Waterbury Democrat., 1902-12-24
Tbe Broken House x eY

| B short eight weeks ago she had mar I ried her dear Gus and had followed
 him to his home in W, and al
 ready he had begun to neglect her to 1 go out of an evening, and to leave l tried to convince her that he could
 not altogether neglect his former I friends and companions, and that she I ought not to object to his meeting l them on two evenings, every week,
 and to pass an agreeable hour or two
 in their company over a friendly
 game of whist; but she simply did
 not comprehend how he could even think of going anywhere without taking her along.
 l oh the dreadful evenings have to spend,' she complained with tears l in her eyes. ssI am obliged to sit here all alone because I have as yet had no chance to form any acquaint. ances here. Naturally I get home sick. Often I feel like leaving every thing and taking the train home to my parents
 Would it not be better, darling, if | you went to bed instead and tried to sIeep?''
 That is just where the trouble is," she replied, still in tears. q 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 happen.?'' -...- ~.<
 "Are not the papers every day full of burglaries and robberies?'' she persisted. '.Think of the many stran- gers that flock to well-known health resort like this. Nothing is impossible under such >circum- stances!" t~- --. The husband looked thoughtfully at his sweet bride. ... ...~.-::-
 ssNo, dear, I do not want you to frighten yourself into illness. I prom ise you herewith, of my own free will (the poor fellow could not help heaving a sigh as he said this), to re- turn promptly at II o'clock whenever I go to meet my friends. It is impos- sible for me to withdraw from their society altogether, 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. Good-by, darling, and please do not feel lonesome" Annie sighed and submitted resign edly to her fate. She read awhile; she then took up her embroidery, present for her mother; she played game of solitaire, and finally she paced restlessly up and down the room. At home there had been large family circle, hence it was very trying to her to be left so much to herself in her new surroundings. At ten o'clock even the familiar noises in the kitchen ceased, for the servant had gone upstairs to her at tic, and the poor woman felt the old feeling of distress and fright creep over her; the sitting-room was locat- ed to the rear of the house, and there was a hallway between it and the front rooms. She therefore could hot hear the usual street noises. A 1eath-like silence reigned in the room. Tired, and yet excited, she threw herself on the lounge. She sadly re- l hectcd why beer houses and card par ties had been called into existence. By and by her thoughts became more and more confused, and she fell into Eh sound slumber. s..s ..e ..,.~. | I. was 11:o5 when Gus arrived breathlessly and post haste at his house door and tried to fit his key i into the lock. ."'s' | Poor fellow! - Had evil spirits con- spired to get him into trouble? Click l-the key broke in two, and the bit stuck fast in the keyhole, handle and barrel alone remaining in his hands. 1 He knocked; he called; he knocked again and louder, for, unfortunately, there was no house bell-all in vain. 1 T hardly think my wife has retired As early as this" he reflected, "but, of course, she is in the sitting-room, Ihnd most likely she cannot hear me-. very loud-he called until his voice was hoarse. No reply!
 To fill his cup of misery to the brim 1 1t commenced to rain, and he was without an umbrella.
 Perhaps Annie has gone to bed tafter all, 7" he thought, shivering and Tripping wet. Shall go to hotel? No! What would the people hink2 The only place that know of that Imay still be open is the railway Hhepot, for there is train arriving at
 midnight"
 He went down the street in the pouring rain, and at last found him. felf in the waiting-room of the sta- 1 ton.
 A glass of beer, sir?' asked an enterprising waiter. Gus shook him 1relf. He felt chilly. Punch" he said, land make it hoti" He drank one glass, and then another, and still another, to while away the time. He was the only person there. In due time the, last train had arrived, and he could stay no longer. They were about to close up.
 Tn sheer desperation heslooked at his watch.
 It was one o'clock when he emerged into the street, and it had ceased to rain. The full moon seemed to grin and wink at him maliciously through the, clouds as though she meant to M