A WIFE'S SECRET.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11533, 16 March 1903, Page 5

A WIFE'S SECRET.

The Berlin correspondent of the "Dails Telegraph" (London) relates the following story:—On his way to his office after a hurrisd breakfast, the merchant, Karl Namenloe, received 'a letter from hie wife, " For the letter-box?" " No, dear, it's for jour own self, but. . . ." " For me? A letter? From . . ." " Yes, darling! Please auk no questions, but do as you are bidden. Don't read it until you arc in your office. Now go." It was an uncommon experience. His own wife, with whom he had just been chatting at the breakfast table, now formally gives him a letter, which he is to read in his office. Curious! What could it mean? At the office he opened it. The writing was etraggling. The beginning was eolemn. Hβ read —" lam forced to make you a communication, which will doubtless evoke your displeasure. But it is my duty to make the fact known to you, and I am firmly resolved to follow the dictates of my conscience, and divulge it. be the consequences what they may. For more than a week I foresaw that I should be driven to take this step, but I locked the eecret in my breast until this morning, and now the truth must be told! But do not blame me too harshly for the action I am taking, and t above all things, do not let it worry you too much ..." Here Herr Namenlos turned the page, witti trembling 'hand and palpitating heart. "Tho fact is." the letter went on to cay, " the coal cellar ie empty, or very nearly so, and I want you to order coals this very moment, or el»e we shall have no fire even in the kitchen. You always forget it when I ask you in tlie ordinary way, and, at the risk of rousing your WTath, I determined to bring it to your notice in an extraordinary manner. I truet.that you -will not forget it so easily this time." And he did not. Neither did the lady, if the gossips speak truth. '