh at the breakfast table.” Mrs. Von Blumer colored slightly, but kept her temper. “You would probably see more of me," she said, " if you i tag 0 ALPHABETICALLY EXPRESSED. LN, U ROX. raoBIt NU URAL comicbooks.com