A SUDDEN BREAK-UP.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3654, 31 March 1883, Page 4

A SUDDEN BREAK-UP.

M'rCobloigh had just got doAvn to breakfast. He avlis standing up to the stove with Ins hands clasped behind him, as is his custom, contemplating the attractively-set table. A large platter of broiled ham, Avith fried was the central figure and Mr ('obieigh is very fond of ham and The family cat was lying under the table purring softly to herself. It was a strongly marked domestic scene, and Mr Cobleigh felt his eyes moisten as he surveyed it. .Airs Cobleigh Avas taking up the potatoes. She had the last one pierced Avith the fork, and was about to deposit it with the rest, when she espied the upturned palm of her husband's hand. AVhat possessed her .-ho cannot tell, but she dropped the steaming vegetable into his unconscious hand. lie didn't ask ber what she was doing, he didn't even look round. lie simply emitted an awful scream and sprang madly into the air. On the descent he struck the table Avith his knees Avith such force as to completely overturn it, and with the contents he Avent to the floor with an tiAvful crash. Five dollars' Avorth of crockery was smashed, and a carpet, coat, and a pair of pants Avere ruined by ham, gravy, and butter. It is probable Air Cobleigh Avould have fainted dead away from the effects of the shock, had not the cat, across whose erected back he fell as she Avas darting from tbe calamity, turned round and fastened both chiAVS and teeth into his thigh with deadly ferocity. That revived him. The house is now shut up. Mrs Cobleigh is visiting Iter mother in Brookticld, and Mr Cobleigh has I a ken a jaunt to Boston on business. We understand she thinks Air Cobleigh Is to blame in the matter, for, she properly reasons, had he not; jumped so there would have been no damage done.