The Billings gazette., 1899-03-24

gu ILL., III luCt, uO never
having opened it at all before.
The men filed into the stuffy parlor
Some one suggested that the windows
be opened Lyford stared for moment
There were no screens in the windows.
"Oh, yes, he replied, with deal OF
energy. ''Of course meant to have
them open and forgot. Mrs Merritt has
been very busy or she would have at
tended to it for me- >
His blue eyes twitched and he drew a
! deep breath as he pushed up the win
dows and flung back the blinds, He
saw dozen flies dart in. and he gave a
sEquiet chuckle. His emancipation had
begun.
| The meeting opened with it's usual
solemnity. but soon it grew exciting,
and there was a busy hum of voices.
The men had removed their coats, and
they swung like draperies from chair
backs; the family Bible on the marble
center table made an excellent desk for
the presiding officer, and ballots and
papers were literally distributed over
the floor. Some of the men were smok-
ing.
Lyford was making speech-it was
q very excellent speech-on the freedom
of the individual His audience was in
terested. Suddenly there was hush
| He turned, and Mrs Merritt stood in
the doorway Lyford gave little gasp.
The eyes of the men were upon him.
and he Strengthened visibly
"The meeting of the committee. you
know, my dear he explained, with
the faintest tremor in his voice. II
trust we have not disturbed you. His
eyes were bit beseeching
Several of the men were on their feet
One was struggling into coat. Mrs
Merritt did not reply. Her keen brown
eyes swept the room, and peculiar
smile settled on her face.
81 was going to suggest '-Lyford
made the great effort of his life-''I
was going to suggest, seeing it was SO
very warm, that we prepare some sort
of refeshment for the gentlemen. Caro-
line.
There was note Of inquiry in his
voice. His wife turned. and with
hurried excuse he followed. A nervoua
laugh from one of the men broke the
tension of the moment
1--WE shall have to give him an
Office. some one suggested
He was gone some time. and then his
wife returned with him. He carried
big pitcher of iced tea; while she bore
a platter of spice cake and jumbles,
which she afterward supplemented with
loaf cake and pickles.
It was very social intermission that
followed. Mrs. Merritt made herself
very charming, and Lyford was in the
highest spirits. Then she retired, and
the meeting went on. Lyford was NOM
mated for school committee. He ac-
cepted, Of course. His wife had never
allowed him to run before. It would
make her nervous to think of the re-
sponsibility.
AT 6 the meeting broke up. Lyford
escorted them to the gate and watched
them as they passed from sight. Then
he slowly returned to the house, gave
long look at the disordered room, closed
the door and shufied off to the shed.
There he sat for several moments and
drew hard at his old pipe
The supper bell rang. At the sound
be hastily started for the door. His
hand was on the latch: then he hesitat-
ed, his hand dropped, and he returned to
the bench, sat down and ran his fingers
through his hair.
The bell rang second time. He laid l.
his pipe down carefully. arose, gave his
vest pull settled his hat firmly on his
head and steadfastly walked into the
kitchen
His wife was sitting by the table,
pouring the tea.
He hesitated moment She looked
very pretty as she sat there-prettier
than usual somehow. Perhaps she had
on better dress.
Was your meeting successful?' she
queried, her eyes on the amber liquid.
Very he replied as he crossed the
room to where his coat hung on the
wooden peg. 'They nominated me for
school committee.
She nodded her head refectively.
''You will make good one, " she said.
''They ought to put good men in Office"
He stared at her back. 'I'm sorry
the parlor''- he began.
"You needn t be, /" she broke in sharp
ly. II guess She set the teapot
down, and, arising carefully, walked
around the table and set it down at her
husbands place. II guess that man
has right to do as he wants to in his
own house,
She glanced at him proudly. One arm
was in his coat sleeve
"It's pretty warm, she remarked,
seating herself again. land, Lyford,
perhaps you'd be more comfortable if ;
you didn't put your coat on
He sent keen glance in her direc.
tion, and his blue eyes twinkled Me.
,hanically he replaced the coat and took
his seat at the table opposite hsr.
II think that should he replied.