THE ABSENT-MINDED HUSBAND.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 56, 18 June 1908, Page 1

THE ABSENT-MINDED HUSBAND.

"Paul," said Mrs Pondermore, fit they rose from dinner, breaking the silence that had prevailed throughout the meal, "do you know that we wen married just fire years ago to-day ?" "If I'd been there it would nercr have happened,'' observed Mr Pondermore, who is rather absent-minded, pursuing his train of thought aloud. "El —excuse me, my dear, you were saying " "That this is the fifth anniversary oS our wedding," replied Mrs Pondermore, who is used to her husband thinking out aloud; "and it has set me to contrasting the two times. Paul, do you know that you never kißs me morninp and evenings as you used to?" "Er—certainly not. I don't think it a sensible move at all; it might put ui in a very ridiculous light if it became public," muttered Mr Pondermore. "I beg your pardon, my dear, I'm afraid I am slightly inattentive—that TJ.B.D, and D. deal is worrying me somewhat. What was it you said?" "That you neglect to kiss me as you used to when we were first married," said Mrs Pondermore patiently. " 1 know it isn't because you don't lore me any more, Paul, but—but don't you think you could remember to?" the asked, wistfully. Mr Pondermore contracted his brows tightly in an honest effort to conceal his errant thoughts and fix them upoa what his wife was saying. "Er—yes, my dear," he Baid; "what Is it I hare neglected P" "You don't kiss me as often u yon used to, Paul," repeated his wife, softly. "Don't I, my darling?" oried Ml Pondermore, all contrition. "It's the wretched business that engrosses me bo ; out if you'K forgive me, sweetest, I'll never forget it again. Never. Er—that is," he added, the absent look creeping baot into his eyes, ' 'just make a note of it, will you? And I'll have orte of the clerks attend to it the first thing in the molting."