When I left her I gave the Celebros to an acquaintance against whom I had long had a grudge--we have not spoken since--but I preserved the envelope as a pretty keepsake.

This, you see, happened shortly before our marriage.
[Illustration] "I have had a consignment of Celebros every month or two since then, and, dispose of them quietly as I may, they are accumulating in the cupboard.

I despise myself; but my guile was kindly meant at first, and every thoughtful man will see the difficulties in the way of a confession now.

Who can say what might happen if I were to fling that cupboard door open in presence of my wife?
I smoke less than I used to do; for if I were to buy my cigars by the box I could not get them smuggled into the house.

Besides, she would know--I don't say how, I merely make the statement--that I had been buying cigars.