Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-08-26

me MeTfltiS weu'iiEr presents 49,
been very plaiH aud practical. They
had few rich friends. and their rela.
tives had confined themselves 10 furni
ture and useful articles for the small
fiat Peggy's girl companions had
given her cenlerpieces and lingerie,
and Dick s office colleagues had dubbed
together and had presented cut glass
punch bowl
But Aunt Judith gave silver spoons.
heavy. solid and richly chased.
Il think it was lovely of her" said
the little wife as she set her own table
for the first time. "A little good silver
is such help. Some day we will buy
forks aud knives to match. won't We
Dicky, boy"
Sure" said Dick easily. They've
got TO appreciate me at the office soon.
won't let them grind me down mis-
way always"
But raise in salary was slow in
coming. Dicks worth WAS evidently
not as apparent to his employers as To
himself. and gradually the furniture
and carpets began 10 grow shabby, aud
the silver spoons were still tie only
sign of elegance in tile Merrtts' home.
Peggy polished them every day.
You see" she told Aunt Judith, who
came from her little home town TO
visit them. I'VE don't seem really poor
when we can sip our tea from shining
silver" ir
1T is you who brighten things up
said Aunt Judith. you with your
cheerful face"
"Oh"-suddenly Peggy's voice broke
you don't know how hard it is to smile
| sometimes.
WHY, child"-there was conSterna-
ton in the old lady's tone-"aren't you
happy"
Its on account OF Dick. Things
| aren't going right with him ut the Of
fee. They don't seem to get on with
| him or he doesn't with them. and he
| gets blue. and it isn't easy for me to
| cheer him up"
Il see,'' said shrewd Aunt Judith,
and that night she asked the young
husband, How are things ut the of
! fice:"
Rotten" was the Illuminating re-
ply. They promised to give me a
raise year ago. but they haven't
/ done it,
why not?" asked Aunt Judith.
''They don't appreciate me-" Dick
flung out.
Perhaps" Aunt Judith began and
then stopped. IL am not going to help
| him out" was her mental comment.
HE has his own lesson to learn
But Aunt Judith did not realize that
while Dick was learning his lesson
| Peggy must suffer.
4 HE thinks too much of himself
/ vas her further thought as the days
/ went on. I'll let him work hard until
| some of the conceit is taken out OF
i him"
! And with that she packed her bag
and went back TO her little home town.
/ Dick WIS not made of stern stun,
/ and rs the days went by the clouds on
\ his face grew darker and darker, ana
J at last he came home early one AFTER
| noon aud threw himself heavily into
/ the chair.
We'll. I'm out of a job" he said as
4 PEGGY crossed the room to welcome
| him.
/ Dick" Her voice came TREMENDOUSLY
They said they didn't want me any
more. that wasn't any good. Anu
/ it's the truth. ! am not any good
Peggy
She knelt down beside him. You
are the dearest thing in the world &c
me. Richard" she said, and her arms
went around his neck.
II For Il moment he let them stay there
then he flung them off. You'll begii
| TO see how worthless | am after Q
i time." he said. I'm no good. Peggy
A mau who cant keep his job and sup
port his wife might ms well be dead.
ID Then as he saw the sick horror II
her face he gathered her into M