The Prescott daily news., 1907-07-26
MRS. SHANNON'S
 EXPERIMENT
Copyright. by Joseph B. Bowles)
By HILDA RICHMOND

Such an odd thing happened this morning" remarked John Shannon, shaking out his napkin preparatory to enjoying the dainty meal his wife had prepared. "Cramer stopped me on my way to the bank and asked me if you would come down to the office and help him out. It seems his sten- ographer is down with fever, and he's rushed to death because he can't teach new girl just now. I told him 1t was no use to ask you, but he in sisted, so you'll have to go through the formality of refusing. I suppose, just to satisfy the gentleman
 "Oh, John, must I say 'no? You can never realize how much 1 have wanted to go back to my old work a little while. Of course 1 enjoy my home, but l get so tired of drudgery. Wasn't it lovely of MT. Cramer to think l could do the work after being out of the office for five years?" said Mrs. shannon, almost breathlessly.
 Want to go back" said John, in astonishment. You said you used to get so tired of the work there, and"
 "Of course I got tired, but the work there was poetry beside the dreary prose that occupies my time now" in- terrupted Mrs. shannon, hastily. "A three-dollar-aweek girl could do all I'm doing and have plenty of leisure time. Not that I'd bother with girl, tx,,% | ,v>l, Af tI1 D11 lox, when l didn't have to worry whether to order beef or pork for dinner, 1t seems to me I didn't half realize my blessings then. There was such a sense of freedom from all care about it. but any housekeeper will tell you she is fairly chained to her work, and I've found it's true. I used to think I had troubles in the office, but I see now 1t was mere play to the planning and fussing necessary to keep house just so.''
 You know I don't approve of mar ried women working away from home, even in emergencies" said John Shan non; but If you wish 1t so much, will not object seriously for few days"
 Dear. you make me perfectly happy" said his wife, running around the table to kiss him.
 He wants you this afternoon, If you can possibly come. l thought you were perfectly satisfied with house keeping and my humble self"
 Now, John, don't be absurd. Of course I'm satisfied with you, but, as said, want change from this grinding monotony. They say more housekeepers go insane than any other class of people, and I can read fly see why it is true.
 Anything in the letter-box?" in Quired Mrs. shannon, opening doors and windows to air the stuffy house on her return from the office one even ing. I've been too busy to look. John. won't you get cloth and dust the furniture a little? The Blakes are coming over to spend the evening. and I've got to wash the dishes and prepare for breakfast before they get here. told Mrs. Blake I was back at the office, but she never said word about not coming. I should think some women would learn few things. anyway. but they never do.'
 An invitation to Mrs. Hunts re- ception, a letter from Bess and the papers" announced MT. Shannon, coming in with the mail What did you say? Dust the furniture? should say so," and he vigorously per formed that task in about three min utes. Isn't there something else can do to help your
 You might wipe the dishes" sug- gested Mrs. Shannon, nervously watch. ing the clock. T just know those people will bounce down upon us like George and Edna did last night. These are the dishes for three days, and you would think the food had grown to the plates if you had to wash them"
 "Confound it all!" exclaimed Mir. Shannon, dropping chop plate back into the rinsing-pan and thereby ruin ing his wife's cherished breakfast set Why do you have your dishes burn. ing hot, Mollie?" and he shook his scalded fingers as he danced around the cluttered-up kitchen.
 Anything but a soft answer rose to Mrs. Shannon's lips. but peal from the door-bell sent husband and wife to the parlor. where it was impossible to show off'' before the guests. who seemed determined to make a visit instead of a mere call. Mrs. Shan non felt like crying over her woes as she chatted and laughed with Mrs.