Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-13
MRS. SHANNON'S
 EXPERIMENT
tcopyright, by Joseph B. Bowles.9
By HILDA RICHMOND

6oooeoS66ooo66 Copyright, by Joseph B. Bowles.) "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 a new girl just now. told him 1t was no use to ask you, but he in- sisted, so you'll have to go through the formality of refusing, suppose, Just to satisfy the gentleman"
 "Oh, John, must I say no? You can never. realize how much l, have wanted to go back to my old work little while. Of course I enjoy my home, but I get so tired of drudgery. Wasn't it lovely of MT. Cramer to think 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 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-a-week girl could do all I'm doing and have plenty of leisure time. Not that I'd bother with a girl, but when I think of the old days, when didn't have to worry whether to order beef or pork for dinner, 1t seems to me I dids't half realize my blessings then. There was such 8 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 see now it 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 it so much, will not object seriously for a few days"
 Dear, you make me perfectly happy" said his wife, running around the table to kiss him.
 He wants you this afternoon, ii you can possibly come. I thought you were perfectly satisfied with house keeping and my humble self"
 Now, John, don't be absurd. Oi course I'm satisfied with you, but, as said, I want change from this grinding monotony. They say more housekeepers go insane than any other class of people, and l can read dly see why it is true.
 Anything in the letter-box?" in ouired Mrs. Shannon, opening doors and windows to air the stuffy house oI her return from the office one even ing. i've been too busy to look John, won't you get cloth and dus the furniture little? The Blakes ar' coming over to spend the evening and I've got to wash the dishes ant prepare for breakfast before they ge here. I told Mrs. Blake was bacl at the office, but she never said word about not coming. I shoul think some women would learn fe1 things, anyway, but they never do." "An invitation to Mrs. Hunts re ;eeption, a letter from Bess and tn papers," announced Mir. Shannon coming in with the mail. What di you say? Dust the furniture? should say so." and he vigorously pei formed that task in about three mir utes. Isn't there something else can do to help you?"
 You might wipe the dishes" sut gested Mrs. Shannon, nervously watcl ing the clock. T just know thos people will bounce down upon us lik George and Edna did last night. Thes are the dishes for three days, and yo would think the food had grown the plates if you had to wash them
 "Confound 1t all!" exclaimed NJ Shannon, dropping chop plate bac into the rinsing-pan and thereby ruil ing his wife's cherished breakfast SC ~why do you have your dishes bur ing hot, Mollie?" and he shook h scaIded fingers as he danced arour the cluttered-up kitchen.
 Anything but a soft answer rose Mrs. Shannon's lips. but a peal fro the door-bell sent husband and vii to the parlor. where 1t was impossib to "show off' before the guests. VI seemed determined to make wis instead of a mere call. Mrs. Sha non felt like crying over her woes she chatted and laughed with Mfr Blake, while Mir. Blake found h friend preoccupied and not at all lil his usual self.
 "of course you'll be at the receptit day after tomorrow" said Mrs. Blak when she and her husband at la arose to go.
 "No; we're so busy at the ofice. have to decline" said Mrs. shsnno quietly, though her husband knew cost her a great deal to say this.
 -oh. that tiresome ofice. You us to be tied to It hand and foot yea ego. but surely nov you can get sw for an afternoon Ever since hea you were there I've been envying ' the money you1l earn. but this e soles me" said Mrs- Blake The --..-.a.. aAa-. L. sA. -.-ra n.-s.s