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Harte, Bret, 1836-1902

"Drift from Two Shores"

Did you ever
see his wife?"
I never had.
"Well, she was younger than he, and rather attractive. One of
those doll-faced women. You remember, he settled that life
insurance policy on her and the children: she might have waited;
she didn't. The other day she eloped with some fellow, I don't
remember his name, with the children and the five thousand
dollars."
"And the shock killed him," I said with poetic promptitude.
"No--that is--not yet; I saw him yesterday," said the Doctor, with
conscientious professional precision, looking over his list of
calls.
"Well, where is the poor fellow now?"
"He's still at the theatre. James, if these powders are called
for, you'll find them, here in this envelope. Tell Mrs. Blank I'll
be there at seven--and she can give the baby this until I come.
Say there's no danger. These women are an awful bother! Yes, he's
at the theatre yet. Which way are you going? Down town? Why
can't you step into my carriage, and I'll give you a lift, and
we'll talk on the way down? Well--he's at the theatre yet.


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