Middletown transcript., 1901-01-19


parlor. Suddenly she heard the click OF
the key in the lock, and before she could
efface the traces of her tears she was held
close to her husbands. breast, while he
kissed away the tears and inquired anx-
iously as 10 their cause.
"Oh, nothing at all, Harry dear" she
said, "only one of my nervous spells.
Don't mind me; must hasten and get
your dinner"
She made brave effort, choked back
the tears, and soon summoned him to
their evening meal. There was but little
conversation during the dinner hour, and
after it was over Harry took his departure
on the plea of business, ,as he could not en-
dure the sight Of his wife's tear-stained
face. He rushed down the street like a
whirlwind his cheeks hot with indignation
What could be the matter? What right
had she to be in tears? Was he not a
model Benedict? Did he not provide her
with every comfort, and even luxuries?
Did any other image for one moment re-
place that Of his beautiful wife?
At asst, weary and footsore, he found
himself long distance from home, and
haiIing car was soon back in his own
domicile His wife greeted him with
loving caresses, but the sad look was still
in her eyes.
''This has been long evening, Harry, :"
she said 81 hope business will not take
you from me again very soon."
Gravely drawing her to his side he re-
piled:
"Grace, wish you would tell me what
you were crying about when came home.
I think have the right to know"
''I suppose you have, Harry, but it Is
so foolish l am ashamed to tell you; you
will laugh at me-"
'Nothing can be foolish that causes
my wife unhappiness," said he, gently
81 have done everything in my lower to
make you happy"
These last words brought the tears to
her eyes, and her mind went back to the
time when he asked her to be his wife.
1t was considered fortunate thing fol
her to marry handsome Harry Lynn, the
confidential clerk Of Reynold & Co., who,
it was rumored, would become before
many years partner in the great con
Germ. His generous, kindly disposition,
and agreeable polished maners had wor
him many friends. Yes, he had beer
kind, and her tears had been caused more
by his thoughtlessness than by any in
tended wrong. Yes, she would tell him
even though he did laugh at her. Sc
after moments hesitation she said, q
will tell you what troubles me; it is
money"
His face lightened, and with a merry
laugh he gathered her in his arms, say
ing:
"Why, is that all, little woman? Yor
know you have only to ask for it when
ever you want it. All have is yours
myself included"
The sad look did not leave her face, al
she replied:
"That is 1.-THE asking. Oh, Harry
YOU cannot realize how hard it is for me
to ask you for every cent have, and t.
have you question me what l intend tc
do with it, and require from me strict
account Of all that l spend. You see,
never did such thing till was married
for my parents died before can remem
Der, and left enough for my support till
began teaching
"Now, Grace, it is sheer ronsense fol
you to feel like this" he interrupted
with an impatient air, ''for | am willing
that you should have everything you dc
sire, if it is within reason"
eyes, 1 know, dear; but sometimes
what seems perfectly reasonable to me
does not to you. I know You mean to
be generous, and do not suffer for any.
thing; but it is this feeling of dependence
that is SO hard to bear. Sometimes |
haye thought | would take in sewing and
earn little money that would seem like
my very own; but knew it would offend
you"
"Offend'? Well, guess it would! My
wife take in sewing! don't think l de-
serve this, Grace" he responded, with
an injured air.
81 am sorry if have said anything to
make you feel hurt, Harry she con-
tinued. "I know you are the very best
husband in the world"
''Now that's sensible, little woman, y
said he, "and let us worry no more about
it. Everything I have is yours; only ]
happen to be the one who earns the
money, and, being business man, like
to have everything about our housekeep-
ing carried on in a business-like fashion,
SO keep strict account of our expenses,
and that is the reason l question you
about the way you spend money"
"Well, Harry" she answered, with a
sigh, 'flet us say no more about it. 1t is
impossible for you to understand with
out being situated just as l am"
every well, let this end the matter.
am sure l would be willing to change
places with you"
Her face frightened and gleam OF
mischief came into her eyes.
Harry, I take you at your word. Will
you, for one week, place yourself in just
the situation that am in with regard to
money matters? Then you will under
stand better how feel"
ooh, yes; that is the easiest thing IN
world" he replied, with an indulgent
smile. "Shall we begin tomorrow"
eyes; tomorrow night hand over your
weeks salary to me, and you must
promise not to draw any money from the
bank, but ask me for every cent you have
for one week"
"All right, it is bargain" said lie.
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