The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-01-11

=
nelrs." Mrs. Langdon re-
marked What is the
easiest way to get tnere?''
"A taxicab. I suppose" he laughed.
But / think the subway will do this
time"
Yes. it viii have to; but where will
We get off?"
Lsngdon gave the directions and his
wife turned toward the kiosk at the
next corner.
No words passed between them on
the downtown trip, and as the guard
we're 20 aIlght they left the car and
assembled TO the street.
Again LangdOn gave some directions,
and by following them explicitly his
wife soon found herself before the build
ing IN which her husband had passed
the years Of his business life
They entered the elevator and Lang
don returned the greeting Of the op-
orator.
Il hear you have been sick, Mr.. Lang
don." the man said.
Yes, a trifie.' was the others reply.
Nothing serious, hope"
mo, I guess not" Langdon replied
carelessly. MY eyes have gone back
on me for the present"
Before the conversation could be
continued the car came TO a stop and
the man remarked: This is your floor
Mrs Langdon led her husband into
the hall
THE room at the end there" Lang
don explained.
He had retained his sense OF direction
perfectly and pointed toward a door
Mrs. Langdon's eyes followed his finger
and led him TO It,
Pushing IL open, she was at first con-
fused by facing q roOmful OF clerks
But the smile OF greeting upon the face
OF a youth who approached set her at
ease again.
How do you do. Mr.. Langdon?" he
inquired Are your eyes better?'
Not much, Eddie" Langdon re-
turned. recognizing the boys voice "J
want 10 see MT Grenneu Is be in?"
"He went out a moment ago, hut
would be back Immediately, he said"
Then I shall wait" Langdon baked
toward the bench ne knew was outside
the railing ana he and his wife sat
down upon it.
Word was quickly passed around the
office that LaUgdon was there again,
and inquiring eyes were raised from
papers and ledgers Mrs. Langdon
quickly noted this, and it added to her
confusion.
Then she noticed uzu approaching.
He paused before her husband and in
CURED: "WeN, old chap, how are the
eyes2"
"Oh, IS that you, Thornton?" was the
quick response. II can't see you, but
/ recognized your voice. / guess I'm in
a bad way" He turned to Helen. "Thls
is Mr.. Thornton. And this is my wife.
The two exchanged greetings.
'I have often heard John mention
you," Mrs. Laugdon remarked.
Before Thornton could reply o heavy
hand flung open the door, and a voice
that Langdon knew SO well inquired
sarcasticaIly. "Wen, Thornton, is your
work completed
No sir -
''Then you'd better get 60 your desk
and inish it," The speaker turned to
ward Langdon. Back a day sooner
than / expected, aren't your
yes. sir. but here only to tell you I
cannot return Monday
"Why not?" Cot another job" Gren-|
nell demanded.
"Not that"
you arc Mr. Greuneu, L believe"
Helen interrupted. and the man adj
dressed turned quickly toward her.
Eyes. 7 ann he replied shortly.
And I am Mrs. Langdou." she in
formed him There was a CULVER Of her
upper lip. but she struggled TO conceal
IT, "AIr GrenneII," she continued, my
husband is blindl'
"Bliud"' the other repeated
'.Yes"
His voice softeued perceptibly as he
mumured. Wen, now. that's too bad
too bad. 7 am very sorry 20 hear IT.
/ can tell you. Your husband has al
ways been a good clerk. and I'll have a
Job replacing him."
Then he added hastily But come
into my private office. I am pretty busy
today, but 7 can spare a few minutes.
lie led the way through the crowded
room and into his own, where he mo-
toned the couple TO chairs.
I'm mighty souy to hear OF this
I,snsdon,' be said, and his voice had
lost its HAIRS mess. How did it hap
pen2'
81 do not know" Lansdou replied.
"Tae doctor says my eyes were over
strained. and after / left here last Tues