The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1900-01-11

formed that last straw in Annals bur-
dens already hinted at.
After the first two or three lapses Oh
the part Of the young wife Mother Allen
had said to her son:
"This staying out after 6 o'clock is not
only unreasonable; it is positively scam
dalous. l would not permit a daughter
living in my home to do so. yet my sons
wife does so, and she lives in my home,
John Allen"
But, mother, it has only been once or
twice, and, besides. her work is not like
business or office duties. that start and
stop by the clock"
Don't tell ME, young man. In my day
well, in my day women never went on
in that fashion, never"
OF course Anna had heard of this col
loquy, but it only made her more deter
mined to turn over new leaf in the fam
lily history.
New Years week came, and Annals
anxiety was almost unbearable. 1t was
her first secret from which she had ex-
cluded her husband during their few hap
py years of married life. She lodged
about in mortal fear of discovery.
The day before New Years Anna left
her mother-in-law's home feeling that she
could not enter it again hurdened with
her secret
He must know today she kept say
ing to herself. At last she added: And
he shah know. for this is the New Years
eve. | can't wait until tomorrow
After dinner she asked Johns company
for walk to look at the shops. He read
lily consented. The pair chatted on COM
monplaces until they came to the corner
of High street
"Now, john" said she, 1--WE are close
to those cozy apartments which have just
been opened up. Let me show you one
that | have set my heart on for future
day"
John Allen slackened his pace as il
about to protest. Suddenly he said:
well, dear. since it's New Years, |
don't mind. or course that step is long
way off for u.s."
Here we are" exclaimed Anna after
they had gone few PAGES from the ave-
nue. and stood before row Of new flats.
WYATT until | get key from the jan
ttor. and Ill let you in at the front door p"
She disappeared down the steps to the
Janltor's office, and a few moments later
the door swung open. She led the way
to the third floor. While John was ad-
miring the neat and roomy halls Il second
door flew open. electric lights flashed out.
and he mechanically moved into the par
lor and on through the six room suit.
newly and completely furnished.
Anna allowed him to look without in
terrupting. hoping that when lost in ad-
miration he would the more easily fall in
with her plan. but he only showed a Gym
ical interest which was exasperating
Losing her self control she blurted out:
For heavens sake, John, say some
thing"
i was just thinking how should like
she comfortable salary of first class
bank clerk and his leisure to enjoy this
with you"
You don't have to be bank sponge TO
live here. One of our editors is here.
and there is school principal or two,
all beginners in their professions"
But they have incomes"
And haven't we!'
Yes. such as they are. Mine goes into
4 nest egg for future extension Of '.lSi-
ness. aud ynurs-well. you know what il
is and that journalism is a very uucer-
tain business at best"
Mine is not large. but can meet halt
the cost of this. aud for a time, while we
must economics, we can let the cr,n-
room to a ennyenial couple. For the 9th
or halt surely you can supply the table.
John.''
"Rcnt rooms. my dear?" with the
crushing franknes> of a man in touch
with markets. Why. there are Rooms
to Let signs on about every house in
these quarters of the town. Rooms are
begging for tenants"
Anna Aliens cnnfiti+are deserted her
hlrI k<.+,, II
which characterisrs the new woman" on
projects ben. lay tioundering in Il strange
sea She sank into her chair. hrf head
apon her hosom, her hands dropl"ri IN
sympathy.
Il neve-' thought of that. john or I
would no1 have taken the fiat" she
walled.
Taken it," shrieked John like man
who had been bunkoed on, Of his las,
dollar. Anna Allen. you dnnN mean to
| say that you have taken this without con
suitins me!"
Il have. John"
Since when. Anna, am one to b,
| feared or ignored or-or-defrauded?"
Fear there was none. John: fraui
there is none" Anna said slowly ant
| calmly. Il only meant to give you a New
| Years surprise"
Well you have done that all right
| Now will you surprise the landlord b!
! turning II back on bis hands:'
| John Allen
| well, my dear!'
I've leased this place for a year..
| 'Oh, you have.''
| And | have bought the outfit on terms
can meet out OF my pay from The Mon
| itor- II we can't reduce our rent by sub
letting, We must work the harder"
| Am | to go out ditch digging to d.
it,
! efoa need not go to ditch digging
Where there's viii there's a way"