The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1896-08-08
THE BROKEN KEY.

tried to convince her that he could not
altogether neglect his former friends
and companions, and that she ought not
TO object to his meeting them on two
evenings every week, and to pass an
agreeable hour OF two in their company
over a friendly game Of whist. but she
simply did not comprehend how he could
enjoy himself without her, how he
could even think Of going anywhere
without taking her along.
"Oh. the dreadful evenings l have to
spend, " she complained, with tears in
her eyes. Il am Obliged to sit here all
alone because / have as yet had no
chance TO form any acquaintances here.
Naturally get homesick. Often feel
like leaving everything and taking the
train home to my parents. "
"Would il not be better. darling, If
you went TO bed instead and tried to
sleepy"
"That is just where the trouble is, "
she replied. still in tears. II am afraid.
Our servant sleeps way up in the attic.
She would not even hear were anything
TO happen to me. "
"Why, you foolish child, what is
there to be afraid OF What is going to
happenY'
"Are not the papers every day full Of
burg laries and robberiesY" she persisted.
"Think Of the many strangers that flock
TO we'll known health resort like this.
Nothing is impossible under such cir
cumstancesv'
The husband looked thOughtfully at
his sweet bride.
"No, dear, | do not want you to
brighten yourself into illness. / promise
you herewith. Of my own free will (the
poor fellow could not help heaving a
sigh as he said this) to return promptly
at O'Clock whenever | 70 to meet my
friends 1t is impossible for me to with
draw myself from their society alto
gether, for they would ridicule and
make fun of me, and call me henpecked
Burglars rarely put in their appearance
before the hour Of IL, the streets being
full Of life and traffic. Goodby, darling.
and please do not feel lonesome.
Annie sighed and submitted resigned
ly to her fate. She read awhile; she
then took up her embroidery. present
] lOi UtI llOilti STU IAAN'h a k1Ait VI
solitaire. and finally she paced restlessly
up and down the room. At home there
had been large family circle hence il
was very trying 90 her TO be left so much
to herself in her new surroundings.
At 10 O'Clock even the familiar noise.
in the kitchen ceased, for the servant
had gone up stairs to her attic, and the
poor woman felt the old feeling of dis
tress and fright creep over her. The sit
ting room was located ut the rear of tn,
house. and there was hallway between
IL and the front rooms. She therefore
could not hear the usual noises. A death
like silence roigned in the room. Tiret
and yet excited, she threw herself ON tn,
lounge. She sadly reflected why beei
houses and card parties had been calleC
into existence. by and by her thoughts
became more and more confused, ant
she fell into sound slumber.
Ii was / :O5 o'clock when Gus arrived
breathlcssly and post haste at his hous,
door and tried to fit his key into the
lock.
Poor fellow Had evil spirits con
spired to get him into troubleg Click
the key broke in two. and the bit stucl
fast in the keyhole. handle and barre
alone remaining in his hands.
He knocked, he called, he knocked
again and louder-for unfortunatel,
there was no house bell-all in vain. ="
hardly think my wife has retired MS earl,
as this. " he reflected, but Of course sh'
is in the sitting room, and most ikel,
] no t..tr - 4,
knOcked-this time very loud. He Gale,
until his voice was hoarse. No reply.
To fill his cup of misery to the brin
it commenced 10 rain, and he was with
out an umbrella.
Perhaps Annie has gone TO bed. aft
err all. " he thought, shivering and drip
. ping wet. "Shall go to hotelg No
What would the people think The onl
place that know of that may still
open is the railway depot. for there is
train arriving at midnight.
He went down the street in the pour
ing rain. and at last found himself i
the waiting room Of the station.
"A glass Of beer, siry" asked an on
. terprising waiter. Gus shook himself
He felt chilly. punch. " he said. ian
make il hot" he drank one glass an
j. then another, and still another. TO Will
away the time. He was the only perso
there. In due time the last train Ia
arrived, and he could stay no Longer
q They were about TO close up.
i In sheer desperation he looked at b
watch.
= 1t was ] o'clock when be emerge
. into the street, and il had ceased
= rain. The full moon seemed TO grin an
- wink at him maliciously through Il
i, clouds. a. though she meant TO "a,
''See, old man, IL serves you right WI
must you 20 out TO play cards and lea'
your wife az home in loneliness
ID In spite Of the repeated potations
still felt chilly. There j. DO help for
bat good run" he said to himsel
3 starting On a lively trot through q