“No, Harry, I promise you I will not go even once,” answered Lucy, trying to smile, “and if you will only stay we will have some music. I will play for you and you shall sing, as you used to before we were married.” “Nonsense; that did well enough then but it is rather stale now. Come, don’t be foolish, I hate scenes, and if you knew how dreadful you look when you put on that doleful face, and cry like a baby, you wouldn’t do it.” This remark was called forth by the fact that Lucy was trying hard to repress the tears which would betray themselves. “And besides that, I can’t stay at home this evening if I wanted to, for I promised several of the boys at the club that I would come down; in fact, they would hardly let me come home to dinner.” He did not add that his only reason for coming home was to put on a dress-suit, in which he was already arrayed. “I don’t believe there is another man who neglects his wife as you do me,” sobbed Lucy. “Bah! I don’t neglect you; you have all the cash you need, don’t you, and you’ve got as swell a house and as many servants as ought to satisfy any woman. Then there isn’t a woman in the city who can beat your turnout when you go for a drive. Any one would think, to hear you talk, that I was a brute of a husband, instead of one who provides you with everything your heart could wish and let you have your way in everything. I declare I am sick and tired of women; you can never do enough for them. I have seen enough of women and I must say I am disgusted with the whole lot.” Lucy was too indignant to make any answer, but hastily left the room. Mr. Howard surveyed himself critically in the long pier glass, turning himself this way and that. His appearance seemed to please him as he turned with a satisfied air to the door, through which he disappeared. Jumping into a waiting coupe, he gave an order to the driver, and was soon on his way, not to the club, but to the florists, where he found a magnificent bouquet awaiting him. He looked it over carefully; it proved satisfactory, and, handing the man a crisp ten dollar bill he drove rapidly away again, but still not to the club. The driver did not seem to need any instructions as to where to go, but soon drew up in front of a large, brilliantly-lighted house. As Mr. Howard mounted the steps the door opened and two women appeared. Both were young and exceedingly good looking. They each gave him a hand and a warm welcome. To the taller of the two he handed the flowers, in which she immediately buried her face, and after giving them a little sniff, said: “You are a perfect jewel, Mr. Howard, to bring me these lovely flowers. I never saw anyone as delightfully thoughtful as you are.” “If you are pleased with them I am happy, for to please you, what would I not do.” “You are just too sweet for anything, to say such pretty things to me. But why are you so late? I have been looking for you ever so long.”