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Harte, Bret, 1836-1902

"The Story of a Mine"

" (This from a venerable official, since suspected
of various erotic irregularities.)
"She don't handsome any." (The honorable member from Dakota.)
"This accounts for his protracted silence during the sessions." (A
serious colleague from the Senator's own State.)
"Oh, blank it all!" (Omnes.)
Four went home to tell their wives. There are few things more touching
in the matrimonial compact than the superb frankness with which each
confides to each the various irregularities of their friends. It is
upon these sacred confidences that the firm foundations of marriage rest
unshaken.
Of course the objects of this comment, at least ONE of them, were quite
oblivious. "I trust," said Carmen, timidly, when they had for the fourth
time regarded in rapt admiration an abominable something by some
Dutch wood-chopper, "I trust I am not keeping you from your great
friends:"--her pretty eyelids were cast down in tremulous distress:--"I
should never forgive myself. Perhaps it is important business of the
State?"
"Oh, dear, no! THEY will come again,--it's THEIR business.


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