The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-01-02

husband. She could not hear TO speak
the sad news to him, but IS he finished
she pointedly dumbly at the returned
manuscript which lay on the table,
hitherto uuuotiCed by the author.
Langdon followed her Anger, and for
an instant a strange, hard glitter came
into his eyes, and ne sank into q chair.
When did It conner" ne qusried
hoarsely-
This afternoon"
Then I'm a falIuref' He gprang to
his feet again and paced the room. He
was my last hope. Good ne avens, Helen.
I've tried to be brave I've stinted my
self in every way, and God knows you
have, but it is no use. Things can't 80
on as they are"
But surely some manager Will take
it" Mrs. LauEdUn said quietly. I'VE
VIII hope and pray and trust"
Perhaps they wiz and perhaps they
won't" was the sullen response. But
we are IN debt nov, and with baby
sickness we are more In a hole than
ever. 1t is going from bad 20 worse.
Where &c win end is more than can
tell"
You should not talk that way,
John," his wife told him.
Langdon leaned heavily against the
mantelpieCs-
when did it conner ne asked
hoarsely.
This afternoon"
Two chubby fists went direct to two
big blue ewes. and baby's head was
buried under her mothers shoulder as
she sobbed, And thought thought
1T was-a picture book for me.
Baby is four years old today. John q"
Mrs. LanEd0u spoke as If the fact OF
her husbands oversight hurt her az
much as the child.
80 it Isl" LaugdOu's voice took on
some Of its former cheerfUlness, and
he stepped to the chair upon which he
had thrown his coat. Ind I didn't
forget Il, either. I've got your book,
baby"
The little ones head rose quickly.
and with cheeks still wet with tears
she watched her father ss he drew
from his pocket a package. AS he
handed Il 10 her ne wiped with hia
handkerchief the tear-stained little
face. while her fingers, nov clumsy
with excitement, eagerly tuEged and
pulled 10 break the cord that Jou1d It,
As the wrapping fell to tie floor ard
disclosed a gauduy cOloret book, the
child looked UP into her fathers face
with eyes that shoue with delight
Then, you didn't forget. did your"
She held out her arms, and throwing
them around his neck, wa transferred
to him. you are such good father
to baby"
But Mrs. Laugdon did not seem to
catch the JOY OF the others.
John" she said slowly where
Nov. dearie,' ne interrupted. It's
all rigat. II was only" He caught
himself. them spelling out the words.
added. 'st-w-e-n-t-y o-e-n-t-s."
And that was your lunch money!
Langdon laughed but it had no true
ring. and his wife quickly caught It
Eyes; but wasn't hungry today
And I am sitting here when I should
be getting your support Mrs. LangdOu
exclaimed, as she sprany to her feet
and hurried toward the kitchen. It'll
be ready in a few minutes. John"
At this instant the buzz Of the door
( bell sounded.
can this DO thu DOCTOR Langdor
F queried Of his wife. who appeared II
the dining room doorway.
Hardly at this hour, I should say
I but It may be. Usually. 81 hs does no
/ come before o'clock, it's after wher
/ he gets here. You had better 90 Il
/ the door, John Let me take baby
Langdon handed the child 70 his wife
and when he opened the sooT it was Il
/ face a large man who was coming down
the hall
..Langdon7'' the stranger said. wi4
/ rising infection.
Yes"
TIN from the gas company. Her,
/ ls your bill"
/ Laugdou took it mechanically and
/ glanced over it.
"Oh. yes; just leave II I'll send tn,
( money 20 you"
/ Cant do that" the other asserted
/ This "a for two months. and my or
/ dsrs are to get the money OF turn OF
I the gas"
/ 'But-but." Langdon stammered. ~
I have received no bill for Two months
/ Ny wife and I spoke Of s, only a fe7
/ days ago"
We'll they're sent every months
whether you got 'em or not. It's tn
money or no Ras."
/ At that instant Mrs IADgdon ap
I pearcd at her husbands side.
''IIow much is the bill. John?'
lie turned quickly and handed her IN
1 slip.
give dollars and thirty-nve cents,
she read aloud.
eyes and as you have only a three
/ dollar deposit, I'm here 10 collect tn
fun amount"
Tho strangers I9ok and tone prove
his intention Of following out his orders
"And you shall have it," Mrs. Lang
don declared. John, pay the gentle
man now, and get IL OF our minds"
Slowly Laugdou drew from his poke
small roll and counting out six one
dollar bills, handed them to the col
lection. who took them and returE ID tn
65 cents change. He then took tLs bill
receipted it and handing IL TO Langdq
without a word, faced about and dc
scendcd the stairs.
/ Helen. that was the doctors money.
\ Iauqdou muttered as he closed the dooi
NOW We can't pay what We ha
planned
, 81 know it, but We must have EaI
We must cook and we must see. Bu
D. come. J0hn"-she slipped her arI
around his neck" supper is ready"
The little family took their seats a