The Argosy, October 1906 — page 147: what you’re looking at

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

eh ee “But supposing it gets sick?” dispel the ‘Musiow and ‘Mr. See fell asleep undisturbed by any further out- burst on the part of his infant guest. Mrs. Scales kept her word, and the next three days passed without. any no- ticeable annoyance to the sensitive hus- band. Mr. Scales advanced his break- fast hour, under the plea of extra work, and, after dinner, during which meal the baby remained in custody of the faithful Jane, entrenched himself securely in his study. _ Only twice did he encounter the in- fant, and the interviews were of such brief duration as hardly to be worth men- tion. | ~The promptness with which the child’s cries were stilled excited his curiosity, and Mrs. his inquiries, explained that it was ,ef- fected by administering a draft of. milk in a feeding-bottle. ‘So that’s the tip, eh?” etre Mr. = ‘Scales, charmed with the simplicity of the methed. ‘Live and _ learn. I _ the bed-clothes. a6 Zi pity any baby that falls into your hands, George,” remarked his wife, and _ Mr. Scales, with a comfortable sense of security, ‘replied that that day was far distant. __ They were at dinner on the evening of the fourth day, when Mrs. Scales made a disconcerting announcement. “Cousin Almira and I are going to the theater to-night, George,’ she said. “You'll have to get along ‘without us for a few hours.” “Eh?” said Mr. Scales blankly, ae ing down his knife ane fork. “To the theater?” — 2 “Ves,” replied Me Scales sharply, “to the theater, and for goodness’ sake ‘don’t bulge your eyes like that George. The Foresters have a box at _the Majestic, and they have invited us.’ “And what about the baby?” ”” _-de- manded Mr. Scales. : ‘“Oh, that’s all right; ag eplel his wife comfortably. ‘‘ Jane will look after him. She’s a capital nurse.”’ ‘urged ... the husband anxiously. a Rubbish! ’ ” interposed Mrs. Trenter. ‘S He's never sees sae as SRST as a George,” Scales, in reply to thought they swaddled its head up in That's” what I should eis We're | ‘not sale to Ramoliatka added Mrs. Scales. please don’t make a fuss. We're going — to the theater, and then to supper with the Foresters, ‘and that settles it.’ = ‘“T might drop round and see Butter- worth,” Mr: Scales suggested tentatively. | “Well, you can’t,” replied his wife. “Jane will be nervous if she is left Surely you can stay.at home one — night, and let us have a little enjoy, alone. ment.” : Mr. Scales, with a resigned shrug of the shoulders, accepted the situation. “All right,” he said. thing goes wrong. I'll call up Butter- a game of chess,” he added in a more cheerful tone. | Mrs. Scales, having carried her point, - raised no. objection, and, half an hour after the ladies had left for the theater, Mr. setting out the chess-board. Mr. Scales was slightly the oS player, and he was deeply chagrined by _ the result of the first game, which was won by Mr. Butterworth after a piece of strategy which the loser declared to be underhand. He concentrated all his energies on retrieving his defeat, and so absorbed was he that he failed to hear a ring at the door-bell. It was not until Jane, after several unheeded taps, entered the room and stood before him, that he looked up from the board. “Well?” he said, with a slight frown of annoyance. ‘‘ What’s the matter?” “It’s my father, sir,” whimpered the girl. ‘‘ He’s fell down into the cellar. My little brother’s. just brought me the news.’ se “Too bad,” said Mr. Scales, his eyes: wandering over the board. “ Not. hurt much, I hope.” “His leg’s Soke ” replied Jane, punctuating her catalogue with sobs. “‘ And two ribs—and his shoulder’s out— and he’s cut his eye—and the doctor thinks there’s something gone inside him.”’ : ‘“Dear me! . Dear me!” said Mr. Scales with perfunctory sympathy. . “ And he keeps calling out for me,’ continued Jane. “I was always his ae S comichoo Sea ye Me —— a > sr - : Now, ESS “ Have it your own way. But don’t ‘blame me if any- = worth, and get him to come round for Scales and Mr. Butterworth were —— ~ y Va N eo . ea pant 1 Hl ; roe. $3 yf ' ‘ sdcilgnad WA Pes 4 VLA we xii ch i MOST iby i i! A } a id ek Re Ed TA A Na NP dpe DR ANE CNR Me Tati TS ah aM AR LT ~ : v ’ Ig OAN S| Oh Bee das AN mn i WTS. Ly) Page PN AY bea Fe i APA) EEA JP Ri)