The Wrangell sentinel., 1909-10-14
~@znzzzzzEDsD sD ezz.zz<zzzzpS =
 \ N

households make the mistake of doing. and never had she allowed one word of complaint, one indication of regret, to escape her. She had married Joe for love, for better or for worse. and resigned herself brarely and cheerfully to the consequences, however hard to bear, hoping for the better times that were so long in coming and encour- aging her husband to fight on and win.
 Joe, for his part, lacked his wffe's grit and energy, and constant disap- pointment had undermined his forti- tude. He loved Emma. He hardly could have done otherwise, though calculation had entered largely into his courting Of her. Chivalrously, while the sweet bliss of their early married life held him in its spell. he had done as much of the heavier work of the menage as he could to spare her when time and opportunity afford ed. but very naturally he had soon tired of this-where is the man who does not?-and by degrees had left as much of it as he could to her, except when his moods of optimism and af- fectionate solicitude impelled him to go to her assistance. At such times he wanted to do it all.
 On the evening following his out burst at the office he was still resent ful and down in the mouth" when he let himself into his little flat, and the smiles of his wife as she raised her rosebud lips to receive his kiss of greeting failed to dispel his gloom.
 ''You seem out of sorts tonight, dear" she said solicitously. Any thing wrong at the office"
 Nothing in particular. Pm tired and hungry after slaying all day in this awful heat, that's all"
 ''Never mind, supper's all ready, so sit down and tuck in."
 "What did you get?"
 Chops and potatoes"
 Joe turned up his nose, but took his seat at table and began to eat. He answered his wife's questions in mono syltables. His thoughts. it was plain, were not on his meal or Emma's con- yersat1on, and, seeing that he was pre- occupied and troubled, she ceased to try to engage his attention.
 II paid the gas bill today" he youch- safed at length. Ninety cents more than last month"
 Ninety cents morew she commented with concern. "Tm sure we didn't use half as much. And we owe the butcher four-sixty."
 "Every month it costs more to live. I'm sure.''
 I'm sorry, Joe. Goodness knows I try to be as economical as can." q know, but it's all wrong. It's all wrong that you should be spelling your hands with those beastly greasy pans. They weren't meant for such work. l wish we could afford hired girl"
 "So do I, but we can't, so what's the use of wishing? Didn't you get the raise you asked Captain Williams forT' she inquired.
 "No."
 He hung his head and lapsed into gloomy silence. She dropped the mor- sel she was raising to her mouth and rose from the table, filed with dis may, her appetite completely gone. Tears of disappointment followed the realization of what the failure of their plans meant, for neither had doubted that his request would be complied with, and she had built many castles in the air on the strength of it. A few dollars more a week added to their distressingly small income would have meant much to them. But, gazing at her husband sitting there utterly de- jected and crushed, her heart went out to him in pity and love, and she moved over to his chair and put her arm con- solingly round his neck.
 Never mind, Joe, boy" she urged 'sdon't look so solemn. We're no worse off than We were before and you'll win out some day"
 She placed her hand under his chin and raised his head to kiss him. He saw that she was smiling at him en- couragingly through her tears, but re- fused to be comforted.
 q made out the payroll today" he said. Three other men in the office who also asked for a raise last month got it; so did Smith,"
 What, Jimsyp she asked. T said Smith. There's only one Smith in the office," he replied some what surlily.
 Well Pm glad for Jimsy's sake he