The Ordway new era., 1906-12-07


care for him seemed to have aunr
nm into the depths Of gloom. He had
hurried home with tickets for the
opera meaning to give Juliet her
semi'annual outing. by way OF squar.
'hs accounts with his conscience. And
~hen ne found her gone u quick feel.
ing OF resentment began to manifest
user In the dull flush that rose to his
cheeks the ugly flash of his eyes and
the tight. thin lips.
Maynard forgot to remember at this
]uncture that his evenings ut home
were lew and far between. his atten.
uons to his wife fewer and farther
ana that both had gradually acquired
'he custom OF finding their own sep.
arate pleasures. or diversions.
FOR some time he stood with his
eipow on the mantel shelf, staring at
the fioor with angry. intent eyes.
Presently he drew forth the tickets
and contemplated them grimly for an
instant; then his face changed. bright
ehed. and ripple OF silent laughter
passed over 1t.
He changed his dress hurriedly,
called a cab, and inside half an hour
was bowling rapidly over the gleam.
Ing asphalt.
Mrs. Chisholm was at home, yes,
and would be delighted to accompany
him to the opera. despite the infor-
mality.
After the performance Maynard re-
flIrnah hnFpn l.
the note his wife had left him Juliet
had mentioned supper at Sherry's:
she would probably not arrive for an
hour yet. He settled himself as de-
jectedly-and as comfortably-as pos
sible before the fireplace to await her
return.
Soon there was a swift rush. then
the sudden cessation of wheels: the
gate clicked as the car chugged of.
and Mrs. Maynard came lightly into
the room. the swish of her long.
graceful evening gown making subtle
music about her. A charming pink
was In her cheeks: her eyes sparkled
from the keen, frosty air and her hair
cleaned exquisltely golden high
aooNt thN iuh thht
neck.
Maynard stared at her critically for
n moment as she came up to where
he sat and began drawing of her long
black gloves. She was decidedly
pretty woman: no one could fail to OBJ
serve that. She glanced at her hus.
band. pleased-enquiring; 1t had been
al Ia ,uI f.t
her-since he had been home to sit
up for her.
1T was glorious!" she said, break
ing the silence. You ought to have
been there. Eugene" She remem-
bercd his quondam penchant for grand
opera and wondered IL the cares Of
business had completely absorbed all
the old tastes.
Maynard shrugged.
perhaps 1t was your fault that
was not" he replied.
Juliet questioned him with a little
startled glance. MY fault?" she re-
peated. puzzled.
II rushed through my work and hur-
ried home to take you and-weil. you
see how 1t was" He spoke in hurt
voice, gazing past her grimly.
"Oh. Genet
There was n brief. almost painful
pause. Then:
why, II you'd only told mel" Her
tone betrayed genuine regret, but her
eyes shone joyfully. 1t was the first
time in many months that he had
given her any outward thought!
Maynard hesitated, drew long
breath-and plunged.
whats the use OF trying to keep
up the farce" he said. sharply. I've
known all along that you'd lost inter
est in me-"
Mrs. Maynard threw of her run
and stood staring ut him in wordless
surprise. Then she laughed. a bit hys-
terically. and sat down beside him.
You silly boy" she said, tremu-
lously, what a travesty!"
oh" he returned. disagreeably.
"you think SO, do you? Well. I must
say that women are impossible crea-
tures-that is ALL"
"Eugene!" she broke out, swift
flush OF Indignation coloring her
cheeks, "you are cruelty unjust. You
know you have no right to talk in this
way to mel"
Maynard moved restlessly. Some
thing In her voice made him vince.
but he replied calmly:
"Oh, it's all right. suppose. A man
ia a fool, probably, to expect his wife
to stay at home waiting for him when
there are so many more agreeable
things in the world; he has no right,
perhaps"
Mrs. Maynard was silent, he- eyes
filling with quick tears under the
st,ne of his sarcasm. But after a
while she softened and new light
flashed over her face.
Dear" she said, wistfully, I'm
sorry. I wouldn't wound you Cor the
,,,o,,d You know that, do you not